OREANDA-NEWS. On April 17, 2007 the second two-section 2TE70 (2TE70-002) diesel locomotive manufactured by Kolomensky Zavod (a Transmashholding-integrated enterprise) has been made operational on the East-Siberian Railway (JSC Russian Railways subsidiary company). The locomotive is registered at the Ulan-Ude depot, reported the press-centre of Transmashholding.

The 2TE70-002 was leading a 5,750 metric ton train from Ulan-Ude to Naushki during its pilot run on April 9, 2007. It is noteworthy that the first 2TE70 (2TE70-001) freight diesel locomotive has been in service with the Ulan-Ude depot since November, 2006. The 2TE70-001 locomotive accumulated operating time has totaled over 20,000 km. The locomotive leads heavy trains weighing al least 5,500 metric tons. The new 2TE70 freight diesel locomotive is designed to replace the worn-out 2TE116 and 2TE10 diesel locomotives. The 2TE70 has a number of considerable advantages over the older versions. Where tractive features are concerned the two-section 2TE70 can substitute three sections of the previous derivatives. That fact enables heavier trains and lesser shipment time.


The new locomotive will also reduce exploitation costs due to fuel and oil consumption efficiency, and microprocessor control and monitoring system. The new diesel locomotive is fitted with a highly efficient and environment-friendly 2A-9DG-02 diesel-generator. The 2TE70 drivers also note that the driver’s cab has become more comfortable width=100% and ergonomic. They say the noise and vibration level has been substantially reduced whereas control management improved. The 2TE70 undercarriage features plate-and-frame suspension of tractive electric motors and reduction gearboxes. It is a new design solution since previous derivatives featured plate-pivotal suspension. The new suspension scheme provides for the tractive drive higher reliability and the lower railways wear.


The representatives of the Kolomensky Zavod guarantee monitoring service watch the new locomotives exploitation procedures. A total of 10 two-section diesel locomotives designated 2TE70 are planned to be manufactured in 2007. All the locomotives will be sent to the Ulan-Ude depot. The 2TE70 is the first main line freight diesel locomotive to be manufactured in Russia after the USSR collapse. The Lugansk (Voroshilovsk) diesel locomotive plant (now in Ukraine) was the main USSR enterprise producing equipment of the type.