KTM Class 29

The KTM Class 29 is a class of mainline diesel electric locomotives built in China by Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company for operations by Keretapi Tanah Melayu of Malaysia on its freight services.

Class 29
KTMB Class 29 diesel locomotive at Gemas Railway Station (Sept. 2009)
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock (CNR Group) Model CKD8E[1] Build date 2005 Total produced 20
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co'Co'[1] Gauge 1,000 mm[1] Wheel diameter 965 mm[1] Length 20668 mm[1] Width 2800 mm[1] Height 3875 mm[1] Loco weight 120 t[1] Engine type MAN 16RK215T[1][2] (2580 kW) Traction motors Toshiba SEA-106[3] (345 kW) Cylinders 16 Transmission electric (AC-DC-AC)[1]
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h[1] Tractive effort starting 410kN[1]
Career Numbers 29101-29120 Locale Malaysia

History

20 locomotives were acquired around 2005, but proved less than reliable than the Class 26 bought at the same time. By 2008 only 5 out of 20 were in service due to the high number of technical problems. As a consequence KTM had to lease locomotives from India at a cost of $1000 per train per day.^[4] As the units were still under warranty, the manufacturing company was called in and a KTMB task force was formed to fix the problem. By December 2008 eighteen units had been overhauled and were in working order.^[5]

While the main objective of the locomotive is to pull heavy freight, it easily handles local shuttle trains with an operating speed averaging 110 km/h.^[6]

See also

• New Zealand DL class locomotive, similar design manufactured by Dalian Locomotive Company for export to New Zealand