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Renfe Class 319 (later versions)

From Alfawiki
Macosa
IndustryLocomotive manufacturing
Headquarters
Spain
ProductsDiesel-electric locomotives (including Renfe series 319.2, 319.3, 319.4)

The Renfe series 319.2, 319.3, and 319.4 consist of six-axle Co'Co' medium-power mainline diesel-electric locomotives manufactured by Macosa utilizing licensed components from General Motors Electromotive Division.

Background and design

Spain's initial GM mainline locomotives were the Renfe Class 1900, introduced in the mid-1960s and constructed both in the United States and under license by Macosa. Over one hundred units were produced, later renumbered from 319-001 through 319-103. During the 1980s, Renfe commenced a modernization program for its diesel fleet, retiring the original class 319 units and producing a new batch of twenty locomotives designated as sub-class 319.2, numbered beginning at 319.201.

These updated locomotives preserved the GM-EMD engine and bogie design but incorporated modernized components such as an upgraded generator. While some original parts were retained, there is debate regarding whether these units should be classified as rebuilds or conversions.[1]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

An initial production run of twenty locomotives was completed between 1984 and 1985, numbered from 319.201 to 319.220. Characterized by three front cabin windows, they earned the nickname Retales ('patchwork'). Most units displayed a grey/blue/yellow paint scheme before transitioning to the grey/yellow 'Taxi' livery; two locomotives wore a brown, yellow, and orange Estrella paint design.[2] Their strong performance encouraged further manufacturing.

Between 1990 and 1991, Meinfesa produced an additional twenty sub-class 319.2 locomotives retaining the electro-mechanical configuration but featuring two-pane front windows, a modified body profile, and standard air-conditioning systems. Eight of these were equipped with 1435mm gauge running gear for AVE service (numbered 219.241 to 219.248) and painted in white/grey AVE colors; the remainder carried the conventional yellow/grey 'Taxi' freight livery.[1][2]

A subsequent series of forty locomotives, designated 319.3, was built between 1991 and 1992 with enhancements including an additional electrical generator to supply train power and increased maximum speeds suitable for passenger operations.[3] These models featured an enlarged engine bore to deliver an extra 300 kW dedicated to auxiliary equipment. Initially delivered in the standard grey/yellow livery, many were later repainted in blue and white schemes for Grandes Lineas, Altaria, and Arco services.[2]

The last sub-class, 319.4, constructed in 1992 specifically for freight duties without head-end power capability, incorporated microprocessor-controlled anti-slip technology (GM-EMD's super-series system) combined with ground speed radar sensors.[1] Although externally similar to previous variants, all wore the standard blue and grey 'Taxi' freight livery featuring prominent numbering.[2]

Operation

The 319.2 and 319.4 subclasses mainly hauled freight trains, frequently operating in multiple-unit configurations for heavier loads. Certain 319.2 locomotives equipped with standard gauge wheelsets were utilized during the construction phase of Spain’s first AVE high-speed line connecting Madrid and Seville.

Initially assigned to passenger services, the 319.3 class was reassigned by 2004 to infrastructure train duties due to their relatively lower power output. One unit fitted with Siemens technology was employed in testing ETCS implementation on the Madrid-Barcelona-France high-speed corridor.

Argentina

A total of fifty-three Class 319 locomotives, approximately 100 diesel multiple units, over 130 Talgo passenger cars, and more than 100 additional carriages and vans were sold to Argentina’s Ministry of Transport in a transaction valued at €120 million. This procurement was part of Argentina's Plan Nacional de Recuperación Ferroviaria, which itself is a component of a larger $111 billion national development investment initiative.

By the year 2010, more than twenty locomotives had been delivered, with several undergoing refurbishment before being put into service. In Argentina, these locomotives have mainly operated on the Línea San Martín (LSM).

Saudi Arabia

In 2014, the Saudi Railways Organization received multiple Class 319 units through a transfer arrangement.

Miniature models

In HO scale, Roco manufactures various versions of the subclass 319.2, alongside models of subclasses 319.3 and 319.4. Additionally, the original single-cab "American" style variant is available in HO scale.

For N scale collectors, Startrain produces models representing subclasses 319.2, 319.3, and 319.4.

Images and videos


External links

  • Serie 319, concise overview and photographs by Jorge Sanz Mongay, www.jorges.arrakis.es
  • RENFE 319, GM Locomotives across Europe with images by Lolke Bijlsma, www.lolkebijlsma.com
  • EMD Locomotives in Spain, hosted on personales.ya.com
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named w
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named liv
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named lis
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