SJ T44

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

T44

Power type	Diesel-hydraulic
Builder	NOHAB and KVAB
Build date	1968 - 1987
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
Gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in)
Wheel diameter	1,030 mm
Length	15,400 mm
Locomotive weight	76 t
Engine type	General Motors 12-645E
Cylinders	12
Cylinder size	127 l
Top speed	100 km/h
Career	Statens Järnvägar
Number in class	123
Number	259-283, 314-323, 329-416
Disposition	in service

The only T44 at the service of Israel Railways

T44 is a Swedish diesel-electric locomotive built by Nyquist & Holm (NOHAB) and Kalmar Verkstad (KVAB) in 123 copies between 1968 and 1987. It was the successor of T43, and used both for hauling and shunting. It is the most common diesel locomotive in Sweden, with state-owned Green Cargo as the largest operator. Other operators include Israel Railways, Malmtrafikk (2) and formerly Norges Statsbaner (1, Di 7).

[edit] History

Though mainly used for shunting and freight hauling, T44 has occasionally been used to haul passenger trains. In the 1970s it was used on the unelectrified line Borlänge-Mora, and in 1990s on Inlandsbanan. Compared to the predecessor T43, T44 is more powerful and has a modernized drivers cab, with better sound isolation, though there are many similarities between the models. In appearance the T44 is somewhat more square than the predecessors. Up to three T44s can run multiply.

In 1993, SJ T44 276 was sold to NSB for use as a shunter on Ofotbanen, and given the designation NSB Di 7. This engine was transferred, along with SJ T44 283, to Malmtrafikk in 1996. When Statens Järnvägar was split in 2001, Green Cargo took over all the T44 locos, though four were sold to the Swedish railway company TGOJ (now a subsidiary of Green Cargo). In 2007 Green Cargo has ordered a full renovation of 62 units from Bombardier Transportation.

[edit] External links

• Järnväg.net entry on T44 (Swedish)
• Norsk Jernbaneklubb entry on Di 7 (Norwegian)
• Jernbane.net entry on Di 7 (Norwegian)