CP Class 1960 explained

CP Class 1960
Powertype:Diesel-electric
Totalproduction:13
Builder:Bombardier-MLW
Builddate:1979
Primemover:Bombardier 251/E
Alternator:General Electric GTA-17 PC 1
Tractionmotors:General Electric CGE-785 PA 1, 6 off
Uicclass:Co′Co′
Wheeldiameter:10160NaN0 (new)
Locobrakes:Air
Trainbrakes:Air
Locoweight:121t
Maxspeed:120km/h
Poweroutput:Engine: 3042hp
at rail: 2250hp
Tractiveeffort:Maximum: 474kN
Trainheating:Electric train heating
Multipleworking:Within own class only
Safety:Convel
Operator:Comboios de Portugal
Fleetnumbers:1961-1973
Disposition:1 destroyed by accident, 7 withdrawn

Série 1960 are a class of diesel-electric locomotives built for Portuguese Railways (CP). They were constructed by Bombardier Transportation and entered service in 1979.[1] Of the 13 built, 5 remain in service in 2012. They have a top speed of 120 km/h and weigh 121 tonnes.

The locomotives were purchased for use on the steeply-graded, with heavily loaded international services from Lisbon to Spain and France, including the "Sud Express". On 11 September 1985, locomotive 1961 was destroyed in an accident near Alcafache whilst operating the Lisbon-Paris international service. Officially, 56 people were listed at being killed in the accident. The Beira Alta line was electrified in 1996 and the Série 1960 locomotives were reassigned to freight duties.[2]

The remaining locomotives are expected to be withdrawn during 2012, with high fuel consumption being a contributing factor.[2]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.cp.pt/cp/displayPage.do?vgnextoid=b700d60d8a675010VgnVCM1000007b01a8c0RCRD CP official website
  2. Article by D N Clough, Today's Railways (Europe), issue 195 (March 2012), pages 28-30,