Sri Lanka Railways M5

The Sri Lanka Railways Class M5 is a type of diesel-electric locomotive. The class was ordered to strengthen the diesel locomotive fleet of Sri Lanka Railways.

Class M5
Sub-class M5C
Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder Original: Hitachi Build date 1979 Total produced 16 Rebuilder Sri Lanka Railways
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) Loco weight 66 t (65 long tons; 73 short tons)[1] Fuel type Diesel fuel Prime mover Original: MTU-Ikegai 12V652TD11 M5A: MTU 396TC13 M5B: Paxman Valenta RP200L M5C: Caterpillar 3516 DITA [1] Engine type All four V12 Diesel engines Transmission Diesel-electric
Performance figures Maximum speed 60 mph (97 km/h)[2] Power output Original: 1,640 hp (1,220 kW), M5A: 1,150 hp (860 kW), M5B: 1,150 hp (860 kW), M5C: (1600hp)[1]
Career Operators Sri Lanka Railways Class M5, M5A, M5B, M5C Number in class 16 Locale Sri Lanka Disposition M5B & M5C

The Class M5 became a familiar sight on Main Line of SLR. They performed on Sri Lanka's railroad for few years.

Sub-class M5B and M5C are currently used in Upcountry Commuter Rails.

History

Background

In order to replace steam locomotives and also to increase the diesel locomotive fleet of SLR, 16 diesel-electric locomotives were ordered from Hitachi and were delivered in 1979.

Decline

After few years of operation, due to technical problems, M5 class locomotives were taken out of service.^[2]

Sub-Classes

Considering the decline of original Class M5 locomotives, SLR refurbished some selected M5 locomotives as a part of the Transportation Rehabilitation Project.^[2] Refurbished locomotives were allocated in to 3 sub-classes namely, M5A, M5B and M5C.

Sub Class	Image	Description
M5A		M5 No. 769 was fitted with a new prime mover of model MTU V12 396TC13[1] which was a spare prime mover of a S8 DMU. Condemned due to an electrical failure.
M5B		4 locomotives (Nos 768, 772, 777 and 778) were fitted with new Paxman Valenta V12 RP200L prime movers. In Use.
M5C		The M5 locomotives 767, 771, 776, 779, 781, 782 and 775 were fitted with new Caterpillar prime movers. This new locomotive class was called M5C. This class M5Cs known to Sri Lankan railway enthusiasts as "Cat"

Incidents

Locomotives 773 and 780 were damaged due to accidents. Both are out of service. The last M5C locomotive was released in 2010. This locomotive was fitted with air brakes.^[2]

See also

Diesel locomotives of Sri Lanka