The YCG-1 was a class of electric locomotives built in the 1930s for use on the metre-gauge electrified lines in the Chennai area. The name stands for (Y)metre gauge, (C)DC electric, (G)goods. With the conversion of the lines to 25 kv AC, all were withdrawn. One is preserved at National Rail Museum in New Delhi.[2]
These were used in Chennai with 1,5 kV DC overhead wires. Goods locos used on the early DC electrified network of the South Indian Railway, and were later withdrawn when the succeeding Southern Railway switched to AC traction. The YCG-1 had a provision for coupling to 'ET' class 4-wheeled battery tenders to allow operating on unelectrified sidings, loop lines, etc.[3][better source needed] These locos had a roughly rectangular, box-like body with a cab at either end, with a short platform extending from each cab. The cabs each had a door opening on to the platform, and a window (on the right) at the ends. The two bogies had interconnecting linkages to allow easier negotiation of sharp curves. Two 'diamond' style pantographs for current collection. There were only four of these locos; one is now preserved at the NRM (#21900).[4]