stormcatcher: WDM class diesel locos Indian Railways

WDM3A* class diesel mixed duty locomotive:

*includes rebuilt WDM2 by DCW Patiala

Year entered service: 1994
Units built (maker): 200+ (CLW/DCW)
Wheel arrangement: Co-Co
Power: 3100 hp
Weight: 113 tonnes
Max Speed: 120 kmph


	The WDM2C (now called WDM3A) was an improvement on the basic WDM2 design. It features a 3100 hp power pack among other features allowing it to haul 21 coach superfast train singlehandedly. Here a Vishakhapatnam WDM2C (#14019) brings in the Dhauli Express from Howrah. Initial WDM2Cs featured a rounded profile on the short hood thus earning the nickname ‘Baldies’.


	At Shahbad - Mohammedpur, a WDM3A (14096) belonging to Bhagat ki Kothi diesel shed brings in the Mandore Superfast Express from Jodhpur to Delhi. Note the beautiful rising sun logo of the shed which symbolises the pride of the native Rajputs, who according to legend are descendents of the sun god.


	A light WDM3A locomotive belonging to Northern Railway’s Ludhiana shed runs through Shivaji Bridge station in Delhi. The loco is probably headed to Tughlakabad diesel shed for minor inspection and reoairs. The livery on this loco is unlike the ones normally associated with the shed.


	A WDM3A (#14093) from Pune is hauling the Vasco bound Goa Express. The Goa Express gets a variety of locos through its journey. A WAM4/WAP1 from Delhi to Manmad. A Pune WDM2/WDM3A till Pune. Thereon a single WDM2/3A or twin WDM2 locos take it to Vasco. On the way it is assisted by 2-3 WDM2/WDG3A locos up the Braganza Ghats as bankers.


	This Ludhiana based baldie (#14002) is in dire need of a new paint job. This loco, the very second of its class to be built is seen waiting with the empty rake of the Sirsa Express near Nizamuddin. Due to lack of holding space at Tilak Bridge, its originating station, the rake is parked at HNZM during the day.


	A Krishnarajapuram WDM3A (#14026) is seen at Lonavla station with the SBC-CSTM Udyan Express. The Udyan is one of the few trains which runs on diesel traction even in the electrified Pune - Mumbai sector.

Gooty is South Central Railways’ premier diesel shed, and its home to almost its entire WDM3A and WDG3A fleet. Its WDM3A locos are easily identifiable in their striking orange-blue-yellow livery. Most of its locos are fitted with a unique Auto ‘Emergency Brake’ system which when activated automatically brakes the loco whenever its speed exceeds beyond the set limit of 25kmph. This system is used exclusively on the steep Braganza Ghat section in Goa where these locos haul passengers, freights as well as perform banking duties. They also perform normal duties on fast express trains on the SCR network. Some of these locos are seen here working the 7054 Express to Chennai from Hyderabad.