China Railways DF4

This article is about the Chinese locomotive. For other uses, see Dongfeng (disambiguation).

DF4 东风4
First-generation DF4 near Beijing West Trainstation
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Model DF4B Build date 1969 -
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR Co-Co Gauge 1435 mm Length 21100 mm Width 3309 mm Height 4755 mm Engine type 16V240ZJB Transmission electric (AC-DC) Loco brake straight air and dynamic Train brakes JZ-7 air
Performance figures Power output 2430 kW Tractive effort Passenger:327.5 kN starting, 243 kN continuous Freight:435 kN starting, 324 kN continuous
Career Locale Peoples Republic of China

The DF4 (Chinese: 东风4) is a type of diesel locomotive used in the People's Republic of China. It has been in production since 1969 and is still produced as of 2007 by several local companies. It is the most common locomotive in China and is used for both passenger and freight services.

Models

DF4

The first DF4 was built in 1969 in Dalian. The first 108 locomotives that were built here are the original DF4s using the 16V240ZJ engine. It took seven years to build all 108 locomotives of this type.

Few of the first series DF4 are still in operation, however the first ever is a permanent exhibition at the Beijing Railway Museum [1].

DF4A

The DF4A distinguishes itself from first series DF4s with an improved engine, the 16V240ZJA. Production started in 1976 and lasted until 1984.

DF4B

DF4B are very similar to standard DF4 and DF4A, apart from an improved engine (16V240ZJB). Production started in Dalian in 1984.

DF4C

The DF4C was supposed to replace the DF4B as the main diesel locomotive in China and comes with several improvements, including a new engine revision (16240ZJC). The first DF4C was produced in 1985 and batch production started four years later, in 1989, and lasted until roughly the end of the 20th century.

The DF4C comes in a different color scheme than the previous DF4s, namely dark blue and later light blue and beige.

Gearing variations

The DF4, DF4A, DF4B and DF4C were each produced with two different gear ratios, "passenger" (120 km/h) and "freight" (100 km/h). The passenger variant was often painted orange [2].

DF4D

The DF4D, the most recent DF4 revision, has been produced since 1996 with the 16V240ZJD engine. The passenger versions increased top speed to 145 or 170(DF4DK) km/h, and a road-switcher version was also introduced [3].

Manufacturers

File:DF4-3389.jpg

DF4 locomotive in Sichuan, China in 2003.

DF4s are manufactured by several companies:

• CSR Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.
• CSR Ziyang Locomotive Works (DF4B, DF4C & DF4C(A1A)) [4]
• Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works

References

• "Ziyang Locomotive Works".
• "Railways of China". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
• "Railography". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)