Rzeszów 2023-12-03
Škoda 31E Series 181 Electric Locomotives.
Škoda 31E is a series of standard-gauge electric locomotives produced in the period 1963–1965 by the Škoda plant in Plzeň, Czechoslovakia. After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, these locomotives were designated Series 181. Locomotives of this type are operated in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as by private carriers in Poland. Due to the low price of used Series 181 locomotives and the similar Series 182 locomotives, they are eagerly purchased by private carriers in Poland. They are used, among others, by; CargoUnit, Lotos Kolej, CTL Logistics, PTK Holding Zabrze. There are over 100 Series 181 locomotives in operation in Poland. Škoda 59E Series 182 Electric Locomotives were also mass-produced in the period 1963-1965 for the railways in Czechoslovakia.
Work on a new electric locomotive intended for driving freight trains began in 1956. At the factory, the design was marked E669.1. In 1958, the first copy was built, marked E669.002. Two prototype locomotives were built for testing. The locomotive received the Co'Co' axle system. To make the locomotive negotiate curves better, the wheels on the second and fifth axles were undercut by 15 mm. This was the simplest solution to the problem; entering the arches. Nevertheless, the locomotive's running system negatively affects the rails, accelerating their wear. As part of the production, two series of locomotives were created, which differed in the power of traction engines. The 31E1 series has 6 engines, with a power of 435 kW each, and the 31E2 series has 6 engines, with a power of 465 kW. The weak power of the locomotives limits them to driving trains weighing up to 1,500 tons. The locomotives have resistance starting. The locomotives are equipped with a Dako-type air brake and a handbrake. The mechanic's cabins are located at both ends of the locomotive. The entrance to the cabins is only through one door, which resulted from savings and is an impractical solution.
Data T-T Series 181:
Manufacturer: Škoda. Co'Co' axis system. Length 18.94 m. Width 2.95 m. Height 4.50 m. Two scissor-type pantographs with two slides. 3 kV power supply. Wheel diameter 1.25 m. Empty weight 124,200 kg. The locomotive has multiple controls. Maximum speed 90 km/h.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman