6Dh

 

 

6Dh-1-001 and 6Dh-1-002, photographed in Dębica on June 24, 2017, by Roman Szumski (source: www.commons.wikimedia.org).

 

 

Photo of the 6Dh-1-002, taken on the same occasion.

 

 

 

 

Tabor company of Dębica was founded in 1993, its prime occupation being initially repair and modernization of locomotives and rolling stock. In 2013 it was split into two enterprises, of which one is a licensed railway operator and leasing company. The other one, Tabor Dębica Sp. z o.o., has retained much of the company’s original scope of activities. In 2008 they undertook a modernization of class SM42 (Fablok factory type 6D), standard medium switcher of PKP and many private and industrial operators. Similarly to modernization proposed by Newag (type 6Dg – described under a separate entry), Caterpillar C27 V-12 diesel engine was fitted, together with new Emit GHp400 M4C generator and control system. Ls430 traction motors were retained, as were wheelsets and trucks. The body was thoroughly redesigned, with lowered front and rear cowlings to improve visibility from the cab.

Type certificate was issued by UTK (Urząd Transportu KolejowegoOffice of Rail Transport) in 2008, but the prototype – rebuilt SM42-2437, Fablok 9853/1977 – was outshopped only in August 2016. It was designated 6Dh-1-001, although alternative designation 6Dh-001 is also used, and given commercial name Alf. This locomotive still remains the manufacturer’s property. Second example, 6Dh-1-002, for Budimex S.A. company, followed in June 2017. Between January and August 2019 four more conversions were completed for Opole power plant. Until now (November 2022) seven more examples were completed, including two for Tabor Rail, two for PKP PLK (company responsible for national railway network maintenance) and three for PCC Intermodal. This type has thus fared much worse than the 6Dg from Newag, of which about 170 examples have so far been delivered. Further conversions, however, may follow. Type 6Dh, with sloping front and rear cowlings, is somehow unique in a rather numerous family of SM42 modernizations.

 

Main technical data

 

No.

Parameter

Unit

Value

1.

Years of manufacture

-

from 20161)

2.

Total built / used in Poland

-

13 / 132)

3.

Axle arrangement

-

Bo’Bo

4.

Transmission type

-

electric

5.

Design maximum speed

km/h

90

6.

Prime mover type

-

C27

7.

Engine rating

kW/hp

708 / 962

8.

Bore x stroke

mm x mm

137 x 152

9.

Number of cylinders

-

12

10.

Number of electric engines

-

4 x LSa-430

11.

Rated output of electric engines

kW

4 x 173

12.

Main reduction gear ratio

-

13.

Diameter of drivers

mm

1100

14.

Total weight

kg

70 000

15.

Axle load

T

17.5

16.

Axle base

mm

10 100

17.

Overall length

mm

14 240

18.

Maximum width

mm

3 160

19.

Train heating

-

-

20.

Brake type

-

IPSz

 

1)      SM42 conversion.

2)      Until November 2022.

 

References and acknowledgments

 

-       www.kolejowaklatka.org (website by Marek Dąbrowski);

-       www.pl.wikipedia.org;

-       www.rynek-kolejowy.pl;

-       SK, various issues.