Chinese Rail GKD1 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GKD1工矿D1 |
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| GKD1 0071 in Liuzhou Locomotive Depot, Nanning Railway Bureau. | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
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| AAR wheel arr. | Bo-Bo |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Length | 15,200 mm (49 ft 10 in) |
| Width | 3,268 mm (10 ft 8.7 in) |
| Height | 4,275 mm (14 ft 0.3 in) |
| Locomotive weight | 84±3% tonnes |
| Prime mover | 6240ZJ |
| Transmission | electric (AC-DC) |
| Top speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
| Power output | 990 kW (1,330 hp) |
| Tractive effort | 300.000 kN (67,443 lbf) starting, 210.000 kN (47,210 lbf) continuous |
| Career | China Railway |
| Locale | People's Republic of China |
The GKD1 (Chinese: 工矿D1) is a special type of diesel locomotive used in China. It was built by a company called Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works. These locomotives are like powerful workhorses on the railway tracks. They help move goods and materials around the country.
Contents
What is a Diesel Locomotive?
A diesel locomotive is a type of train that uses a diesel engine to create power. This power then drives the wheels. It's different from older steam trains or electric trains.
How Does a Diesel-Electric Locomotive Work?
The GKD1 is a diesel-electric locomotive. This means it has a diesel engine inside. This engine doesn't directly turn the wheels. Instead, it powers a generator. The generator then makes electricity. This electricity is sent to electric motors. These motors are what actually turn the train's wheels. It's a bit like a hybrid car, but for trains!
The Engine and Power
The GKD1 uses a prime mover called the 6240ZJ. This is the main diesel engine. It gives the locomotive a lot of power. The GKD1 can produce about 990 kW of power. That's about 1,328 hp! This much power helps it pull very heavy loads.
Key Features of the GKD1
The GKD1 has many important features that make it useful. It is designed to be strong and reliable.
Speed and Weight
This locomotive can reach a top speed of 80 km/h (about 50 mph). While this isn't super fast for a passenger train, it's a good speed for moving heavy freight. The GKD1 weighs about 84 tonnes. That's like the weight of more than 10 adult elephants!
Tractive Effort: Pulling Power
One of the most important things about a freight locomotive is its "tractive effort." This is how much force it can use to pull a train. The GKD1 has a starting tractive effort of 300 kN. This is a huge amount of pulling power. It means it can get very long and heavy trains moving from a stop. Its continuous pulling power is 210 kN.
Dimensions of the Locomotive
The GKD1 is quite a large machine.
- It is about 15.2 meters (50 feet) long.
- It is about 3.27 meters (10.7 feet) wide.
- It stands about 4.28 meters (14 feet) tall.
These dimensions show how big and strong these locomotives are.
Where is the GKD1 Used?
The GKD1 locomotives are mainly used in China. They work on the China Railway network. They are often seen in industrial areas. They help move raw materials and finished products. This makes them very important for China's economy.
Built in China
The GKD1 was built by Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works. This company is located in Dalian, China. Building locomotives like the GKD1 helps China develop its own railway technology.
Understanding the "Bo-Bo" Wheel Arrangement
The GKD1 has a "Bo-Bo" wheel arrangement. This is a technical term for how its wheels are set up.
- "Bo-Bo" means the locomotive has two sets of bogies (wheel assemblies).
- Each bogie has two axles.
- Each axle is powered by its own electric motor.
This design helps the locomotive distribute its weight evenly. It also helps it grip the tracks better. This is especially useful when pulling heavy loads or going up hills.
The Role of Locomotives in Transport
Locomotives like the GKD1 are vital for transport. They are the engines that pull trains. Trains are a very efficient way to move large amounts of goods over long distances. They use less fuel per ton of cargo compared to trucks. This makes them important for trade and industry.
