Chinese Rail DF4 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids DF4 东风4
DF4 locomotives
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Build date 1969 - 1984
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR Co-Co Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Length 21,100 mm (69 ft 3 in) Width 3,309 mm (10 ft 10.3 in) Height 4,755 mm (15 ft 7.2 in) Loco weight 138 tonnes Prime mover 16V240ZJ & 16V240ZJA Transmission electric (AC-DC) Loco brake Straight air and dynamic Train brakes JZ-7 Air
Performance figures Power output 2,650 kW (3,550 hp) Tractive effort Passenger: 327.500 kN (73,625 lbf) starting, 243.000 kN (54,629 lbf) continuous Freight: 435.000 kN (97,792 lbf) starting, 324.000 kN (72,838 lbf) continuous
Career Locale People's Republic of China

The DF4 (which stands for Dongfeng 4) is a powerful type of diesel locomotive from China. It's like a giant engine on wheels that pulls trains. These locomotives were first built in 1969 by the Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works. They were made for many years, helping to move both people and goods across China.

Exploring the DF4 Locomotive

The DF4 is a special kind of train engine. It uses a diesel engine to create electricity, which then powers the wheels. This makes it a "diesel-electric" locomotive. It's designed to be strong enough for both passenger trains and heavy freight trains.

How Fast Can a DF4 Go?

The DF4 can travel at different speeds depending on what it's pulling.

• When pulling passenger trains, it can reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (about 75 miles per hour).
• For heavier freight trains, its top speed is around 100 kilometers per hour (about 62 miles per hour).

How Powerful is the DF4?

This locomotive is very strong! It weighs about 138 tonnes, which is like 138 small cars. Its engine can produce a lot of power, about 2,650 kilowatts (or 3,550 horsepower). This power helps it pull very long and heavy trains.

Different Versions of the DF4

Over the years, the DF4 locomotive was improved. Here are the main versions:

The Original DF4

The very first DF4 locomotive was built in 1969 in the city of Dalian. The first 108 of these locomotives used a specific type of engine. It took about seven years to build all of these early models. One of the first DF4s is now a permanent display at the Beijing Railway Museum. Another famous one, named "Mao Zedong," is on display at the Fengtai Yard in Beijing.

The Improved DF4A

Later, an improved version called the DF4A was made. This model used a better engine, which made it even more efficient. Production of the DF4A started in 1976 and continued until 1984.

Who Built the DF4?

Many companies helped build these important locomotives. The main builders were:

• CSR Ziyang Locomotive Works (they built some DF4A models)
• Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works (they built many DF4 and DF4A models)