EL.200
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EL.201 (HCP 342/1937); photo from the monograph
mentioned in references. It seems that very few photographs of this
locomotive are known to exist.
EL.200 side drawing; source: KMD
vol.2-3/2008
A lineup of EL.200s (the first one is EL.204),
photographed probably somewhere in Warsaw; date unknown. Source: National Digital
Archives (www.nac.gov.pl).
Used by permission. |
First
Polish electric locomotives (class EL.100, post-war EP01) were basically line
machines intended for long-distance trains. They were, however, used mainly for
hauling passenger trains along the so-called Diameter Line through central
Warsaw; for such service, a smaller machine with less power would suffice. It
was thus decided to order four such machines from Cegielski company of
Poznań (HCP – serial numbers 342 through 345), electric equipment
being supplied mainly by English Electric Co. Ltd. Final assembly was
completed in 1937 under the supervision of British specialists at the Lilpop,
Rau & Loewenstein railway stock factory in Warsaw and new locomotives
were classed EL.200 (service numbers EL.201 through EL.204).
EL.200 used many components of E92000 electric trainsets for suburban traffic (post-war PKP class EW51), then entering service, including traction engines and complete trucks. Compared to EL.100s, they were lighter by almost 13 tonnes (despite being ballasted with 6 tonnes of concrete blocks) and slightly shorter. Externally they could be distinguished by more angular body, as well as buffers and couplings mounted on body frame rather than on trucks. Their rated power was much lower, but sufficient for their intended service, which in fact was switching. Last example, EL.204, was fitted with electric steam generator for car heating, then a novelty in Poland. Service
of these machines was very short. Introduced in 1937, they served only until
September 1939. Three were destroyed during German assault on Warsaw and one
(EL.203) remained in use with Ostbahn – as E203 – in the capital until
1944. After 1945, this machine was unserviceable. EL203 was never restored in
service; after cannibalization (traction engines and electric equipment was
used to repair pre-war E92000 trainsets) its wreck remained at the Grochów
locomotive depot in Warsaw until 1958. Unfortunately, this unique locomotive
was finally scrapped. No post-war PKP class designation was given. Main technical data
References and acknowledgments
Few
data is available on these machines. Concise descriptions can be found in the
monograph First Electric Locomotive of PKP EL.100 (EP01) by Edward
Pokropiński (EMI Press 1995) and in KMD vol.2-3/2008. |
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