GeorgeNobbs1 at 00:35, 21 December 2025

2025-12-21T00:35:27Z

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{{Short description|Series of diesel–electric locomotives}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox locomotive
|powertype = [[Diesel fuel|Diesel]]
|name = ALCO DL560C
|image = File:WDM3A-16276R+WDM2-16839 Jaipur Junction, 2008.JPG
|caption= A [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2|WDM-2]] (right) and a [[Indian locomotive class WDM-3A|WDM-3A]] (left), both long-hood forward at [[Jaipur Junction railway station|Jaipur Junction]], 2008
|builder = [[American Locomotive Company|ALCO]], [[Banaras Locomotive Works|BLW]] (Manufacturing) & [[Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works|DLMW]], Parel workshop (overhauling and rebuilding)
|buildmodel = ALCO DL560C
|builddate = 1962–2016
|totalproduction =
|aarwheels = C-C
|gauge = {{track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
|trucks =
|bogies = [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]]
|fueltype = [[Diesel fuel]]
|fuelcap =
<div>
*{{convert|1,320.86|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on|lk=in}} (WDM-2)(WDM-3D)
*{{convert|1,585.032|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on|lk=in}} (WDM-3A/2C)(WDG-3A)
</div>
|primemover = [[American Locomotive Company|ALCO]] [[ALCO 251|16-251-B, C]]
|enginetype = [[Four-stroke engine|4-stroke]] [[V16 engine|V16]] [[Diesel engine|diesel]]
|displacement =
|aspiration = [[Twincharger|Turbo-Supercharged]]
|alternator =
|cylindercount = 16,6
|transmission = [[Diesel–electric transmission|Diesel electric]]
|poweroutput =
<div>
*{{convert|2,600|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} (WDM-2)
*{{convert|3,100|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} (WDM-3A/2C)
*{{convert|3,100|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} (WDG-3A)
*{{convert|3,300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} (WDM-3D)
</div>
|locobrakes = [[Railway air brake|Air]]
|trainbrakes = [[Railway air brake|Air]]
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| locale = [[India]]<ref>{{cite web| title=ALCO locomotives| url=http://www.dlw.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,295,329,389,392| website=DLW| year=2010| access-date=31 March 2015}}</ref>
}}
The '''ALCO DL560C''' is a series of [[diesel–electric locomotive]] with AC electric transmission designed by the [[American Locomotive Company]] and produced under license by [[Banaras Locomotive Works]] (BLW) Varanasi, India for [[Indian Railways]] as their classes [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2|WDM-2]], [[Indian locomotive class WDM-3A|WDM-3A/2C]], [[Indian locomotive class WDM-3D|WDM-3D]] and [[Indian locomotive class WDG-2/3A|WDG-3A]] for operation in [[India]]. The locomotive is fitted with a 16-cylinder ALCO 251 B, C diesel engine. In the early 1960s [[Indian Railways]] needed a reliable [[Diesel locomotive|diesel]] workhorse to gradually replace its [[steam locomotive]] fleet. Equal numbers (40 each) of ALCO's DL560C and EMD's [[EMD G16|G16]] were chosen for trials. More locomotives of each of these were purchased for more trials. Indian Railways was keen on producing these locomotives in the country rather than depending on imports. [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]] did not agree for a Transfer-of-Technology, while [[American Locomotive Company|ALCO]] did. Thus ALCO DL560C was chosen for the job due to its easy maintenance, reliability and simple operation. And from then on vast numbers of this loco in different configurations have been produced and remain the main diesel traction power of Indian Railways.<ref name=loco2d>{{Cite web| url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-loco2d.html| website=IRFCA| title=Broad Gauge Diesel Locomotives}}</ref>

==Indian Versions ==
There are four main variants of this loco, which are extensively modified for particular needs. They are, as follows:

=== WDM-2 ===
{{main|Indian locomotive class WDM-2}}
The first loco of the type DL560C to arrive in India is WDM-2. Initial batches arrived from the ALCO manufacturing facility in ready-to-ride condition. And 12 more arrived from ALCO in,to be assembled kits. This loco remained as the workhorse of Indian Railways in the 20th century. This loco solely can haul 9 passenger compartments and can haul 18 with the help of another WDM-2. This model had a maintenance schedule of {{cvt|3000|km|mi}} every 10 days. After later improving the fluid level and bearings, the schedule was increased to 30 days. The gear ratio being 65:18 and having a max speed of {{cvt|120|km/h|mph}}. JUMBOS (full-width short hood) and WDM-2A/2B are some of WDM-2s variants with minor modifications. The production began in the late 1960s, and went on till the late 1990s. They are being eventually retired. They belong to series 18xxx, 17xxx and 16xxx.<ref name=loco2d />

=== WDM-3A/2C ===
{{main|Indian locomotive class WDM-3A}}
WDM-3A, previously known as WDM-2C, are more powerful than the previous WDM-2 version by {{cvt|500|hp|kW}}. The first loco was delivered in 1994. This loco was shown to do the work of two WDM-2S. They too had a top speed of {{cvt|120|km/h|mph}}. The gear ratio is same as the WDM-2. Some locomotives had their maximum power output increased to {{cvt|3900|hp|kW}} and classed as WDM-3A. They are still{{when|date=February 2016}} under production. WDM-3C is an upgraded loco from its previous WDM-3A. Their series is 14xxx.<ref name=loco2d />

=== WDM-3D ===
{{main|Indian locomotive class WDM-3D}}
This is the latest and the most advanced variant of all the available ALCOs. The WDM-3D are fitted with micro-processors. This variant has enhanced cabin facilities including left hand driving. This loco also has some features borrowed from its mate [[EMD GT46PAC]]. Features such as microprocessors to detect wheel slipping and phased manner power supply, monitoring engine parameters are incorporated from the latest [[EMD GT46PAC]]. This variant proved highly successful, as after serial production began in 2005 almost all broad gauge diesel sheds were allotted with this loco. The minor variants of this loco include WDM–3E and WDM–3F. They belong to series 11xxx.<ref name=loco2d />

=== WDG-3A ===
{{main|Indian locomotive class WDG-2/3A}}
[[File:WDM KZJ LPY.jpg|thumb|A WDG-3A of Kazipet Junction at Lingampally railway station]]
[[File:Kamakhya photo by Atra.jpg|thumb|13109 'Shakti' WDG-3A Bondamunda at [[Kamakhya Junction railway station|Kamakhya]] in July 2018 attached with another WDG-3A]]
WDG-3A, previously known as WDG-2 were designed owing to the problems which arose with WDM-2 on hauling freight. This loco normally hauls freight. The common problems were poor ride quality, lateral oscillations, and poor traction with heavy loads. First loco was manufactured in 1995. The gear ratio is 74:18. This loco has a balancing speed of 69 km/h with a load of 58 BOXN wagons (Max. speed 100 km/h). This variant is being gradually modernized to the level of WDM-3Ds. Some of its minor improvements include WDG-3B, WDG-3C and WDG-3D. Their series are in 14501-14999 and 13000–13665. Last one built for Indian Railway was 13665 rolled out in 2012. Total 1171 were built for Indian Railways and a considerable number were supplied to non Railway customers like thermal power plants, port trusts and steel plants.<ref name=loco2d />

=== WDM-7 ===
{{Main|Indian locomotive class WDM-7}}

They are lower powered (2000 HP instead of 2600 HP''')''' version of the WDM-2. These locomotives were built from 1987 to 1989. A few were at [[Diesel Loco Shed, Ernakulam|Ernakulam]] earlier, but later all were transferred to [[Tondiarpet railway station|Tondiarpet]] seen shunting at Chennai Central or for light passenger haulage. Some are at the thermal power station, Chennai.

They were formerly housed at [[Diesel Loco Shed, Erode|Erode]] and [[Diesel Loco Shed, Golden Rock|Golden Rock]] also. They are reliable and rugged locomotives even though low powered. They can be easily recognized by the lack of grilles on the short hood. Two locomotives are running on a mixture of bio-diesel and diesel. All 15 are still in service.

=== Export versions ===

==== Sri Lanka ====
WDM-2 - Class M8 In Sri Lanka

{{Main|Sri Lanka Railways M8}}

Eight WDM-2 locomotives were purchased by the [[Sri Lanka Railways]], the state run railroad operator in [[Sri Lanka]] in 1996. They were the longest and most powerful locomotives at that time. They were allocated the '''M8''' class. However, some modifications to the appearance were done by SLR. These locomotives belong to road number 841 to 848 and all are still operational.

==== Bangladesh ====
{{Main|Bangladesh Railway Class 6400}}

Ten WDM-2 locomotives were purchased by [[Bangladesh Railway]] in 2001. They were the most powerful locomotives at that time. They were allocated Class 6400 or '''BED-26''' numbered from 6401 to 6410. All are fitted with air brake and [[Janney coupler|AAR coupling]]. Unlike their Indian counterparts, these locomotives do not have the [[Dynamic braking|dynamic braking system]]. All locomotives are still in service.

On 27 July 2020 [[Indian Railways]] (IR) handed over 10 [[Indian locomotive class WDM-3D|WDM-3D]] diesel locomotives to [[Bangladesh Railway]]s under its “grant assistance” plan. The vehicles cost an estimated ₹600m ($US 8m) to manufacture.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railjournal.com/infrastructure/india-increases-rail-connections-with-bangladesh/|title = India increases rail connections with Bangladesh|date = 27 July 2020}}</ref>

==Manufacturers==
They were manufactured and designed by [[American Locomotive Company|ALCO]]. Now they are licensed produced by [[Banaras Locomotive Works|BLW]] and are overhauled and rebuilt by [[Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works|DLMW]]. The rebuilt locos carry an 'R' behind their serial number.

==Users==
The locomotive is used by the following zones of Indian Railways:
* [[South Western Railway zone|South Western Railway]]
* [[Southern Railway Zone (India)|Southern Railway]]
* [[Central Railway (India)|Central Railway]]
* [[South Central Railway]]
*[[South Coast Railway zone|South Coast Railway]]
* [[Northern Railway Zone (India)|Northern Railway]]
* [[North Western Railway]]
* [[Northeast Frontier Railway]]
* [[West Central Railway Zone (India)|West Central Railway]]
* [[East Central Railway Zone (India)|East Central Railway]]
* [[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]]
* [[South East Central Railway zone|South East Central Railway]]
* [[East Coast Railway zone|East Coast Railway]]
* [[North Central Railway zone|North Central Railway]]
* [[North Eastern Railway zone|North Eastern Railway]]
* [[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern Railway]]
* [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railway]]<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html| website=IRFCA| title=Sheds and Workshops}}</ref>

In addition, DL560Cs were exported to

* [[PeruRail]]
* [[Bangladesh Railway]]
* [[Sri Lanka Railways]]

==See also==

*[[Indian Railways]]
*[[Locomotives of India]]
*[[Rail transport in India]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Broad gauge locomotives of India}}
{{ALCO diesels}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:DL560C}}
[[Category:ALCO locomotives|DL560C]]
[[Category:Banaras Locomotive Works locomotives]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of India|ALCo DL560C]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 1962]]

ALCO DL560C - Revision history

GeorgeNobbs1 at 00:35, 21 December 2025