Nowa Sól 2023-01-31
Electric locomotives Škoda 71E Series 163.
The electric locomotive Škoda 71E, Series 163, was developed at the beginning of the 1980s to replace the first generation of electric locomotives, Series 140 and 141, produced by Škoda. The 140 and 141 series were planned to be withdrawn from service in 1985. Dual system prototypes (25 kV/50 Hz AC and DC) locomotive Series 363 (ES 499.1) served as the design basis for the new 3 kV DC electric locomotives Series 163 and 162. Many changes were made to the electrical systems. The mechanic's cabs are equipped with air-conditioning.
A total of 120 Škoda 71E locomotives, series 163 and 162, were produced. Production lasted from 1984 to 1992 at the Škoda plant in Plzeň, Czechoslovakia. The initial designation of the Škoda 71E Series 163 locomotives was Series E 499.3. At the beginning of the 1990s, the economy of Czechoslovakia, and then the Czech Republic and Slovakia, was hit by a crisis. It was necessary to find buyers for the already produced locomotives. In 1995, 9 copies of these locomotives, after appropriate reconstruction, were purchased by the Italian carrier FNME S.p.A. Here the locomotives received the designation E 630 in Italy. The locomotives are operated as freight and passenger locomotives.
Škoda 71E Series 163 locomotives are currently in service (2023) in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Italy, and since 2007 also in Poland. Since October 2007, locomotives of this series have been used by PKP Intercity. From September 2012, 10 locomotives were leased by Przewozy Regionalne until 2016. Since 2015, most of the polonized locomotives of this series have been operated by CD Cargo Poland.
T-T data Škoda 71E Series 163:
The Bo'Bo' axis system. Service weight 84,000 kg. Length 16.80 m. Width 2.94 m. Height 4.64 m. Wheel diameter 1.25 m. Top speed 120 km/h. AL 4542 FiR engines, 4 units, one for each axle. Gear ratio 1:3.522. Continuous power 3,480 kW. Maximum tractive force 177 kN. Dako/Oerlikon brake system.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman