Indian locomotive class WCAM-3

The Indian locomotive class WCAM–3 is a class of dual-power AC/DC series electric locomotives That was developed in 1997 by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited used in the Indian Railways system. They are the third locomotives from the WCAM class. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), DC Current (C), AC Current (A), Mixed traffic (M) locomotive, 3rd generation (3). They entered service in 1997. A total of 53 WCAM-3 were built at BHEL between 1997 and 1998, which made them the most numerous class of mainline dual-power AC-DC electric locomotive. They were specifically designed for use by Central Railways in the Ghat section towards Nashik and Pune.

WCAM–3
Kalyan based WCAM-3 at Kurla.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderBharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Build date1997–1998
Total producedWCAM-3: 53
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC
1.5 kV DC (past)
Current pickup(s)Pantographs one each for AC and DC(past) (both now used for AC)
Performance figures
Maximum speed105 km/h (65 mph) DC, 105 km/h (65 mph) AC
Power outputMax Power: 5,350 hp (3,990 kW) AC Continuous: 5,000 hp (3,700 kW) AC
4,600 hp (3,400 kW) DC
Career
OperatorsCentral Railways
NumbersStarting from 21881-21900 / 21931-21963
LocaleCentral Railways

History

The WCAM-3 locomotives were developed after Central Railways faced a massive locomotive crisis in the 1990s. During this period, many of the WCM locomotives, which began to show their age, suffered several failures. As a result, CR had a tough time in maintaining train schedules, which led to the demand for a locomotive similar to the WCAM-2/2P, which was already successful in the Western Railways. Thus the WCAM-3 was introduced along with the WCAG-1, with more power and traction.

The locomotive class was jointly developed by RDSO and BHEL in 1997. Components were shared with the WCAG-1 locos (see below). Co-Co fabricated bogies (High-Adhesion—shwered with WCAG-1, WAG-7, WDG-2, etc.) with secondary suspension. Monocoque underframe. Air brakes were original equipment. They were originally manufactured under a BOLT (build-own-lease-transfer) contract with BHEL, and were probably still owned by BHEL rather than by IR. Axle-hung, nose-suspended, force ventilated, taper roller bearings Speed control by tap changers in AC mode and resistance notching in DC mode. Motors can be placed in different series-parallel combinations. Auxiliaries from Elgi, S F India, Best, Gresham & Craven, etc.

Static converter from ACEC for auxiliary supply. In DC mode, rheostatic braking by self-excitation of traction motors available until 17 km/h. Elgi compressor, other auxiliaries from S F India. Rated for 105 km/h in DC mode and AC mode.Traction motor configurations as in the WCAM-1/2 and WAM-4 (all 6 in series, 2S 3P, or all parallel—the latter was the only one used under AC traction, enforced now by modifications to the locos).

Current Usage

The class are in active service in the Central Railway zone. CR uses WCAM-3 locos on Mumbai-Pune, Diva-Ratnagiri and Mumbai-Igatpuri sections which had ghat portions as well as speed restrictions of about 100 km/h. They also used to haul intercity trains out of Mumbai DC suburban region on Western as well as Central Railway which was on a 1.5 kV DC overhead system, as opposed to other parts of India which had 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead. WCAM engines now serve trains operating out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and as bankers on Kasara-Igatpuri/Karjat-Lonavla section. Due to exclusivity in operation/maintenance of these locomotives, they do not go beyond the Central Railway's zone limits. These dual-traction models deliver 4600 hp in DC mode and 5000 hp in AC mode, and post 25 kV transformation, WCAMs were fully transformed into pure AC locomotives, and the performance was even more improved.

Freight rakes double-headed by WCAM-3 (upgraded models) are a common sight on the ghat sections. MU operation possible with 3 (4?) units. As of [12/05], all WCAM-3 locos had been retrofitted with roof-mounted rheostatic braking grids. The acceleration is similar to those of WAP-4s and sometimes, it is quoted to match the acceleration levels of WAP-7s, although it's not been verified.

Locomotive shed
ZoneNameShed CodeQuantity
Central RailwayKalyanKYN53
Total Locomotives Active as of July 2023[1]53

Technical specifications[2]
Class WCAM–3
Year 1997+
Maker BHEL
Traction Motors Hitachi HS15250A. Axle-hung, nose-suspended, force-ventilated.
Transformer BHEL 5400 kVA. 32 taps
Power(hp) 4600 DC / 5300 AC Max., 5000 AC cont.
Rectifiers Two silicon rectifier units D1800N44 (Siemens), 16 cells per bridge. 1000 V / 3600 A.
Speed 105 DC / 105 AC
Weight(tonnes) 113

Trains hauled by WCAM-3

See also

References
  1. "e-Locos".
  2. WCAM-2 at Indian Railways Fan Club
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