Welcome to the Russian locomotives page! The aim is to collect most of the types of present and past in one place to give you a rough idea on how things look in the east and many countries sharing the 5ft (1520mm) gauge of Russia. From the first look one thing is certain: broad gauge and heavy rails has given the possibility to build the monster locomotives not seen in many other parts of the globe!

Page is divided to three sections: 

    Russian Diesel Locomotives...  
    Russian Electric Locomotives...  
    Russian Vintage Locomotives...  
 
 
 Russian Diesel Locomotives 

 TEP70 / ???70 

Tep70 is the most common Russian passenger diesel locomotive seen outside Russia today. It replaced the popular earlier model Tep60 in production. The Soviet Union bought in 1971 a Hawker Siddeley "Kestrel" locomotive, tested it, dismantled it into pieces and further tested the parts. The Tep70 prototype to copy the test locomotive was put together in 1973, but needed several modifications to cab windows, bogies, gear arrangement, dynamic braking, etc. before the production was finally started. The current model Tep70BS (not a very attractive name addition in English) has minor changes at least to the design. 

Technical details for TEp70 / ???70
Type: Tep70 / ???70  
Usage: Heavy passenger locomotive
Builder: Kolomensky Zavod
Production dates: 1973 to current (the current model is Tep70BS, the builder refers to Tep70 production starting in 1988)
Numbers built: >350 , remaining units from the original production runs unknown 
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
   
Users: GO Rail, Rzd,  ...
Seen: Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Biela Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, much of the ex. Eastern Europe, Eastern Russia, Central Asia.

Energy Source: Diesel fuel  
Engine: Kolomna type 2A-5D49, 4 stroke V16
Power output: 2942 kW (4000 Hp) at 1000 rpm
Nominal power: 600 kW (on Tep70BS)     
Transmission: Diesel electric AC/DC
Alternator:   
Traction motors: AC/DC, ETM type ED-119, 6 x 411kW, later types ED-121A, 6 x 413 kW 
Tractive Effort: 288 kN start / 167 kN at 48 km/h
Braking effort on traction motors (dynamic braking): 3200 kW
Wheel arrangement:  Co-Co 
Wheel diameter: 1220 mm
Minimum negotiable curve: 125 meters

Maximum operational speed where possible:  160 km/h (100 mph)  

Length: 21,7 m 
Heigth:
Width:     

Weight:  135 metric tons +-3%  


Picture: The latest development version of the Tep70 locomotive currently in production is the Tep70BS. Picture of the locomotive at St Petersburg by Denis Shalyapin 2006.

  See more on Tep70 on its own page...

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TEP60 / ???60  

Tep60 was the locomotive widely used in the former Soviet Union for passenger traffic before its newer cousin Tep70. Tep60 was also the first locomotive built solely for this purpose. Almost 1500 units were built between 1960 and 1987 and some are still in use in Russia as well as in countries like Latvia. Tep 60 existed both in a form of a single unit version Tep60 and later the double unit version 2Tep60 to provide more power to certain routes.  

Technical details for TEP60 / ???60
Type: Tep60 / 2Tep60 
Usage: Medium heavy passenger locomotive.
Builder: Kolomna
Production dates: 2 prototypes in 1960, production from 1961 to 1987. 1241 single Tep60 units and 116 double units 2TEP60 were built. 
Numbers built: 1473 , remaining units are few outside Russia and with heavy modernization of the Russian railways this model will be rare very soon in Russia as well. 
Gauge: 1524 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Rzd (Russian Railways), LDZ (Latvian Railways), ...
Former users: Eesti Raudtee (Estonian), ...
Possibly seen in: Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Biela Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, much of the ex. Eastern Europe, Eastern Russia, Central Asia.
  
Energy Source: Diesel fuel 
Engine: Kolomna type 11D45, 2 stroke V16
Power output: 2208 kW ( 2960 Hp) at 750 rpm    
Transmission: Diesel electric DC 
Traction motors: DC, ETM type EDT-340, 6 x 310kW, later types ED-101 to 108A  
Tractive Effort: 201 kN start / 124 kN at 48 km/h
Wheel arrangement:  Co-Co
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm (typical Soviet locomotive)

Maximum operational speed where possible:  160 km/h (100 mph) 

Length: 19,25m on Tep60, 19,33m on 2Tep60   
Heigth:
Width:    

Weight: 129 metric tons  
Axle weight max: 21,5 tons

  See more on Tep60 on its own page...

 2TE116 / 2??116   

2TE116 is a common work horse for the heavy road freight movements of the RZD, private Russian companies like Transoil or Spacecom and numerous users in the former Soviet Union. A true monster locomotive with enough pulling power for just about any need.    

Technical details for 2TE116
Type: 2Te116  
Usage: Heavy road freight locomotive
Builder: Lugansk
Production dates: 1971 to current
Numbers built: 1700+ , early remaining units unknown 
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Eesti Raudtee EVR, RZD, Sillamäe Sadam, Spacecom, Transoil, ...
Seen in: Russia, Estonia, Finland, Ukraine, probably much of the ex. Eastern Europe and anywhere where 1520 mm gauge is common.

Energy Source: Diesel fuel  
Engine: Kolomna type 1A-5D49 V16, 4 stroke ; later units 1A-5D49-2
Power output: 2 x 2250 kW (3017 Hp) at 1000 rpm     
Transmission: Diesel electric AC/DC
Alternator: AC, type ?  
Traction motors: DC, ETM type ED-107A, 12 x 305kW, later types ED-118A, ED-118B, ED-118D and ED-125B
Tractive Effort: 399 kN  start / 248 kN at 24km/h
Wheel arrangement:  Co-Co + Co-Co
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm

Maximum operational speed where possible:  100 km/h (62 mph)  

Length:  18,15m x 2
Heigth:
Width:     

Weight:  138 metric tons x 2 
Axle weight max: 23 tons    

  See more on 2TE116 on its own page...

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 2M62 / M62 

The (2)M62 was the heavy freight locomotive for mainline traffic before the 2TE116. Many units can still be found in use in Latvia and probably in Russia too. Lithuania, where this picture was taken is chancing these units to modern Siemens diesel traction.      

Technical details for 2M62
Type: M62 / 2M62  
Usage: Heavy road freight locomotive
Builder: Lugansk
Production dates: 1964 - 1987
Numbers built: around 1250 single units (2 units needed for one 2M62) 
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Eesti Raudtee EVR, RZD, Sillamäe Sadam, Spacecom, Transoil, ...
Seen in: Russia, Estonia, Finland, Ukraine, probably much of the ex. Eastern Europe and anywhere where 1520 mm gauge is common.

Energy Source: Diesel fuel  
Engine: Kolomna type 14D40, 2 stroke V12, turbocharged      
Transmission: Diesel electric DC  
Traction motors: DC, ETM type ED-107A, 6 x 200kW, later types ED-118A
Tractive Effort: 350 kN  start / 200 kN at around 20 km/h
Wheel arrangement:  Co-Co 
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm

Maximum operational speed where possible:  100 km/h (62 mph)  

Length:  17,4 m (x 2)
Heigth:
Width:     

Weight:  120 metric tons (x 2) 
Axle weight max: 20 tons    

 

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 ChME3 / ChME3T 
Coming soon...
     
     

 TEM2 / TEM3 
TEM2 and TEM3 are numerous and they can be found anywhere in the ex. Soviet territory. These locomotives looks very much like the origin, where the Soviets copied and altered them: an early Alco road switcher! Today, it's hard to find a TEM2 / TEM3 which would look like they originally did, all the units have been altered and some rebuilt since leaving the manufacturer Bryansk.     

Technical details for TEM2
Type: TEM2    
Usage: medium heavy switcher 
Builder: Bryansk
Production dates: prototypes 1960, production 1967 - 1989 
Numbers built: thousands  
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Eesti Raudtee EVR, RZD, Sillamäe Sadam, Spacecom, Transoil, ..., ...
Seen in: Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, probably much of the ex. Eastern Europe and anywhere where 1520 mm gauge is common.

Energy Source: Diesel fuel  
Engine: Penza PD1, 4 stroke 6 cylinder, turbocharged PD1M available from 1968
Power output: 880 kW ( Hp) at 750 rpm     
Transmission: Diesel electric DC  
Traction motors:  ETM EDT-340V>ED-104B-ED118A, 108 kW x 6  
Tractive Effort: 206 kN at slow speeds  
Wheel arrangement:  Co'Co'
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm

Maximum operational speed where possible:  100 km/h (62 mph)  

Length:  17 m 
Heigth:
Width:     

Weight:  120 - 125 metric tons  
Axle weight max: 20,6 tons  

Picture above: Tem2U from the Muuga Harbor just east of Tallinn in Estonia.
     
Picture below: This typical unit of the newer Tem2 production was found at the burning rock area in the northern Estonia.    

Technical details for TEM3
Type: TEM3 (the above picture TEM2 has a TEM3 carbody, bogies are slightly different)     
Usage: medium heavy switcher 
Builder: Bryansk
Production dates: prototypes 1979, production 1980 - 1986 
Numbers built: tens?    
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Some in Estonia, ...
Seen in: Russia, Estonia, ...

Energy Source: Diesel fuel  
Engine: Penza PD1M, 4 stroke 6 cylinder 
Power output: 880 kW ( Hp) at 750 rpm     
Transmission: Diesel electric DC  
Traction motors:  ETM ED118AU2, 105 kW x 6  
Tractive Effort: 200 kN  at slow speeds
Wheel arrangement:  Co'Co'
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm

Maximum operational speed where possible:  100 km/h (62 mph)  

Length:  17 m 
Heigth:
Width:     

Weight:  120 metric tons  
Axle weight max: 20 tons     

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 Russian Electric Locomotives  

 EP1 / EP1M

The EP1 of Novocherkassk is one of the newer passenger locomotives with an interesting Bo'Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement, probably to enhance the adhesion between wheels and the rail. Interestingly the body of the locomotive dates back to 1970's, see Finnish Railways Picture Gallery. The M-version has a newer body design with many control features updated.  

Technical details for EP1 / EP1M
Type: EP1 / EP1M 
Usage: Heavy electric passenger locomotive 25 kV 50 Hz and M for also the 3000V DC
Builder: Novocherkassk 
Production dates: currently in production  
Numbers built: na, hundreds?   
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Rzd (Russian Railways), numerous color scemes 
Possibly seen in: Russia
  
Energy Source: overhead electric 25kV 50Hz or 3000V DC 
Power output: 4400 kW ( 5900 Hp) continuos
Regenerative: Yes         
Traction motors: NB-520B (AC)    
Tractive Effort: 230 kN (manufacturer: 210-230 kN)
Wheel arrangement:  Bo'Bo'Bo'
Wheel diameter:  

Maximum operational speed where possible:  140 km/h (87 mph) 

Length: 16,42m x 2    
Heigth:
Width:    

Weight: 132 metric tons  
Axle weight max: 22 tons  

Microprocessor controlled electronics, fan adjusting to the surrounding conditions (instead of earlier fan full all the time). The design is for one person operations. On the M-version the new modular driver?s cab is compliant with the NB JT TzT 04 safety demands, sanitary rules and ergonomic requirements, including air conditioning.  

 VL82 / VL82M   

The VL82 locomotive is a typical heavy Soviet double electric multipurpose locomotive. Externally very similar to the model VL80 the VL82 is used where double voltage capability is needed. In todays Russia this is becoming more necessary than ever, since the 25 kV lines are being extended. Above the M version is seen in Vainikkala Finland pulling one of the trains from Helsinki to St Petersburg or Moscow in Russia.  
     

Technical details for VL82 / VL82M
Type: VL82 / VL82M 
Usage: Heavy electric on the area where double electric voltage is needed (3000V DC + 25 kV 50 Hz)
Builder: Novocherkassk 
Production dates: prototype in 1966, production from 1967-8, M series p:1972, production 1973-1979.  
Numbers built: 91  
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Rzd (Russian Railways)
Possibly seen in: Russia, Finland, Biela Russia, Ukraine
  
Energy Source: electric 3000V DC or 25kV 50Hz  
Power output: 2800/2540 kW (     Hp), M: 3020/2880 kW (  Hp)        
Traction motors: Novocherkassk NB-420A 4 x 700kW, M: NB407B 4 x 755kW 
Tractive Effort: 320 kN start / 200 kN at 50 km/h
Wheel arrangement:  Bo-Bo
Wheel diameter: 1250 mm 

Maximum operational speed where possible:  110 km/h ( mph) 

Length: 16,42m x 2    
Heigth:
Width:    

Weight: 96 / 100 metric tons  
Axle weight max: 25 tons
     

Picture above: Two of the RzD VL82s in Vainikkala Finland. While the V82Ms numbers 065 and 069 are starting to show their age (even visible from the red star on the nose!) there is also another EP10 type locomotive to add capacity to Russias double voltage routes. Pictures above by Ilkka Siissalo and Sanna Siissalo and below by Denis Shalyapin.
 EP10         

Technical details for EP10
Type: EP10 
Usage: Heavy electric locomotive on the area where double electric voltage is needed (3000V DC + 25 kV 50 Hz)
Builder:
Production dates: 
Numbers built:   
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: Rzd (Russian Railways)
Possibly seen in: Russia, Finland, Biela Russia, Ukraine
  
Energy Source: electric 3000V DC or 25kV 50Hz  
Power output:         
Traction motors:
Tractive Effort: 
Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
Wheel diameter:  mm 
   
Maximum operational speed where possible:   km/h ( mph) 
   
Length:     
Heigth:
Width:    

Weight:  metric tons  
Axle weight max:  tons

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 Russian Vintage Locomotives  
 Te3 /    

Te3 was an early 1950's Russian model for the main line diesel electric locomotive. With around 6800 units built this was also probably the most numerous locomotive built. Each unit consists of two separable locomotives, one each direction. This double loco approach gives added sustainability when the failures occur. The same kind of design was successfully used for decades and "double locomotives" are still a norm in many ex. Soviet satellite countries. 

Technical details for TE3 / 
Type: TE3  
Usage: heavy freight road locomotive (for the time)
Builder: Kharkov, Kolomna, Lugansk  
Production dates: 1953 - 1973.   
Numbers built: around 6800
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: all retired 
Former users: RzD,...
Possibly seen in: one unit in museum in Riga, Latvia, EU
  
Energy Source: diesel fuel     
Engine: Kharkov 2D100, 2 stroke 10 cylinder
Power output: 1472 kW  (1973 Hp)        
Traction motors: DC, ETM EDT-200A / EDT200B, 6 x 205kW
Tractive Effort: 285 kN at very slow speeds, ~200 kN at 20 km/h
Wheel arrangement:  Co-Co
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm (typical Soviet locomotive)

Maximum operational speed:  100 km/h (62 mph) 

Length: 16,95 m x 2     
Heigth:
Width:    

Weight: 121 metric tons  
Axle weight max: 20,0 / 21,2 tons

Variants: 3TE3 (3 units together) for heavier freight, TE7 for passenger traffic with 2:54 gearing instead of the 4:41.   

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 VL26 /    

VL26 was one of the experimental locomotives for the former Soviet Union. Built in 1960's to an American road switcher like looks, the engine housed an overhead electric plus battery operation capability. While the overhead operation obviously worked smoothly, the battery operations with technology available those days was a disaster. Something that was tried to fix for a decade. With no success on the battery side, these units ended up to switchers and local passenger traffic on the lighter trafficked routes. The locomotive was far too slow and under powered for a serious road locomotive use in those days Russia.       

Technical details for VL26 / VL26M
Type: VL26 / VL26M 
Usage: Medium heavy switcher / road switcher
Builder: Dnepropetrovsk 
Production dates: 1966 - 1967. 26M model was built from number 2 in 1972 and was still in use in 1992.  
Numbers built: 10
Gauge: 1520 mm (5 ft)
 
Users: all retired 
Former users: Pribaltiskaya Railways, Pridneprovskaya railways and Sverdlovskaya railways
Possibly seen in: one unit in museum in Riga, Latvia, EU
  
Energy Source: 3000V DC overhead electricity and internal battery    
Power output: 1410 kW / 1080 kW (1890 / 1448 Hp)        
Traction motors: DC, Dnepropetrovsk DT-7A, 6 x 235kW
Tractive Effort: 235 kN at slow speeds
Wheel arrangement:  Co-Co
Wheel diameter: 1050 mm (typical Soviet locomotive)

Maximum operational speed:  80 km/h (50 mph) 

Length: 19,9 m    
Heigth:
Width:    

Weight: 126 metric tons  
Axle weight max: 21 tons  

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There will be more locomotives reviewed later!

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