MINING APPLICABLE
The Trans Africa Locomotive is ideally suited for mined material logistics in Africa
Photo by: Dylan Slater
A new locomotive – the Trans Africa Locomotive 2001 (TAL 2001) – which is designed and developed by South African railway engineering company Transnet Engineering (TE), a division of State- owned logistics company Transnet – is being punted as an attractive pit-to-port logistics solution for African conditions.
The TAL 2001 derives its name from its nameplate power capacity of 2 000 kW and being the first edition of the locally manufactured locomotive. TE is marketing the TAL 2001 as a modern “manufactured by Africans, for Africa” railway solution, with numerous benefits for railways in Africa.
According to TE, the original underframe, superstructure, bogies, body and locomotive control system are designed to withstand the African environment and meet the requirements specific to the continent.
The TAL 2001 is a diesel electric locomotive, relying on a 16-cylinder diesel engine to produce power for electric motors that drive the wheels, thereby eliminating the requirement for overhead power lines used by electric locomotives. This aspect also increases the regional accessibility of the TAL 2001, as it can be used in remote regions where there are no electrical lines, as is the case with many African mines.
Another benefit for railway operators in Africa is the TAL 2001’s braking compatibility, with vacuum and AAR-type air-brake wagons.
The TAL 2001 can pull about 1 400 t on an incline of 1:70 and can be operated on mainline and branch line tracks, as well as yard shunting.