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PKP class EU20

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EU20
EU20-24 at the Warsaw Railway Museum, 2006.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderLokomotivbau Elektrotechnische Werke (LEW)
Build date1955–1958
Total produced34
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo′Co′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Wheel diameter1,350 mm (4 ft 5 in)[1]
Length18,500 mm (60 ft 8 in)[1]
Width3,050 mm (10 ft 0 in)
Loco weight120 tonnes (120 long tons; 130 short tons)[1]
Electric system/s3000 V DC overhead lines
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Traction motors6 of, gear-ratio 81:21
Loco brakeKnorr
Performance figures
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Power output4,340 hp (3,240 kW)[1]
Career
OperatorsPKP
NumbersEU20-01 to EU20-34
Retired1976–81
PreservedEU20-24
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped

The EU20 is an electric locomotive type formerly operated by the Polish State Railways (PKP) in Poland.

History

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In production for a mere three years (1955–1958), the series was built at the Lokomotivbau Elektrotechnische Werke works — commonly shortened to LEW — in Hennigsdorf, East Germany. During this time, 34 units were produced with the intention for use as a mixed-traffic locomotive – hence its EU designation – though the reality is that the EU20 saw more use as a freight locomotive than a passenger one. EU20s were the first electric locomotives to be used on the route between Warsaw and Silesia.

The class gained notoriety for its frequent breakdowns due to overheating of resistors, and the lack of additional cooling facilities found in other locomotives.

Technical data

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Mechanically, the EU20 was identical to the earlier EU04 (also built by LEW), sharing the same traction engines, rectifiers, and gas compressors.

Operational history

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During the series' 26-year service, most units were assigned to the Piotrków Trybunalski depot. EU20s were withdrawn over a 6-year period, beginning in 1976, with the last locomotive being withdrawn in 1981.

Preservation

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EU20-24 has been[when?] preserved as an exhibit at the Warsaw Railway Museum, and is the only surviving example from the series.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Goldsack, Paul, ed. (1981). Jane's World Railways 1981-82 (23rd ed.). London, New York: Jane's Publishing Company Ltd. p. 318. ISBN 0 7106 0726 1.
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