6Di

 

 

The sole 6Di, SM42-2126, photographed in Bydgoszcz on January 17, 2015, by someone who wishes to be known as wojti06 (source: www.commons.wikimedia.org).

 

 

Side drawing of the original 6Di version with the MAN engine. Source: Pojazdy Szynowe vol. 1/2013 (see References).

 

 

 

 

Type 6D from Fablok is the most numerous diesel locomotive type in Poland, of which over 2000 examples were delivered between 1964 and 1992 (including 101D version with car heating for local passenger trains). Despite obsolescence of the basic design, most of them still remain in use with state railways and private operators. First modernizations were proposed in mid-1990s and consisted mainly in replacing the obsolete a8C22 V-8 diesel engine with more economical and environmentally friendly units. The most successful modernized variant so far has been type 6Dg from Newag, ordered by PKP Cargo and several private operators, with about 170 conversions completed until now (August 2017).

Other versions are much less numerous. Of these, type 6Di was developed as a joint venture of Fablok and Instytut Pojazdów Szynowych (Rail Vehicles Institute) Tabor. Design work was started in late 2008, following assignment of rather modest state financing. Preliminary concept was submitted in 2009 and detailed design followed in 2011. Initially it was intended to fit the MAN D2842LE622 prime mover, rated at 845 hp and compliant with EURO IIIa emission standards, together with new generator and thoroughly modernized body, control systems, lighting and additional equipment. Virtually only frame and trucks of the original design were retained. The body was more angular than that of SM42, with lowered front and rear cowlings. Modular concept of the locomotive allowed for fitting various powerpacks.

Prototype 6Di was rebuilt SM42-2126, a locomotive with a history. Originally delivered to the Brzeszcze colliery, it was sold to the Huta Sendzimira steelworks in 2008, then to PUK Kolprem and finally to Energo-Utech in 2014. Due to Fablok going bankrupt in May 2013, construction was transferred to PESA and completed there in January 2015. Several further modifications were introduced; in particular, Caterpillar C27 diesel engine was fitted, rated at 962 hp, and Emit GHp400M4C generator. Currently SM42-2126 (service number has not been changed) is owned by PHU Lokomotiv and operated by Lotos Kolej. No more 6Di conversions have so far followed.

 

 

Main technical data

 

No.

Parameter

Unit

Value

1.

Years of manufacture

-

20151)

2.

Total built / used in Poland

-

12)

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

mmXmm

137 X 152

9.

Number of cylinders

-

12

10.

Number of electric engines

-

4 ´ LSa-430

11.

Rated output of electric engines

kW

4 ´ 173

12.

Main reduction gear ratio

-

13.

Diameter of drivers

mm

1 100

14.

Total weight

kg

74 000

15.

Axle load

T

18.5

16.

Axle base

mm

10 100

17.

Overall length

mm

14 240

18.

Maximum width

mm

3 120

19.

Train heating

-

-

20.

Brake type

-

Oerlikon

 

note: technical data refer to the original modification with the MAN engine.

 

1)      SM42 conversion.

2)      Until August 2017.

 

References and acknowledgments

 

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

-       www.transportszynowy.pl;

-       Nowe układy i rozwiązania techniczne w modernizowanej lokomotywie spalinowej serii SM42 typu 6Di by Z. Marciniak, W. Jakuszko and P. Michalak (Pojazdy Szynowe vol. 1/2013).