On June 11th , the modernisation of the first out of twenty diesel SM42 locomotives for PKP Intercity was completed. NEWAG S.A. will hand it over to the carrier for operation in July this year. The locomotives will pull trains to tourist destinations such as on the route Gdynia — Hel or Kłodzko – Kudowa Zdrój during the summer season. The project value is nearly PLN 77 million.
Under the contract signed with PKP Intercity, NEWAG will modernise twenty SM42 locomotives, including ten single-generator locos (18D type) equipped with the battery-powered drive mode as well as ten double-generator locomotives (6D1 type) equipped with the electric power supply system for the train set.
The scope of the modernisation included constructing a completely new loco body with only the frame, bogies and fuel tanks remaining from the old loco. It was equipped with a modern spring-actuated brake system, spring-applied parking brake and with special crash buffers which absorb crash energy. The locomotive also has a microprocessor control system, an electronic fuel consumption monitoring system, a fire detection and extinguishing system, a GPS, a modern tachograph and monitoring with an event recorder. A modern, air-conditioned driver’s cab has been fitted with two ergonomic control panels and amenities.
“These locomotives constitute the second generation of SM42 diesel locomotives modernised by NEWAG S.A. We have applied modern and tested technical and functional solutions based on our previous experience with overhauling more than 150 locomotives. These locomotives are used by numerous Polish train operators and the technical and design solutions applied are compatible with the new locomotives,” said Maciej Górowski, Deputy Head of the Research and Development Department at NEWAG S.A.