The Austrian firm (then government owned) of Simmering Graz & Pauker received the contract to build 7 three-part diesel multiple units for long distance use in Uruguay in the early 1950s. They were expected to run at 120 km/h and the top speed reached is said to have been 156 km/h between Montevideo and Punta del Este. They arrived in Uruguay over October 1952 to March 1953.
Car lengths were between 22.70 and 27.70 metres, and weights between 29.5 and 30.3 tonnes.
Diesel engines called "S12a" were manufactured by SGP and produced 500 horsepower at 1350 rpm with 12 cylinders in a "V" and a 5-speed gearbox. The tank capacity of 1,240 liters of fuel, gave a range between 1,200 and 1,400 km before having to refuel.
However, they had serious mechanical failures which coupled with the large number of negative features of the Uruguayan rail system, resulted eventually in the sets being converted to locomotive towed cars. Before that though, there were numerous attempts to rectify the problems and two were completely rebuilt in 1966 which was when the above mentioned speed of 156 km/h was attained.
Car lengths were between 22.70 and 27.70 metres, and weights between 29.5 and 30.3 tonnes.
Diesel engines called "S12a" were manufactured by SGP and produced 500 horsepower at 1350 rpm with 12 cylinders in a "V" and a 5-speed gearbox. The tank capacity of 1,240 liters of fuel, gave a range between 1,200 and 1,400 km before having to refuel.
However, they had serious mechanical failures which coupled with the large number of negative features of the Uruguayan rail system, resulted eventually in the sets being converted to locomotive towed cars. Before that though, there were numerous attempts to rectify the problems and two were completely rebuilt in 1966 which was when the above mentioned speed of 156 km/h was attained.
The pic is of a test run in Austria before being shipped.
This pic taken in Canelones shows the colors (source) |
No comments:
Post a Comment