Chinese Rail DF4C facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DF4D东风4C |
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| DF4C locomotives | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
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| Build date | 1985 - 1999 |
| AAR wheel arr. | 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) |
| Locomotive weight | 138 tonnes |
| Prime mover | 16V240ZJC |
| Transmission | electric (AC-DC) |
| Top speed | Quasi-high-speed Passenger:160 km/h (99 mph) Freight:100 km/h (62 mph) |
| Power output | 2,650 kW (3,550 hp) |
| Tractive effort | Quasi-high-speed Passenger: 167.000 kN (37,543 lbf) starting, 106.000 kN (23,830 lbf) continuous Freight:440.000 kN (98,916 lbf) starting, 312.000 kN (70,140 lbf) continuous |
| Career | China Railways |
| Locale | People's Republic of China |
The DF4C (which means "East Wind 4C" in Chinese) is a powerful diesel locomotive used in China. It's like a giant engine that pulls trains. These trains were built by a company called Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works. They started making them in 1985 and continued until 1999.
Contents
What is the DF4C Locomotive?
The DF4C is a type of train engine that runs on diesel fuel. It's known for being strong and reliable. These locomotives are used to pull both passenger trains and long freight trains across China. They are an important part of China's railway system.
Different Kinds of DF4C Locomotives
There wasn't just one type of DF4C. They made different versions for different jobs!
DF4C for Carrying Cargo
Most of the DF4C locomotives were built to carry cargo, also known as freight. The very first DF4C was made in 1985. These engines looked a lot like an older model called the Chinese Rail DF4B. Over fifteen years, a total of 845 of these powerful cargo-hauling locomotives were built.
DF4CK for Fast Passengers
In 1999, a company called CSR Ziyang Locomotive Works created two special DF4CK locomotives. These were based on the cargo version but were designed to go faster for passenger trains. They had special parts called "radial bogies" that helped them move smoothly. These two trains mostly worked on railways in southern China.
DF4C with Special Wheels
Another unique DF4C, numbered 4466, was built in 1998. This one was designed to be very fast, reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour (about 100 miles per hour)! It also used those special "radial bogies" to help it handle higher speeds.
Why is it Called "Blue Cat"?
The DF4C locomotives have a cool nickname! Unlike older trains that might have been different colors, most DF4Cs were painted in a dark blue or a lighter blue and beige color scheme. Because of their blue color, many people started calling them "Blue Cat". Some even called them "Ukraine" because of the blue and yellow-ish colors, similar to Ukraine's flag.
Who Built These Trains?
Many different factories helped build the DF4C locomotives across China. Here are some of the main manufacturers:
- CSR Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.
- CSR Ziyang Locomotive Works
- Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works (where the first ones were made!)
- Datong locomotive factory
Images for kids
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The first DF4C Locomotive was preserved in China's Railway Museum.
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DF4C 4458 in Luopoling, Beijing
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DF4C 5293 in Beijing West Railway Station
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DF4C 2001 in Luopoling Railway Station
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DF4C 4466 in CSR Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.
More About Chinese Trains
If you want to learn more about other cool trains from China, check out these pages:
- Chinese Rail DF4B
- Chinese Rail DF4D
- Chinese Rail DF6
- Chinese Rail DF8B
- Chinese Rail DF11
