Soviet locomotive class TE3

The ТE3 (Russian: ТЭ3; Ukrainian: ТЕ3) is a Soviet diesel-electric locomotive, built in Russia and Ukraine to 1520 mm gauge. It is a two-unit Co’Co’+Co’Co’ machine. Total diesel power is 2,940 kW (3,940 hp; 4,000 PS). They were built from 1953 to 1973.^[1]

TE3 diesel locomotive
TE3-1001 at St Petersburg railway museum in 2002
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Kolomna Locomotive Works Luhanskteplovoz Kharkiv Locomotive Factory Build date 1953-1973
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co’Co’+Co’Co’ Gauge 1,520 mm (4 ft 11+27⁄32 in) Russian gauge Wheel diameter 1,050 mm (41.34 in) Loco weight 2 x 126 t (124 long tons; 139 short tons) Prime mover 2 x Kharkiv 2D100 RPM range Max. 850 rpm Engine type opposed-piston two-stroke diesel engines Transmission Diesel-electric
Performance figures Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) Power output Engine: 2 x 1,470 kW (1,970 hp; 2,000 PS)
Career Number in class 6808 pairs 13,617 units Numbers 001—598 1001—1404 2001—7805

Powertrain

Cutaway 2D100 engine on display

The TE3 is powered by two Kharkiv 2D100 prime movers. Power output of each engine is 1,470 kW (1,970 hp; 2,000 PS). Transmission is diesel electric.

Numbering

Each pair of locomotives was numbered: 001–598, 1001–1404, 2001–7805, making a total of 6807 pairs or 13,614 units. The information box shows 6808 pairs and 13,617 units. The reason for the discrepancy is not known. Possibly 3 spare units were built to cover for failures.

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