The WDM-3D is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways serving both passenger and freight trains. A few WDM-3D units were exported to neighboring countries like Sri Lanka. A significant number of these locomotives are still in use, both on mainline and departmental duties. As of January 2020, most of the locomotives still retain "operational status" on the mainline as WDM-3D, with further examples having been converted from WDM-3B.
History
WDM-3D was developed in by Diesel Locomotive Works and Research Design and Standards Organisation in 2003. It was the result of DLW integrating the best features of EMD GT46MAC and EMD GT46PAC with the alco platform.[1][2] The first one was built in July, 2003, numbered #11101. The first few units (five) were all homed at krishnarajapuram but were later transferred to Erode. Serial production started in late 2005[3] with locos being allotted to almost all major BG diesel sheds. Earlier WDM3Ds had issues with their electronics which probably led to the development of the WDM3B in 2005, the same WDM3D without microprocessor control. The class is considered successful with over 590 units being built. The production has now ceased as DLW has moved to manufacturing more Advanced locos. One unit #11121[4] has a modified short hood, similar to WDP-4 and is homed at Erode.
Specification
It is the higher-powered version of the Indian locomotive class WDM-3A. These locos have a 3300 hp power pack, with maximum available traction power of 2925 hp. The engine is an enhanced version of the 16-cylinder Alco 251C model with a max. speed of 160 km/h. The bogies are Improved Fabricated (welded) Alco High-Adhesion Co-Co bogies with stem type vertical and lateral dampers in place of 'eye' type which helps reduce wheel slip and maintenance of [5]
The loco features left hand drive, WDG-3A style High Adhesion bogies, air cylinder under footboard, WDP-4 style fuel tanks, engine doors like WDP-4, marker lights outside cabin doors, electronic horn, High capacity buffers. Components and auxiliaries have been improved with the aim of making the duty schedule longer between maintenance visits to the shed.
Ten WDM-3D locomotives were purchased by Sri Lanka Railways in 2012. They were the longest and most powerful locomotives owned by Sri Lanka Railways at that time. They were allocated the M10 class.[7] However some specifications are somewhat different for SLR.[8] This class was used for the construction work of Talaimannar and Kankasanthurei railway lines. After extending the northern line to Jaffna and beyond, M10s were used for passenger services including Yal Devi on the northern line.
Image gallery
Smoking MLDT WDM3D doing shunting duties at Katihar
.jpg)
Smoking MLDT WDM3D doing shunting duties at Katihar
JHS WDM - 3D
ET WDM-3D twins
WDM3B 14155 (LKO) NR with KYQ - GIMB Exp 1
_NR_with_KYQ_-_GIMB_Exp_1.jpg)
