GE U20C

The GE U20C diesel–electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation Systems as an export model in 1964. It was powered by an 8-cylinder 7FDL-8 engine. This locomotive is used worldwide with many variations and modifications. Different engines may be used, e.g. 7FDL8 and 7FDL12. Like the other members of the Universal series, it can be built to suit all track gauges.^[1]

GE U20C of Kereta Api Indonesia passing directly at Yogyakarta Station

GE U20C
GE U20C of PT Kereta Api Indonesia with new logo.
Type and origin Power type Diesel–electric Designer General Electric, UGL Rail (for Indonesian U20C locomotives) Builder GE Transportation Systems PT GE Lokomotif Indonesia Serial number CC203 Model U20C Build date 1995–2000 Total produced 42
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC Co-Co Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) in Indonesia, 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge and 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) in Brazil Wheel diameter 914 mm (3 ft 0 in) Length 14,134 mm (46 ft 4.5 in) Width 2,642 mm (8 ft 8.0 in) Height 3,637 mm (11 ft 11.2 in) Prime mover GE FDL-8 Alternator GMG-146 Generator Main: GE GT601 Auxiliary: GE GY27 Traction motors 4 x GE 761 Cylinders V8 Loco brake WABCO 26L
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) (Indonesian U20C) Power output 2,150 hp (1,600 kW) Tractive effort 59,300 lb (26,900 kg) starting 58,300 lb (26,400 kg) continuous at 21 mph (34 km/h)
Career Operators Indonesia: PT Kereta Api Indonesia First run 1995 Disposition 37 in operation, 4 inoperative
References of key features:[1][2][3]

Indonesian U20C

The CC203 35 locomotive, a special loco for the New Argo Jati train in 2009.

A unique modification is the wide cab version of the 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) U20C used on the 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge Indonesian railroad and operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Indonesian National Railway Company). Unlike other models of the U20C, with short hood cabin, the Indonesian U20C features a full-width cabin, for aerodynamics and had better sight of tracks and signals. It is classified as CC203 by PT Kereta Api Indonesia. The wide cab was designed by Goninan Locomotive Work (now UGL Rail) in Australia.

Construction

Between 1995 and 2000, 41 locomotives were built for Indonesia, numbered CC203 01–41. The first batch of 12 locomotives were imported from GE Transportations in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States. The other 29 locomotives, numbered 13-41 were built locally by PT GE Lokomotif Indonesia, a joint company between PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia / Indonesian Railway Industry (PT INKA) and GE Transportation. The CC 203 was designed between Goninan, Australia and GE, USA, in which Goninan constructed the wide cabin and GE constructed the engine and the body.

Operations

CC 203 95 05 (CC 203 05) locomotive while hauling Argo Wilis train at Jogjakarta station.

Thirty-seven locomotives are still in service in Java, allocated primarily for pulling express passenger services, although they are occasionally used to haul third-class services and freight trains. In February 2024, CC203 02 03 was given a heritage scheme featuring two blue stripes of different shades: the upper stripe is a brighter shade of blue, while the lower stripe is darker. This heritage scheme pays homage to the design used by locomotives from 1995 until 2011. After Kereta Api Indonesia's rebranding in 2011, the CC203s were given new color schemes in line with the rebranding. This livery remained unchanged during the 2020 KAI rebranding.

Operational history

The CC 203s were built to commemorate 50 years of Proclamation of Indonesian Independence in 1995 and was initially built to haul Perumka's then-new Argo trains: the JS950 Argobromo and the JB250 Argogede; Perumka would then launch several other Argo trains. After the railway (now reincorporated as a limited company) acquired newer locomotives like the CC 204 (GE C20EMP) and CC 206, CC 203s were no longer the main locomotive of Argo trains. CC 203 now haul most trains in Java - mostly mixed-class, business (about to be phased out), and economy passenger trains, as well as freight trains occasionally. Around the early 2010s, a pair of CC 203 class from Jatinegara motive power depot were specially assigned as locomotives for special Presidential Trains before being replaced by CC 206s.

PT Tanjung Enim Lestari of Lampung ordered four units of their own, numbered 31 to 34. These units were allocated to the Tanjung Karang locomotive depot and were used to haul pulp paper freight trains until 2016. All four have been withdrawn due to a lack of maintenance.

C20EMP

A GE C20EMP at Gambir Station in 2009.

A GE C20EMP with KAI'S 2020 logo, but with its signature Two Blue Stripes

In 2006, GE Lokomotif Indonesia introduced a brand new locomotive with full computer controls. It was given the model name as C20EMP and still uses the 7FDL-8 engine. The overall shape is similar to other Indonesian CC 203s. However the C20EMP were fitted with BrightStar Sirius on-board computer to control the propulsion and transmission to be more fuel efficient and to prolong their service life. The results were satisfactory, and thus PT Kereta Api Indonesia, made a contract with PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia (PT INKA) to build 20 more locomotives. After that, brand-new C20EMP were delivered in parts from GE and assembled at PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia (PT INKA). These new locomotives were numbered as CC 204 08-11 and later renumbered as CC 204 12–17. In 2011, the format for numbering locomotives were changed, and the new class were given the new format, being CC204 06 01 - 02, CC204 07 01 - 02, CC204 08 01 - 02 and CC204 09 01 - 04. CC204 08-09 were delivered in 2006, CC204 10-11 were delivered in 2007. A total of 30 locomotives were built before production ended in 2011. During its service in Java, C20EMPs (CC 204) mostly hauls Argo class trains and other executive class trains alongside the CC 203. All the CC204s previously used for hauling unit coal trains in South Sumatra are now replaced by CC206 (CM20EMP). Currently CC204s are used for hauling passenger trains, shorter coal trains, and other lighter freight trains such as petroleum, pulp and cement trains.

CC 204 locomotives still uses the livery featuring two blue stripes of different shades (the lighter blue stripe above the darker blue stripe), however without the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation logo at the front end and the former Indonesian Railway Public Corporation (Perumka) logo (inherited by its successor Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) in 2011). This livery didn't change during the 2011 and 2020 KAI rebranding.

Export version

U201 in Australia in 2017.

In 1996, PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia (PT INKA) made ICTSI #1 for Philippines Port Railways. The locomotive was among the first batch produced by GE Lokomotif Indonesia. It has the same specifications as an average Indonesian CC 203. However, after 7 years of revenue service, the container rail service was shut down. The locomotive was refurbished and was shipped to Australia for Coote Industrial Company. After strip down inspections and maintenance, the locomotive was put back on revenue service.

Around 2015, the locomotive (renumbered U201) was acquired by Transperth Train Operations - the commuter rail operator of Perth, Western Australia - whose fleet otherwise consists solely of electric multiple units. U201 replaced Transperth's earlier diesel shunter, a Westrail MA-class locomotive, which was acquired by Hotham Valley Railway.^[4] U201 is now based at Transperth's Claisebrook depot.

Brazil

In contrast to the Indonesian U20C model, which features a wide cabin type designed by UGL Rail, the Brazilian U20C model adheres to the international standard cabin type, characterized by its box-shaped design created by Brambilla. While the specifications are nearly identical to those of the Indonesian U20C locomotive, there are slight differences in the details.

Gallery

• 
  GE U20C in Brazil, NOVOESTE #2625
• 
  GE U20C in Brazil, FEPASA #3860
• 
  GE U20C Wide Cab in Indonesia, CC203 98 10
• 
  GE U20C, South African Class 33-000 no 33-009
• 
  CC 203 98 06
• 
  GE U20C of SQM in Barriles, Chile

See also

• List of GE locomotives