Belgian Railways Class 77

The NMBS/SNCB Class 77 (also known as HLD 77 or HLR 77) is a class of 4 axle B'B' road switcher diesel hydraulic locomotive designed for shunting and freight work manufactured at the beginning of the 2000s by Vossloh Schienentechnik/Vossloh Locomotives at the Maschinenbau Kiel plant in Kiel, Germany for the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB/NMBS).

SNCB/NMBS 77
Diesel locomotive #7798 of the Belgian State Railways (SNCB – NMBS), 2010
Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder Vossloh Schienentechnik/Vossloh Locomotives Serial number 1000918 – 1001007[1] 1001217 – 1001296[1] Build date 1999–2005[1] Total produced 170[1]
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC B'B'[1] Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge[1] Wheel diameter 1,000 mm (39.37 in) (new)[1] Minimum curve 75 m (246.06 ft)[1] Wheelbase bogie centre distance 7.770 m (25 ft 5.9 in)[2] axle distance 2.400 m (7 ft 10.5 in)[2] Length 15.590 m (51 ft 1+3⁄4 in)[1] Width 3.052 m (10 ft 1⁄8 in)[1] Height 4.220 m (13 ft 10+1⁄8 in)[1] Loco weight 90 t (88.6 long tons; 99.2 short tons)[1] Fuel capacity 4,200 L (920 imp gal; 1,100 US gal)[1] Prime mover Anglo Belgian Corporation 6DZC-1000-144A[1] Engine type V6 Alternator Auxiliary 3 phase 65–130 kW[3] Cylinders 6 Transmission Voith Hydraulic L4r4zseU2a[2] Loco brake pneumatic (Knorr-Bremse)[3]
Performance figures Maximum speed 100 or 60 km/h (62 or 37 mph)[1][2] Power output 1,150 kW (1,540 hp)[1] Tractive effort 210–265 kN (47,000–60,000 lbf)[1]
Career Operators SNCB/NMBS Class 77 Numbers 7701–7870[1] Disposition in service

Background and design

The initial order for 90 locomotives was given to Siemens in 1997 to replace an aging diesel fleet; the railway opted for a locomotive suitable for both shunting and mainline use, rather than separate classes.^[4] Siemens sold its locomotive manufacturer division (Siemens Schienenfahrzeugtechnik) to Vossloh in 1998.^[5]

The locomotives were variants of the standard MaK G 1200 series design,^[2] and are considered a development of the MaK G 1205 type.^[1] The locomotive is an off-centre cab design with a two-speed Voith hydraulic transmission driving all axles via cardan shafts.^[2] Auxiliary electrical supply is provided by an engine mounted alternator.^[4] Unlike many other MaK locomotives which use a MTU or CAT 12-cylinder V engine the locomotive has an ABC 6-cylinder inline engine.^[3]

The first locomotive was delivered in October 1999, and worked satisfactorily; a second order for 80 locomotives was given in June 2001.^[4][6]

Operations

The first locomotive entered service in February 2004.^[7] All 170 units were operational by June 2005.^[8]

Due to its relatively low power the locomotives work in multiple on heavy freight trains.

Equipment variations

Sets of the class vary in the type of equipment they carry:^[4]

NMBS/SNCB number	Radio control	Cab Radio	ATB	Notes
7701–7708	Yes	Yes	No	Fitted with automatic coupler for hill shunting; not approved for Netherlands
7709–7728				Approved for limited operations in Netherlands[6]
7729–7770	No
7771–7790			Yes	Approved for Netherlands[9] and Germany (2004);[10] fitted with PZB system
7791–7865		No	No	Can operate in Netherlands when in multiple with locos with ATB or radio[9]
7866–7870		~	Yes	Fitted with ATB and PZB in 2008 for work in Germany (Iron Rhine line)[11]

See also

• NS Class 6400 similar concept diesel electric freight locomotives built by MaK/Siemens between 1988 and 1995 for the railways of the Netherlands.