Bydgoszcz 2025-03-14
Diesel locomotive PESA SU160 / 111Db. 2014
In 2012, the electric locomotive PESA 111Ed was presented, a company operating in Bydgoszcz. PESA and NEWAG are currently two large Polish companies producing; locomotives, EZT, SZT and wagons. Both companies produce rail vehicles that effectively compete on the global market. They have an excellent price-quality ratio, and are becoming increasingly reliable. The PESA 111Ed Gama locomotive was the first locomotive from the entire family of locomotives; electric, diesel, diesel-electric and multi-system. Most of them are universal, i.e. adapted to freight and passenger trains.
The PESA 111Db Gama diesel locomotive with a three-engine drive was created in July 2014. The locomotive was presented at a trade fair in Gdańsk. At that time, a contract was concluded between PESA and the PKP InterCity carrier for the purchase of 10 diesel locomotives. The locomotives were intended for long-distance train service. The locomotives were to replace the aging “Fiats” SU45 and SU46, which were developed and manufactured in HCP. The first 111Db locomotive for the PKP InterCity operator began testing in May 2015. The locomotive began line work in June 2015. The last, 10th unit was delivered in November 2015. The locomotives were designated SU160. The designation suggests a maximum speed of 160 km/h, although in fact the locomotive received a certificate for a speed of 140 km/h. Of course, the locomotive can run a train at 160 km/h, because that was the speed achieved during the tests.
The prototype, designated 111Db-001, initially remained the property of PESA and was used for various tests. In June 2015, it was sold to Pol-Miedź Trans, and later, in May 2016, to Orlen KolTrans. By 2025, 11 locomotives of this type had been built.
The first months of operation revealed the locomotive’s infant problems. At low temperatures, there were problems with the combustion engine. Since the warranty was very useful for the carrier, the locomotive was immediately returned to the manufacturer for diagnosis and removal of the fault. According to PESA, the faults resulted from manufacturing defects. However, most interruptions in line work were and are caused by accidents at rail-road crossings, which were caused by irresponsible car drivers. For example, on February 3, 2021, locomotive SU160-009 was seriously damaged in a collision with a truck near Grajewo.
The drive is a Rolls Royce MTU 16V 4000 R84 diesel engine. Engine power 2,400 kW, 3,265 HP. The engine has 16 cylinders.
Bo’Bo’ axle system. Electric transmission. Maximum speed 140 km/h. Electric traction motors 4 x 570 kW. Net weight 84,000 kg. Length 19.80 m. Width 3.00 m. Electric heating of the mechanic’s and passenger cabins. Type of main brakes MZT HEPOS.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman