WAP1 class AC passenger locomotive:

• Year entered service: 1981
• Units buil t(maker): 77 (CLW)
• Wheel arrangement: Co-Co
• Power: 3900hp (3760 cont.)
• Weight: 112 tonnes
• Max Speed: 130kmph

WAP1 (#22031) screams through a curve near Kosi Kalan as it heads towards Pune with the Jhelum Express from Jammu. These locos were IR’s first attempt at a indegenious electric loco for passenger hauls. Using the WAM4 mechanicals, revised gearing and a semi-streamlined bodyshell, these locomotives were first pressed in service on the Howrah Rajdhani in the early 80s.

A WAP1 (#22048) from GZB starts with the Indore bound Malwa Express at Bhopal Jn. The Malwa is one of the most preferred trains on the JAT-NDLS sector providing convenient day runs as opposed to the overnight runs of most other trains. The rake at that time (7/02) was a vacuum braked one, which has since been converted to an Air Braked one. WAP1s, were introduced when most trains on IR were still vacuum braked, so many units still retain their dual braking capacity.

The Bangalore bound Rajdhani Express is all thunder as it overtakes the Chennai bound Andaman Express at Barbatpur station near Itarsi. A WAP1 from Ghaziabad is doing the honors on this occasion, though Kanpur WAP4s are found doing duty on this train as well. A mismatched Shatabdi generator car can be seen right behind the loco, which is something on an eyesore on the majestic Rajdhani livery.

Homed at many sheds across the country like Ghaziabad, Vadodara, Howrah etc. the WAP1 locos were staple on crack trains on IR like the Rajdhanis and Shatabdis until the faster and more powerful WAP4 arrived. Now these units are all based at Ghaziabad and are seen on regular express trains like the Sachkhand Express, which is seen here hauled by loco #22065.

Ghaziabad shed’s award winning WAP1 (#) ‘Babasaheb’  is seen hauling the De;hi-Tundla passenger. The drivers of this crawler which is essentially a milkmen special, must be very happy given the comforts like plush seats, air conditioner, lever based throttle controls, auto fault diagnostics, 6 headlamps and even a breathalyzer to check blood alcohol level !!!!

WAP1E (#22076) from GZB is seen at the outer signal of Hussain Sagar Jn. as it allows a Kazipet based WDM2 (#17508) to cross. The WAP1E has come down with the Bangalore Rajdhani and is being hauled away from the Hyderabad electric loco trip shed by a WAP4 (not visible) after undergoing inspection. This loco christened ‘‘Aastha’ (faith) is a pure Air Brake loco signified by the ‘E’ suffix.

An extremely dirty looking WAP1( #22039) brings in the Rajdhani Express to Bangalore at Itarsi station. The train does not have a halt at Itarsi and is overtaking the GT Express from which the shot has been taken. Despite the shabby appearance Ghaziabad’s locos are maintained in prime mechanical condition and service many prestigious Rajdhani trains from Delhi.