ALCO DL560C

ALCO DL560C
A passenger train with WDM-3D broad gauge diesel locomotive
Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder ALCO , DLW & DLMW (overhauling and rebuilding) Model ALCO DL560C Build date 1962-
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Bogies Co-Co Fuel type Diesel fuel Fuel capacity 1,320.86 US gal (1,099.85 imp gal; 5,000.0 L) (WDM-2)(WDM-3D) 1,585.032 US gal (1,319.815 imp gal; 6,000.00 L) (WDM-3A/2C)(WDG-3A) Prime mover ALCO 251-B,C Engine type 4-stroke V16 diesel Aspiration Turbo-Supercharged Cylinders 16,6 Transmission Diesel electric Loco brake Air Train brakes Air
Performance figures Power output 2,600 hp (1,940 kW) (WDM-2) 3,100 hp (2,310 kW) (WDM-3A/2C) 3,100 hp (2,310 kW) (WDG-3A) 3,300 hp (2,460 kW) (WDM-3D)
Career Operators Indian Railways Locale India

The ALCO DL560C is a passenger/freight-hauling diesel-electric locomotive with AC electric transmission designed by the American Locomotive Company and produced under license by Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) of Varanasi, India for Indian Railways as their classes WDM-2, WDM-3A/2C, WDM-3D and 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 workhorse to gradually replace its steam locomotive fleet. Equal numbers (40 each) of ALCO's DL560C and EMD's SD24 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. EMD did not agree for a Transfer-of-Technology, while 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 they still continue to dominate the diesel route of Indian Railways.

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

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 and can haul 18 with the help of another WDM-2. This model had a maintenance schedule of 3000 km/10days. Later on, 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 120 km/h. 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.