PKP class Pt47

PKP Class Pt47 is a Polish steam locomotive. An improvement of the successful pre-war PKP class Pt31 class, the main difference is the addition of circular tubes in the fire chamber, thereby significantly increased boiler performance. This class also featured a superheater and many have mechanical stokers to feed coal into the firebox. 180 locomotives were built in total between 1948 and 1951.[1] The designation stood for fast passenger (P) 2-8-2 (t) locomotive designed in 1947.

PKP Pt47
Pt47 locomotive
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Fablok (120) nos. 1–100, 161–180 Cegielski (60) nos. 101–160 Build date 1948–1951 Total produced 180
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-8-2  • UIC 1′D1′ h2 Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Leading dia. 1,000 mm (39.37 in) Driver dia. 1,850 mm (72.83 in) Trailing dia. 1,200 mm (47.24 in) Tender wheels 1,000 mm (39.37 in) Minimum curve 150 m (492 ft 2 in) Length 24.255 m (79 ft 7 in) Axle load 18.0 tonnes (17.7 long tons; 19.8 short tons) Adhesive weight 83.2 tonnes (81.9 long tons; 91.7 short tons) Loco weight 104.2 tonnes (102.6 long tons; 114.9 short tons) Tender weight 77.9 tonnes Total weight 182.1 tonnes (179.2 long tons; 200.7 short tons) Tender type 33D48 Water cap. 33 m3 (1,200 cu ft) Tender cap. 17.0 tonnes (16.7 long tons; 18.7 short tons) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 4.5 m2 (48 sq ft) Boiler pressure 15 kg/cm2 (1.47 MPa; 213 psi) Heating surface 239.2 m2 (2,575 sq ft)  • Firebox 19.8 m2 (213 sq ft) Superheater: ​  • Heating area 99 m2 (1,070 sq ft) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 630 mm × 700 mm (24.80 in × 27.56 in)
Performance figures Maximum speed 110 km/h (68 mph) Power output 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) Tractive effort 13,500 kgf (29,760 lbf)
Career Operators PKP Class Pt47 Numbers Pt47-1 to Pt47-180 Locale Poland

Although heavy, the Pt47 is powerful and fast. Its main use was to carry heavy fast passenger trains, especially on long distance routes, for example on the difficult route from Cracow to Krynica. They were withdrawn from regular service in 1988.[1] Fifteen survived, mostly in non-working condition.[1]

The Pt47 easily reached speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph), with a heavy train, although is not as refined as the PKP class Pm36 - especially on routes with a lower quality track. A maximum speed of 110 km/h (68 mph) could be achieved even with a train of 600 tonnes (590 long tons; 660 short tons). In the 1950s these machines were could travel 824 km (512 miles) per day.[2]

At first, German tenders from class 41 or 44 locomotives were used, designated 34D44.[1] From 1949, Polish tenders 33D48 were manufactured in Pafawag, next rebuilt to 27D48, when fitted with a mechanical stoker (water capacity 33 m³, then 27 m³).[1]