CP Class 1960

Série 1960 are a class of diesel-electric locomotives built for Portuguese Railways (CP). They were constructed by Bombardier Transportation and entered service in 1979.[1] Of the 13 built, 5 remain in service in 2012. They have a top speed of 120 km/h and weigh 121 tonnes.

CP Class 1960
Locomotive 1970, at Vila Nova de Gaia
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Bombardier-MLW Build date 1979 Total produced 13
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co′Co′ Gauge 1,668 mm (5 ft 5+21⁄32 in) Iberian gauge Wheel diameter 1,016 mm (40 in) (new) Loco weight 121 t (119 long tons; 133 short tons) Prime mover Bombardier 251/E Alternator General Electric GTA-17 PC 1 Traction motors General Electric CGE-785 PA 1, 6 off MU working Within own class only Train heating Electric train heating Loco brake Air Train brakes Air Safety systems Convel
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) Power output Engine: 3,042 hp (2,268 kW) at rail: 2,250 hp (1,680 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 474 kN (107,000 lbf)
Career Operators Comboios de Portugal Numbers 1961-1973 Disposition 1 destroyed by accident, 7 withdrawn

Locomotive 1962 at Campanhã station, Oporto, in 2009

The locomotives were purchased for use on the steeply-graded Beira Alta line, with heavily loaded international services from Lisbon to Spain and France, including the "Sud Express". On 11 September 1985, locomotive 1961 was destroyed in an accident near Alcafache whilst operating the Lisbon-Paris international service. Officially, 56 people were listed at being killed in the accident. The Beira Alta line was electrified in 1996 and the Série 1960 locomotives were reassigned to freight duties.[2]

The remaining locomotives are expected to be withdrawn during 2012, with high fuel consumption being a contributing factor.[2]