China Railways DF4

DF4
东风4

DF4 locomotives
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-electric
Model DF4B
Build date 1969 -
Specifications
AAR wheel arr. C-C
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Length 21,100 mm (69 ft 3 in)
Width 3,309 mm (10 ft 10.3 in)
Height 4,755 mm (15 ft 7.2 in)
Locomotive weight 138 tonnes
Prime mover 16V240ZJB
Transmission electric (AC-DC)
Performance figures
Maximum speed Passenger:120 km/h (75 mph)
Freight:100 km/h (62 mph)
Power output 2,430 kW (3,260 hp)
or 2,430 kW (3,300 PS)
Tractive effort Passenger: 327.500 kN (73,625 lbf) starting,
243.000 kN (54,629 lbf) continuous
Freight: 435.000 kN (97,792 lbf) starting,
324.000 kN (72,838 lbf) continuous
Locomotive brake Straight air and dynamic
Train brakes JZ-7 Air
Career
Operator(s) China Railways
Locale People's Republic of China
DF4B locomotive
DF4C locomotive
DF4D locomotive

The DF4 (Chinese: 东风4) is a type of diesel-electric locomotive used in the People's Republic of China. It has been in production since 1969 and is still produced as of 2007 by several local companies. It is the most common locomotive in China and is used for both passenger and freight services.

Models

DF4

The first DF4 was built in 1969 in Dalian. The first 108 locomotives that were built here are the original DF4s using the 16V240ZJ engine. It took seven years to build all 108 locomotives of this type.

Few of the first series DF4 are still in operation, however the first ever is a permanent exhibition at the Beijing Railway Museum.[1]

DF4A

The DF4A distinguishes itself from first series DF4s with an improved engine, the 16V240ZJA. Production started in 1976 and lasted until 1984.

DF4B (nickname: watermelon, military police)

DF4B are very similar to standard DF4 and DF4A, apart from an improved engine (16V240ZJB). Production started in Dalian in 1984.

DF4C

The DF4C was supposed to replace the DF4B as the main diesel locomotive in China and comes with several improvements, including a new engine revision (16240ZJC). The first DF4C was produced in 1985 and batch production started four years later, in 1989, and lasted until roughly the end of the 20th century.

The DF4C comes in a different color scheme than the previous DF4s, namely dark blue and later light blue and beige.

Gearing variations

The DF4, DF4A, DF4B and DF4C were each produced with two different gear ratios, "passenger" (up to 120 km/h or 75 mph) and "freight" (up to 100 km/h or 62 mph). The passenger variant was often painted orange.[1]

DF4D (nickname: tiger)

The DF4D, the most recent DF4 revision, has been produced since 1996 with the 16V240ZJD engine. The passenger versions increased top speed to 145 km/h (90 mph) or 170 km/h (110 mph) for the DF4DK, and a road-switcher version was also introduced.[2]

DF4DJ

The DF4DJ, of which only 2 were built had AC drive technology supplied by Siemens. They were China's first AC drive diesel locomotive.[3][4][5][6][7]

DF4E

The DF4E is a 2 unit locomotive of total power 4.86MW (2x2.43MW)[8]

DF4DD

A version of the DF4 with side walkways and a full-body cab similar to modern American locomotives.

Manufacturers

DF4s have been manufactured by several companies:

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to China Railways DF4 locomotives.
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cotterill, Duncan (May 13, 2006). "DF4, DF4A and DF4B Class Diesel Electrics". Railography. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
  2. ↑ Cotterill, Duncan (October 13, 2006). "DF4D Class Diesel Electrics". Railography. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
  3. ↑ 东风4DJ型(DF4DJ) (Dongfeng 4DJ type (DF4DJ) ) , www.trainfanz.com
  4. ↑ AC diesels roll out 1 August 2000 , www.railwaygazette.com
  5. ↑ 东风4DJ型交流传动内燃机车 Dongfeng 4DJ AC drive diesel locomotive , www.chinacnr.com
  6. ↑ Diesel-Electric Locomotive DF 4DAC Prototype www.siemens.cz
  7. ↑ DF4DJ 'baike.baidu.com
  8. ↑ 东风4E型(DF4E)内燃机车 (Dongfeng 4E-type (DF4E) Diesel Locomotive) , www.tieliu.com
  9. ↑ "Products". ZiYang Locomotive Works. 2003. Retrieved December 11, 2008.

External links