Sulzer Brothers
History & Production Details
For Rail Traction

This page last updated June 10th 2008 - updates for the Faur built 6LDA28 powered locomotives.

For what its worth this is my attempt at trying to produce a list, by country, of diesel locomotives and railcars powered by Sulzer engines. These engines were built over a period of at least sixty years and powered trains all over the world. Some have been well documented and examples have reached preservation whilst other worked out their years in the less well travelled parts of the world, then disappeared into oblivion.

The list is compiled from many sources of information. An illustrated booklet produced by Sulzer Brothers in 1967 featuring their traction engine production from 1911 - 1967 was most useful. Information from that booklet and other sources is incorporated in these pages. Without a doubt there are many minor 'errors' on this page, which may simply be variances in records relating to, for instance, ordering dates versus delivery dates or modification of factory rated horsepower to local ratings dictated by altitude or high temperature climates.

Large orders for power units frequently included spare engines as part of the contract.

For many of the entries further detailed information can be found on a particular country's Sulzer powered locomotives by clicking on the link at the bottom of each country table.

Algeria
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Algerian Railways (CFA) ex PLM 8LV31 750hp @ 630rpm FAMH, 1933
Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in		 Alsthom 1PLM 4-ADE-1
Algerian Railways (CFA) ex PLM 2 x 6LDA25 600hp each, built by CCM Alsthom, 1933 - rebuilt 1940/41, MAN engines replaced, 2-Co-2, 4ft 8.5in ?? 1 232-ADE-1
Comp. Phosphates de Constantine 6LDAxx 735hp (CCM Sulzer) FAMH (Marine-Homecourt) 1937/38 Co-Co Jeumont 26-XADE-1 & -2, then 060-XDA-1 &-2 after sale to CFA
Algerian Railways (CFA) - railcar Sulzer 2 x 6LTD19 300hp each De Dietrich & CIE, Reichshoffen Works 1939, Bo-Bo, metre gauge. ?? 1 ??
Algerian Railways (CFA) - railcar Sulzer 6LDA19 400hp De Dietrich & CIE, Reichshoffen Works 1947 - 1950, Bo-Bo, 1055mm (3ft 5.5in) ?? 12YZZDN 101 - 112
Algerian Railways (CFA) - railcar Sulzer 6LDA19 400hp De Dietrich & CIE, Reichshoffen Works 1959 ?, Bo-Bo, 1000mm ?? 4 XZZDN 201 - 204, then YZZDN 113 - 116 after regauging -
Algerian Railways (CFA) - fourgon 2 x 6LDA25 850/665hp De Dietrich & CIE, Reichshoffen Works 1950/51, A1A-A1A, 4ft 8.5in Alsthom 5 ??
Algerian Railways (CFA) 8LDA25 960hp De Dietrich & CIE, Reichshoffen Works 1954, Co-Co, 3ft 5.5in (1055mm) Alsthom 10 060-YDA-1 to 10

More details on Algeria


Argentina
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Argentina State Railway Armstrong Sulzer 6LF19 300hp railcar BRCW, Smethwick 1937, Bo-2, 5ft 6in two mechanical, two hydraulic mechanical 4 #??
Argentina State Railway Armstrong Sulzer 2 x 6LF19 600hp total articulated railcar BRCW, Smethwick 1937, ??, 5ft 6in mechanical 2 #??
Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway Sulzer 6LV28 420hp @ 650rpm Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon 1929, Bo-Bo, 5ft 6in ?? 1CM202
Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway Armstrong Sulzer 1,200 hp (2 x 8LV28 600hp @ 700rpm) mobile power house Armstrong Whitworth 1930, 1A2A1, 5ft 6in Oerlikon-main generator; Metropolitan Vickers-traction motors 2 UE1, 2
Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway Armstrong Sulzer 1,700 hp (2 x 8LV34 850hp @ 550rpm) mobile power houses Armstrong Whitworth 1933, Bo2+2Bo, 5ft 6in Brown Boveri-main generator; English Electric traction motors (8 x 134hp) 3UE3, 4, 5
Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway Armstrong Sulzer 1,700 hp (2 x 8LV34 850hp @ 550rpm) locomotive Armstrong Whitworth 1933, 1A-Bo+Bo-A1, 5ft 6in Brown Boveri-main generator; English Electric traction motors (6 x 230hp) 1 CM 210
Buenos Aires Great Southern Armstrong Sulzer 8LD28 800hp Armstrong Whitworth 1937, 1Co1, 5ft 6in Laurence Scott & Electromotors & Crompton Parkinson 2CM204 & CM205(?)
Buenos Aires Provincial Railways Sulzer 6LTD19 270hp railcars Sulzer Brothers 1935, Bo-2, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) electric 4M1 - M4
Buenos Aires Great Southern Sulzer 8LV28 592hp (shunter) Armstrong Whitworth 1930, 1-C-1, 5ft 6in Hydraulic 1 DH501
Ferrocaril Oeste Sulzer 8LV25 450hp (rail-motor) Armstrong Whitworth 1934 ?? 1 ??
Port of Rosario Sulzer 6LV25 330hp Henschel 1931, Bo-Bo, 5ft 6in Oerlikon 3 ??
Argentine State Railways 4 x 6LDA25 735hp each Argentine State Railways 1951, Do-Do + Do-Do, 5ft 6in Oerlikon 2 ??

More details on Argentina and also about Armstrong Whitworth's Argentina vehicles


Australia
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Commonwealth Railways 6LDA28 955hp BRCW, Smethwick 1953/54, A1A-A1A, 3ft 6in (1067mm) Crompton Parkinson 14NSU 51 - NSU 64
Commonwealth Railways 6LDA28-B 1,400hp Tulloch Ltd, Rhodes, Sydney 1965-1968, Co-Co, 3ft 6in (1067mm) AEI 13NT65 - NT77

More details on Australia


Bolivia
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Patino Inc, F.C. Machacamarca-Uncia Line 6LDA28 730hp Les Ateliers Metallurgiques SA, Nivelles, Belgium 1949, Co-Co, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Oerlikon 122**
Patino Inc, F.C. Machacamarca-Uncia Line 6LDA28 730hp Krupp 1956, Co-Co, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Oerlikon 1 24**

**1949 loco: ordered as No.20, delivered as No.22 but carries small plate on frame No.20.
**1956 loco: ordered as No.23, delivered as No.24 but carries small plate on frame No.22.
More details on Bolivia


Brazil
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Sao Paulo Railway 6LD25 450hp, railmotor + three trailers Armstrong Whitworth 1933/articulated/5ft 3in Laurence Scott & Electromotors 1Cometa
Estrada de Ferro Santos a Jundial 6LDA25 600hp, railmotor + trailers Armstrong Whitworth/BRCW Smethwick 1939/5ft 3in English Electric Co 2Planeta & Estrella

More details on Brazil


Bulgaria
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Bulgarian Railways (BDZ) 12LDA28 2100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1966 - 1975, Co-Co Electroputere 13006.001 - 06.130**
Bulgarian Railways (BDZ) 6LDA28B 1250hp Faur 1969 - 1992, Bo-Bo Voith (Hydraulic) 263??

Views of the 2,100hp locomotives

Notes
**Similar to the Roumanian CFR 060 DA Co-Co's. Weight 115 tons, Length 17 metres, Maximum Speed 100km/h.


Cameroons
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Chemin de Fer du Cameroun (CFC) 6LDA25 610hp Alsthom 1951 - 1952, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) ?? 6BB 201-206
Notes
Weight 52 tons, Maximum Speed 43.5mph. Used on the 212 mile line south from Douala.


Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
Owner Engine Model Builder Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Ceylon Government Railways Sulzer 880hp - no further details Armstrong Whitworth c1933 ?? 2??
Notes
More details on Ceylon
Used for service on the 'Indian Mail', not a success, soon exported to Argentina.


China
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
PRC State Railways 12LDA28 2100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1971 - 1987, Co-Co Electroputere 285ND2 Class
PRC State Railways 12LDA28 2100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1984 - 1990, Co-Co Electroputere 88ND3 Class
?? 6LDA28B 1250hp Faur 1971, Bo-Bo Voith (Hydraulic) 2??
Notes
More details on China


Cuba
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Ferrocarriles Occidentales de Cuba SA 2 x 6LTD19 290hp each ??, 2-Bo, 4ft 8.5in ?? 1?? Re-engined 1939 from a petrol railcar
Cuban National Railways 6LDA22-C 740hp Brissonneau & Lotz, Creil, France 1954, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Brissonneau & Lotz, Nantes, France 6Occidentales 7501-7506, then Occ/FCC 8009-8014, then FCC 60800 series.
Cuban National Railways 6LDA22-C 740hp Brissonneau & Lotz, Creil, France 1955, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Brissonneau & Lotz, Nantes, France 6Occidentales 8001-8006, then FCC 50800 series
Cuban National Railways 12LVA24 2,534hp Clayton Equipment Co Ltd 1965/66, Co-Co, 4ft 8.5in Brush 102501 - 2510, then 52501-52510
More details on Cuba


Czechoslovakia
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
?? 6LDA28 1250hp Faur 1972 - 1983, Bo-Bo Voith (Hydraulic) 42?


Ecuador
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
E.N.F.E. 2 x 6LDA25 610hp per unit Alsthom 1956 - 1957, Bo-Bo-Bo articulated, 3ft 6in Alsthom 5151 - 155
Further details on Ecuador


France - sorted by company in no particular order.
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
PLM Railway of France CCM 8LV28 600hp Forges et Acieries de la Marine et d'Homecourt. 1933 Alsthom 14BMD1, then SNCF (5) 040 DA 1 - transferred to Mediterranee-Niger, Morocco in 1946
CF de Ceinture CCM 8LD28 800hp CIE EM 1933, 1B-B1 CIE EM, Brown Boveri 1D1, then SNCF 141 DB 1 - transferred to Mediterranee-Niger, Morocco in 1947
PLM Railway of France 12LDA31 x 2 : 1,900hp per engine Forges et Acieries de la Marine et d'Homecourt 1936/37, 2Co2+2Co2 Forges et Ateliers de Construction Electrique de Jeumont 1262 BD 1
PLM Railway of France 6LDA25 635hp Forges et Acieries de la Marine et d'Homecourt 1938, Bo-Bo Jeumont 3PLM 4-DMD-1 to 3, then SNCF 040 DD 1-3, then 60031-33 (1)
Paris Metro RATP 6LDA22 600hp Cie des Forges et Acieries de la Marine et d'Homecourt 1950, 0-6-0 CEM 1T 101
Houilleres du Bassin de la Loire 6LDA22 600p Cie des Forges et Acieries de la Marine et d'Homecourt 1950, 0-6-0 CEM 1??
S.N.C.F. 030-DA 6LDA22 570hp Cie des Forges et Acieries de la Marine et d'Homecourt, 0-6-0 CEM 48C 61001-61048
S.N.C.F. 040-DE 6LDA22 600hp (-38, B-40, C-30), Brissonneau & Lotz, 1953-56, Bo-Bo Brissonneau & Lotz, Nantes 108BB 63001 - 63108 series
S.N.C.F. 040-DE 6LDA22C 720hp Brissonneau & Lotz 1957, Bo-Bo Brissonneau & Lotz 20BB 63109 - 63128
S.N.C.F. 040-DE 6LDA22D 720hp Brissonneau & Lotz 1958, Bo-Bo Brissonneau & Lotz 30BB 63129 - 63158
S.N.C.F. 040-DE 6LDA22E 720hp Brissonneau & Lotz 1961, Bo-Bo Brissonneau & Lotz 37BB 63159 - 63195
S.N.C.F. 040-DE 6LDA22E 750hp Brissonneau & Lotz, 1962 - 1963, Bo-Bo Brissonneau & Lotz 55BB 63196 - 63250
S.N.C.F. 060-DA 12LDA28 2,000hp CAFL 1955 - 1959, Co-Co CCM/Sulzer, Winterthur 3565500 series
S.N.C.F. 040-DG 8LVA24 1,750hp (later 1,400hp) CAFL 1961, Bo-Bo CEM 2BB 66501/502, then BB 66901/902
S.N.C.F. 12LVA24 2,650/3,000hp C.A.F.L. & Societe Fives-Lille Cail, 1963 - 1967, A1A-A1A CEM 8168000 series
USINOR, Denain 6LDA22 570hp ?? - 1952, 0-6-0 CCM 3??
USINOR, Denain 6LDA22B 600hp Brissonneau & Lotz 1957, Bo-Bo CCM 2220 & 221
Electricite de France 6LDA22 600hp C.A.F.L. (formerly Homecourt) 1953, 0-6-0 CEM 2Arrighi Seine power station, Ivry sur Seine, # III ? & IV
Electricite de France 6LDA22 600hp C.A.F.L. (formerly Homecourt) 1954, 0-6-0 CEM 1Nantes-Chevire power station, Loire-Atlantique.
Soc. Lorraine de Laminage Continu. (Sollac), Hayange. 6LDA22 600hp C.F.A.M. (formerly Homecourt), Saint-Etienne, 1953/1954, Bo-Bo CEM 5461 - 465
Soc. Lorraine de Laminage Continu. (Sollac), Hayange. 6LDA22 600hp C.F.A.M. (formerly Homecourt), Saint-Chamond, 1955, Bo-Bo CEM 1466
Soc. Lorraine de Laminage Continu. (Sollac), Hayange. 6LDA22 600hp CEM, Saint-Chamond, 1959, Bo-Bo CEM 1467
Soc. Lorraine de Laminage Continu. (Sollac), Hayange. 6LDA22B 600hp C.F.A.M. (formerly Homecourt), Saint-Chamond, 1959, Bo-Bo CEM 1468
Mines de Potasse d'Alsace, Mulhouse. 6LDA22 600hp Brissonneau & Lotz 1955, Bo-Bo CEM 3040 DE 1 - 3 then MDPA BB 63001 - 3
Mines de Potasse d'Alsace, Mulhouse. 6LDA22B 600hp Brissonneau & Lotz 1957, Bo-Bo CEM 3040 DE 4 - 6, then MDPA BB 63004 - 6
Mines de Potasse d'Alsace, Mulhouse. 6LDA22E 800hp Brissonneau & Lotz 1961, Bo-Bo CEM 1040 DE 7, then MDPA BB 63007
SA de Wendel, Hayange 6LDA22B 600hp Marine Homecourt 1955, Bo-Bo CEM 2301, 302
CAFL, Paris 6LDA19 420hp CAFL 1958, Bo-Bo CEM 1??
Marine Homecourt 6LDA19 420hp Marine Homecourt 1958, Bo-Bo ?? 1??

Notes
All are standard gauge 4ft 8.5in.

(1) Retired by 1971, 60032 preserved at museum in Mulhouse.


Germany
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Henschel & Son gmbh 6LDA22 360hp Henschel, Kassel 1955, 0-6-0, 4ft 8.5in Hydraulic 1??


India
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway Armstrong Sulzer 6LTD22 340hp Armstrong Whitworth 1936, 0-6-0, 5ft 6in Crompton Parkinson, Allen West 1DE800
North Western Railway Armstrong Sulzer 2 x 8LD34 1200hp each Armstrong Whitworth 1935, 1A-Co2, 5ft 6in Laurence Scott & Electromotors, Crompton Parkinson 2331 & 332
More details on India


Iraq
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
?? 6LDSR28B 1250hp Faur 1979 - 1982, Bo-Bo ?? 10?
?? 6LDA28B 1250hp Faur 1984, Bo-Bo Voith (Hydraulic) 3?


Ireland (Eire)
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Coras Iompair Eireann 6LDA28 915hp CIE Inchicore 1950/1951, Bo-Bo, 5ft 3in Metropolitan Vickers 2 1100 - 1101
Coras Iompair Eireann 6LDA28 960hp BRCW Smethwick 1956, A1A-A1A, 5ft 3in Metropolitan Vickers 12B101 - 112
More details on Ireland


Japan
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Japan National Railways 8LDA25 1,000hp Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 1953-1955, Bo-Bo, 3ft 6in Mitsubishi Electric 6DD501 - DD506(1)
Japan National Railways 6LDA22 750hp Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 1954, Bo-Bo, 3ft 6in hydraulic 1# ??
Japan National Railways 8LDA25 1,200hp Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 1957-62, Bo-Bo-Bo, 3ft 6in Mitsubishi Electric 65DF50 01 - DF50 65(2)
Notes
(1)Single ended BoBo, diesel electric - 900hp at 800rpm/1,000hp at 850rpm, length 11,900mm, weight 57.9/61.1 tons (empty/operating), speed 90km/h, gear ratio 73:16.
(2)'D'= diesel; 'F'= six driving axles; Double ended BoBoBo, 1,060hp at 800rpm/1,200 at 850rpm, length 16,400mm, weight 78.2/84.2 tons; '5'= max speed greater than 90km/hr, gear ratio 72:17. Built for narrow gauge 3'6" lines. All withdrawn by August 1983, three preserved.
Sulzer engines built under license by Mitsubishi.


Madagascar
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Chemin de Fer du Madagascar (CFC) 6LDA25 625hp Alsthom 1937 - 1943, Bo-Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Alsthom 3LD 1-3, then BBB101-103(1)
Chemin de Fer du Madagascar (CFC) 6LDA25 625hp Alsthom 1946, Bo-Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Alsthom 2LD 4-5, then BBB104-105(1)
Chemin de Fer du Madagascar (CFC) 6LDA25 675hp Alsthom 1952, Bo-Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Alsthom 7LD 6-12, then BBB106-112, survivors of all builds became BBB401-409
Notes
(1) Five ordered prior to WWII, (three delivered 1943/44, two in 1946) & seven in 1952. All Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, Weight 62 tons - first five, 66 tons - last five.

Further details on Madagascar


Manchuria
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
South Manchuria Railway 8LV31 750hp S.I.G; 1931, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Oerlikon 12000
South Manchuria Railway 6LV22 250hp railcar South Manchuria Rly/SIG 1931, 2-Bo, 4ft 8.5in ?? 2?
South Manchuria Railway 6LTD25 500hp railcar South Manchuria Rly 1935, 2-Bo, 4ft 8.5in ?? four car articulated set, total 4 (seating 286)?
Further details on South Manchuria


Morocco
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangment/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
CDF Mediterranee au Niger 8LV28 600hp locomotive Marine Homecourt 1933, Bo-1-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Alsthom 1# 040 DA 1 (1)
CDF Mediterranee au Niger CCM 8LD28 800hp CIE EM 1933, 1-Do-1, 4ft 8.5in CIE EM, Brown Boveri 1# 141 DB 1 (2)
CDF Mediterranee au Niger 6LDA22 750hp locomotive CAFL Saint-Chamond 1955/1956, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in ?? 3 # 030 DB 1 - 030 DB 3

(1) Initially delivered to the PLM France in 1933 and transferred to CDF Mediterranee-Niger in 1946.
(2) Initially delivered to the CF de Grande Ceinture France in 1933 and transferred to CDF Mediterranee-Niger in 1946.

Further details on Morocco


Mozambique
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
CFM 6LDA28B 1250hp Faur 1980 - 1981, Bo-Bo Voith (Hydraulic) 32?


Nigeria
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Nigerian Railway Corporation 6LDA28C 1,400hp Metropolitan Cammell C&W 1964, Co-Co, 3ft 6in Associated Electrical Industries 29 1401 - 1429
Nigerian Railway Corporation 6LDA28C 1,400hp Metropolitan Cammell C&W 1966, Co-Co, 3ft 6in Associated Electrical Industries 4 1425 - 1428 (1)
Notes
(1) 1425 - 1428 were transferred to Nyasaland Railways (Malawi), reporting numbers unchanged; Purchased to replace the four locomotives transferred to Nyasaland Railways.


Nyasaland (now Malawi) & Mocambique
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Nyasaland Railways 6LDA28B 1,200hp Metropolitan Cammell C&W 1962, Co-Co, 3ft 6in Associated Electrical Industries 5 200 - 204 (1)
Trans Zambesian Railways 6LDA28B 1,200hp Metropolitan Cammell C&W 1963, Co-Co, 3ft 6in Associated Electrical Industries 3 205 - 207 (2)
Trans Zambesian Railways 6LDA28B 1,200hp Metropolitan Cammell C&W 1967, Co-Co, 3ft 6in Associated Electrical Industries 7 208 - 214 (3)
Malawi Railways 6LDA28B 1,200hp Metropolitan Cammell C&W 1968, Co-Co, 3ft 6in Associated Electrical Industries 5 405 - 409

More information on Nyasaland/Malawi/Mocambique

Notes
The Central African Federation established 1953 comprised Rhodesia, Zambia & Nyasaland. It was dissolved in the 1960's with Nyasaland gaining independence in July 1964, changing its name to Malawi.
See notes on Nigeria Railways that reflect the transfer of four new Station Class machines (1425 - 1428) to Nyasaland Railways.
(1) Became Malawi Railways 400 - 404 in 1967. The last two machines cost GBP85,000 each.
(2) & (3) Became assets of Trans-Zambesian Railways, numbers unchanged. CFM (Mocambique) took over the line from Beira to the Malawi border in 1967, including 205 - 214.
'Zambesi' Class featured in Diesel Railway Traction - May 1963


Peru
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Peruvian State Railways 6LDA22E 510hp Mitsubishi Kobe 1962, Bo-Bo, 3ft 0in ?? 2??


Poland
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Polish Railways(PKP) 12LDA28 2100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1965 - 1966, Co-Co, 4ft 8.5in Electroputere 422ST43-001 to ST43-422
?? 6LDA28B 1250hp Faur 1977, Bo-Bo Voith (Hydraulic) 3??


Prussia & Saxony
Owner Engine Model Builder Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Prussian Railways4LV38 1,000hpBorsig 1912 direct drive 1(1)
Saxony State Railways8cyl 200hp @ 440rpm?? 1914 ?? 5(2)
More information on the Thermo-Lokomotive and the 1914 Railcars
Notes
(1) Known as the 'Thermo-Lokomotive', powered by a direct reversing two stroke valveless engine, direct drive through coupling rods. Trials halted by World War I, locomotive was not a success. First application of a Sulzer engine for rail traction.
(2) Two re-purchased by Sulzer, rebuilt and resold to Val De Travers railway 1923, to become BCm8 & BCm9.


Roumania
Owner & Class Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement Electrical Gauge Total Running Numbers
CFR DE2-241 12LDA31 2x 2,200hp Henschel 1937/38, b/n 23549, 2Do1+1Do2, 4ft 8.5in Brown-Boveri Co. 1435mm 1241.001 & 241.002(1)
CFR 060-DA 12LDA28 2,100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1959 Co-Co Electroputere 1435mm (A)60-xxxx-x series(2)
CFR 060-DA 12LDA28 2,100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1966 Co-Co Electroputere 1435mm (A)62-xxxx-x series(3)
CFR 060-DA 12LDA28 2,100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1972 Co-Co Electroputere 1524mm (A)67-xxxx-x series
CFR 060-DA 12LDA28 2,100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1972 Co-Co Electroputere 1524mm (A)68-xxxx-x series
CFR 040-DF 6LDA28B 1,250hp SC Faur, Bucharest 1975, Bo-Bo ?? 1435mm (B)69-xxxx-x series(5)
CFR 040-DF 6LDA28B 1,250hp SC Faur, Bucharest 1975, Bo-Bo ?? 1435mm (B)73-xxxx-x series(6)
CFR 040-DHC 6LDA28B 1,250hp SC Faur, Bucharest 1967-1990, Bo-Bo Voith Hydraulic 1435mm (C)80-xxxx-x series(7)
CFR 040-DHC 6LDA28B 1,250hp SC Faur, Bucharest 1967-1990, Bo-Bo Voith Hydraulic 1435mm (C)81-xxxx-x series
CFR 040-DHC 6LDA28B 1,250hp SC Faur, Bucharest 1967-1990, Bo-Bo Voith Hydraulic 1524mm (C)84-xxxx-x series
CFR 040-DHC 6LDA28B 1,250hp SC Faur, Bucharest 1967-1990, Bo-Bo Voith Hydraulic 1524mm (C)88-xxxx-x series(8)
CFR 040-DHC 6LDA28B 1,250hp SC Faur, Bucharest 1968-1990, Bo-Bo Voith Hydraulic 1435mm 476??(10)
Miscellaneous 12LDA28 2,100hp Electroputere, Craiova 1970 onwards, Co-Co, Electroputere various?? 160 (9)
Notes
More details on the 1938 DE2-241 prototypes
More details on the 060-DA Class
CFR = Caile Ferate Romine.
(A)All 060-DA locomotives are Co-Co wheel arrangement, 1,407 were built.
(B)All 040-DF locomotives are Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, 28 were built.
(C)All 040-DHC locomotives are B-B wheel arrangement, 633 were built.
(1) 1st application for this power unit, see also PLM, France. Retired 1964.
(2)The first six locomotives were built in Switzerland (carry SLM & Brown Boveri worksplates).
(3)Similar to the earlier class 60 but with higher maximum speed, 120km/h versus 100km/h.
(5)Built for the Oravita - Anina line.
(6)Similar to the Class 69, but equipped with two air compressors.
(7)Equipped with steam heating generator.
(8)Equipped with Voith transmission.
(9)Delivered to a variety of Roumanian industrial users.
(10)Delivered to a variety of Roumanian industrial users.
With thanks to Romain Viellard for most of the Roumanian information.


Senegal (including French Sudan/Mali)
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Chemins de Fer Dakar au Niger 6LDA25 610hp Alsthom 1939 (deliv 1947), Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in(1000mm) ?? 6BB101 - 106
Regie des CDF du Mali 6LDA25 610hp Alsthom 1947-51, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in(1000mm) ?? 10BB107 - 116
Chemins de Fer du Senegal 6LDA25 720hp AFL, St Chamond, France 1954, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in(1000mm) Voith (hydraulic transmission) 8BB221 - BB228?

More details on Senegal


Sierra Leone
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Sierra Leone Dev. Co. 6LDA28 850hp BRCW Smethwick 1954 (5)(DEL15 - DEL19) & 1960 (1), A1A-A1A, 3ft 6in Crompton Parkinson 6100 - 105

Further details on Sierra Leone


Spain
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE). 6LD22 350hp Maquinista Terrestre y Maritima SA, Barcelona & Soc. Esp. Babcock & Wilcox, Bilbao, 1953-1954, 0-6-0, 5ft 6in Crompton Parkinson Co Ltd & Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon 20 of 200 - see below10301-10400, 11301-11400, 12301-12302, later 303.001-202
Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE). 6LD22B 350hp Maquinista Terrestre y Maritima SA, Barcelona & Soc. Esp. Babcock & Wilcox, Bilbao, 1960-1961, 0-6-0, 5ft 6in Crompton Parkinson Co Ltd & Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon 80 of 20010301-10400, 11301-11400, 12301-12302, later 303.001-202
Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE). 6LD22 350hp Maquinista Terrestre y Maritima SA, Barcelona & Soc. Esp. Babcock & Wilcox, Bilbao, 1963, 0-6-0, 5ft 6in Crompton Parkinson Co Ltd & Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon 100 of 20010301-10400, 11301-11400, 12301-12302, later 303.001-202
Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE). 6LD22B 400hp Maquinista Terrestre y Maritima SA, Barcelona, 1966-1977 Brown Boveri Co 6310401-10463, later 304.001-063
Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE). 6LDA22 600hp Henschel/Krauss Maffei 1954, 0-8-0, 5ft 6in Voith L-37V (hydraulic) 2010501-10520, later 305.001-020
Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE). 6LDA22E 725hp Brissoneau & Lotz (Nantes), 1962-1963, Bo-Bo, 5ft 6in Brissoneau & Lotz (type BL 880-38 1010701-10710, later 307.001-010
ENSIDESA (Aviles Steel Works) 6LDA22 600hp Societe des Forges et Ateliers du Creusot - SFAC (formerly Schneider) 1957, 0-6-0, 5ft 6in Krupp 3 Ba D-46 hydraulic transmission 10A1 - A10

Further details on Spain


Switzerland
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Val-de-Travers6LV26 200hp 440rpmWaggonfabrik Rastatt 1914 Brown Boveri Company 2railcar(1)
Appenzellar Bahn 6LV22 250hp railcar SIG 1929, 2-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) MFO 2BCFm 2/4 25 & 26, then ABDm 2/4 55 & 56
Swiss Federal Railways 8LV21 250hp @ 550rpm (railcar) Schweizerische Industriegesellschaft (SIG) 1925, Bo-2, 4ft 8.5in Brown Boveri 1CFm 2/4 9901
Swiss Federal Railways 6LV28 350hp @ 520rpm (luggage - railcar) Schweizerische Industriegesellschaft (SIG) 1929, 2-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon 1Fm 2/4 18601
Swiss Federal Railways 6LF19 290hp SLM 1936, B-2, 4ft 8.5in SLM mechanical gearbox 2RCm 2/4: 101 & 102 'Red Arrows' (2)
Swiss Federal Railways 8LDA28 1,200hp SLM 1939, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Brown-Boveri Co 21001/02 (later 18451/52)(3)
Swiss Federal Railways 2 X 6LDA25 of 850hp each SLM/Brown Boveri 1955, Co-Co, 4ft 8.5in Secheron & Brown-Boveri Co 4Bmb6/6 1501-1504
Swiss Federal Railways 2 X 6LDA25 of 850hp each SLM/Brown Boveri 1960/61, Co-Co, 4ft 8.5in Secheron & Brown-Boveri Co 10Bmb6/6 1505-1514
Sulzer Brothers, Winterthur 6LD22 350hp Krupp 1954, 0-6-0, 4ft 8.5in ?? 1#??

Further details on Switzerland
Notes
(1) One preserved in Zurich museum. Originally for Prussia & Saxony, two repurchased by Sulzer and rebuilt.
(2) Two prototype railcars for the Fleches Rouges (Red Arrow) service.
(3) Class BM 4/4 II Wheel Arrangement Bo-Bo, weight 65 tons. 18451 is preserved.


Thailand
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Royal State Railways of Siam 8cyl 8LV25 450hp Henschel & Sohn GMBH 1931 - 1932, A1A-A1A, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon 6501 - 506
Royal State Railways of Siam 6 cyl 6LDA25 735hp Henschel & Sohn GMBH - 1945/46, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon 4651 - 654
Royal State Railways of Siam 8 cyl 8LDA25 960hp Henschel & Sohn GMBH 1950/51, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon 3561 - 563

Further details on Thailand


Tunisia
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Chemins de fer du Tunisiens (CFT) Four stroke airless injection 8LV21 250hp @ 550rpm CCM, Paris 1926, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Brown Boveri Company 12-2 DE 2
Cie des Phosphates 6LDA25 635hp FAMH (Marine-Homecourt) 1938, Co-Co, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Jeumont 2060-DB-1 & 2, later 060-DB-201 & 202(1)
Sfax-Gafsa Railway 6LDA25 610hp Alsthom, Belfort 1950, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in Alsthom 17201 - 217
Chemins de fer de Tunisiens (CFT) 6LDA25 610hp Alsthom, Belfort 1951, Bo-Bo, 3ft 3.3in (1000mm) Alsthom 30SNCFT 040DA1 - 30
Chemins de fer de Tunisiens (CFT) 6LDA25 610hp Alsthom, Belfort 1951, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Alsthom 3SNCFT 040DA31 - 33
Further details on Tunisia
Notes
(1) Originally acquired in 1938 by a phosphate mining company near Tebessa, Algeria. Obtained by the CFT in 1945/46 for operation in the Tunis area.

United Kingdom
Owner Engine Model Builder/Wheel Arrangement/Gauge Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Armstrong Whitworth/LNER 8LD28 800hp Armstrong Sulzer Armstrong Whitworth, Newcastle 1933, 1Co1, 4ft 8.5in Laurence Scott & Electromotors, Cropmton Parkinson, Allen West 1 ?
Armstrong - Shell Express, LMSR, LNER & ?? 6LV22 250hp Armstrong Sulzer Armstrong Whitworth, Newcastle 1932, 2-Bo, 4ft 8.5in GEC 3'Northumbrian' - whilst on LNER, others ??
Ribble Navigation / Preston Docks 6LV22 250hp Armstrong Sulzer Armstrong Whitworth, Newcastle 1932, 0-6-0, 4ft 8.5in ?? 1'Duchess' (Works # D8)(13)
LMSR 6LV22 250hp Armstrong Sulzer Armstrong Whitworth, Newcastle 1933, 0-6-0, 4ft 8.5in Laurence Scott & Electromotors 17058 (7408)
LMSR 6LTD22 400hp Armstrong Whitworth, Newcastle 1935-1936, 0-6-0, 4ft 8.5in Crompton Parkinson 107059 - 7068
British Railways 6LDA28 1,160hp BR 1958-1961, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in British Thomson Houston 1515000 - 5150 (1)
British Railways 6LDA28-B 1,250hp BR 1961-1962, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in British Thomson Houston 255151 - 5175 (2)
British Railways 6LDA28-B 1,250hp BR & Beyer Peacock 1963-1967, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Associated Electrical Industries 3025176 -5299, 7500 - 7677 (2)
British Railways 6LDA28 1,160hp BRCW, Smethwick 1958 - 1959, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Crompton Parkinson 205300 - 5319 (3)
British Railways 6LDA28 1,160hp BRCW, Smethwick 1959, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Crompton Parkinson 275320 - 5346 (3)
British Railways 6LDA28-B 1,250hp BRCW, Smethwick 1961 - 1962, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in GEC 695347 - 5415 (4)
British Railways 8LDA28 1,550hp BRCW, Smethwick 1959 - 1962, Bo-Bo, 4ft 8.5in Crompton Parkinson 986500 - 6597 (5)
British Railways 12LDA28-A 2,300hp BR, Derby 1959 - 1960, 1Co-Co1, 4ft 8.5in Crompton Parkinson 101 - 10 (6)
British Railways 12LDA28-B 2,500hp BR, Derby & Crewe 1960 - 1961, 1Co-Co1, 4ft 8.5in Crompton Parkinson 12711 - 137 (7)
British Railways 12LDA28-B 2,500hp BR, Derby 1961 - 1963, 1Co-Co1, 4ft 8.5in Brush 56138 - 193 (8)
BRCW/AEI 12LDA28-C 2,750hp BRCW, Smethwick 1961/62, Co-Co, 4ft 8.5in Associated Electrical Industries 1D0260 'Lion'(9)
British Railways 12LDA28-C 2,750hp BR, Crewe & Brush, Loughborough 1962 - 1967, Co-Co, 4ft 8.in Brush 5071500 -1701, 1707 - 1999, 1100 - 1111 (10)
British Railways 12LVA24 2,650hp Brush, Loughborough 1965, Co-Co, 4ft 8.5in Brush 51702 - 1706 (11)
Brush/Sulzer 16LVA24 4,000hp Brush, Loughborough 1967, Co-Co, 4ft 8.5in Brush 1HS 4000 'Kestrel'(12)
More details on the Armstrong Whitworth UK locomotives
Notes
(1)Later Class 24 (24001-24150). All withdrawn by 1981. Three preserved.
(2)Later Class 25 (25001-25327). All withdrawn by April 1987. Twenty preserved.
(3)Later Class 26 (26001-26046). All withdrawn. Several preserved.
(4)Later Class 27 (27001-27066, 27101-27119, 27201-27212)-several renumberings. All withdrawn. several preserved.
(5)Later Class 33 (33001-33065, 33101-33119, 33201-33212). A couple still active (Feb 2001). Several preserved.
(6)Later Class 44 (44001-44010). All withdrawn. Two preserved.
(7)Later Class 45 (45001-45077, 45101-45150). All withdrawn. Eleven preserved
(8)Later Class 46 (46001-46056). All withdrawn by November 1984. Three preserved.
(9)Removed from service late 1963 and dismantled soon after. Power unit taken back by Sulzer.
(10)Later Class 47 (47001-47999, many renumberings, many gaps). Some still active (Jan 2002). Several preserved.
(11)Later Class 48 but never renumbered. Re-engined with normal 12LDA28C
(12)Exported to Russia, July 1971. Fate uncertain. Sulzer's most powerful power unit for rail traction.
(13)Still operational as late as August 1960.


United States of America
Owner Engine Model Builder Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Illinois Central RR Busch-Sulzer 10 cyl V - 2,000hp ?? 1936 ?? 1 ?9201 (1)
Various 6LDA28B 1,250hp 23 August Faur 1974 Hydraulic Transmission 178
Morrison Knudsen 6-ASL25/30 1,500hp EMD/Morrison Knudsen Remanufactured 1979 EMD 15001
A.T. & S.F. 16-ASV25/30 3,600hp EMD/Morrison Knudsen Remanufactured 1980/81 EMD 45496 - 5499
Union Pacific 16-ASV25/30 3,600hp EMD/Morrison Knudsen Remanufactured 1980 EMD 660 - 65
Southern Pacific 8ASL25/30 2,800hp GE/Morrison Knudsen Remanufactured 1977 General Electric 47030 - 7033
Further details on the USA
Notes
(1) This engine has absolutely nothing to do with Sulzer engine development for rail traction. It is included here simply because it carried the Busch/Sulzer name, all development was from Busch.

In general the larger Sulzer engines did not meet the expectations of the North American market with the AT&SF & UP quick to sideline these locomotives as problems began to occur.


U.S.S.R./Turkestan
Owner Engine Model Builder Electrical Equipment Total Running Numbers
Soviet State Railways 2 x 8LV31 750hp each Krupp #1200 1933, 2-Eo-1, 5ft 0in Secheron 1 E-EL-8 (1)
?? 6LDA28B 1250hp Faur 1991, Bo-Bo Voith (Hydraulic) 1??

More details on USSR



A chronological listing of deliveries of Sulzer powered rail vehicles

1912
Prussia & Saxony Prussian Railways, 4LV38 1,000hp, one - 'Thermolokomotive'.

1914
Prussia & Saxony Saxony State Railways, 8cyl 200hp railcars, five # ??

1925
Switzerland SBB, 8LV21 250hp, one # 9901 railcar.

1926
Tunisia Chemin de Fer du Tunisiens, 8LV21 250hp, one # 2-2 DE 2.

1929
Argentina Talleleres Remedios de Escalada, 8LV28 592hp shunter, one # DH501
Argentina Buenos Aires Great Southern, railcar 6LV28 420hp, one # CM202
Switzerland Appenzellar Bahn, railcar, 6LV22 250hp, two # 25 & 55.

1930
Argentina Buenos Aires Great Southern, 2 x 8LV28 600hp mobile powerhouse, two # UE 1 & 2
Manchuria South Manchuria Rly, 8LV31 750hp, one #2000.
Switzerland SBB, 6cyl 420hp # 18601 luggage van.

1931
Argentina Port of Rosario, 6LV25 330hp shunter, three - # ??
Manchuria South Manchuria Rly, railcar 6LV22 250hp, two - #??
Thailand Royal State Railways of Siam, 8LV25 450hp, six # 501 - 506.

1932
United Kingdom Armstrong Whitworth/LNER, 6LV22 250hp railcar, three #??
United Kingdom Ribble Navigation, 6LV22 250hp, one # 'Duchess'
U.S.S.R. Russia State Rly, 2 x 8LV31 750hp each, one # E-EL-8

1933
Algeria Algerian Railways (CFA ex PLM), 8LV31 750hp, one # PLM 4-ADE-1.
Argentina Buenos Aires Great Southern 2 x 8LV34, 850hp mobile powerhouse, three # UE 3 -5.
Argentina Buenos Aires Great Southern 2 x 8LV34, 850hp locomotive, one # CM210.
Brazil CDF Santos, 4 car articulated train, 450hp
Ceylon Ceylon Government Railways, 880hp, two # ??, exported to Argentina.
France PLM Rly of France, 8cyl 600hp, one # 4BMD1.
France CF de Ceinture, 8LD28 800hp, one # D1.
Morrocco CDF Mediterranee au Niger, 8LV28 600hp, one - #??
United Kingdom Armstrong Whitworth, 8LD28 800hp, one #??
United Kingdom LMSR, 6LV22 250hp, one #7408

1934
Argentina Ferrocaril Oeste, 6LDA25 450hp rail-motor, one # ??

1935
Argentina Buenos Aires Provincial Railways, 6LTD19 270hp railcars, four M1 - M4
India North Western Railway, 2 x 8LD34 1,200hp each, two # 331/332.
Manchuria South Manchuria Rly, articulated four car train, 6LTD25 500hp, 4 #??
Switzerland Swiss Federal Railways, 6LF19 290hp railcar, two # 101 & 102
United Kingdom LMSR, 6LTD22 350hp, ten # 7059 - 7068 (delivered 1935 - 1936)

1936
India Bombay,Baroda & Central India Rly, 6LTD22 340hp, one # DE800.

1937
Algeria Comp. Phosphates de Constantine, 6LDA 735hp, two # 6-XADE-1 & 2, sold to CFT Tunisia in 1949.
Argentina Argentina State Rly, railcar, 6LF19 300hp, four - #??
Argentina Argentina State Rly, articulated railcar, 6LF19 600hp, two - #??
France PLM Rly of France, 2 x 12LDA31 1,900hp each, one # 262 BD 1.
Madagascar Chemin du Fer du Madagascar, 6LDA25 625hp, five # LD1 - 5 (delivered 1943 - 1946).
Roumania Caile Ferate Romine (CFR), 2 x 12LDA31 1,900hp, one # 241.001/002

1938
Argentina Buenos Aires Great Southern, 8LD28 880hp, two #CM204 & CM205 (?)
France PLM Rly of France, 6LDA25 635hp, three # 4-DMD-1 to 3.
Tunisia SNCFT, locomotive, 735hp, two - #??

1939
Algeria SNCFA, railcar, 2x6LTD19 600hp total, 1#??
Brazil Estrada de Ferro Santos a Jundial, articulated railcar 6LDA25 600hp, 2, #??
Cuba Ferrocarriles Occidentales de Cuba, re-engined railcar 2x6LTD19 580hp total, 1, #??
Senegal Chemin de Fer Dakar au Niger, 6LDA25 610hp, six # BB101 - BB106.
Switzerland Swiss Federal Railways, 8LDA28 1,200hp, two # 1001 & 1002

1940
Algeria Algerian Railways (CFA ex PLM), 2 x 6LDA25 600hp, repowering of 1933 loco # 232-ADE-1 during 1940/41.

1945
Thailand Royal State Railways of Siam, 6LDA25 735hp, four # ?? (delivered 1945 - 1946).

1947
Algeria Algerian Railways (CFA), 6LDA19 400 hp railcar, total of 16 delivered 1947 - 1951.
Mali Regie des CDF du Mali, 6LDA25 610hp, ten # BB107 - BB116 (delivered 1947 - 1951).

1949
Bolivia Patino Inc, FC Machacamarca - Uncia 6LDA28 730hp, two # 20 (deliv 1950) & 24 (deliv 1956).

1950
France SNCF, 6LDA22 510hp, 48 # 61001 - 61048 (delivered 1950 - 1953).
France Paris Metro RATP, 6LDA22 600hp, 1 # T101 (delivered 1950).
France Houilleres du Bassin de la Loire, 6LDA22 600hp, 1 # ?? (delivered 1950).
Ireland CIE, 6LDA28 915hp, two # 1100 - 1101.
Thailand Royal State Railways of Siam, 8LDA25 960hp, three # ?? (delivered 1950 - 1951).
Tunisia Sfax - Gafsa Rly, 6LDA25 610hp, seventeen # 201 - 217.

1951
Algeria Algerian Railways (CFA), 2x 6LDA25 850/665hp fourgon, five total
Argentina Argentina State Railways, 4 x 6LDA25 735hp each, 2 #??
Camerouns Chemin de Fer du Cameroun (CFC), 6LDA25 610hp, six # BB201 - 206 (delivered 1951 - 1952)
Madagascar Chemin du Fer du Madagascar, 6LDA25 625hp, seven # LD6 - 12.
Tunisia Chemin du Fer Tunisiens, 6LDA25 735hp, 33, #040DA01 - 033

1952
France USINOR, Denain, 6LDA22 570hp, three #??
Guinea Conakry Niger Railway, 6LDA25? 625hp, two # ??.
Madagascar Chemin du Fer du Madagascar, 6LDA25 675hp, two # LD11 - 12.

1953
Australia Commonwealth Railways, 6LDA28 955hp, fourteen # NSU 51 - 64 (delivered 1953 - 1954).
France SNCF, 6LDA22 600hp, 19 # 63001 - 63019.
France Electricite de France - Centrale Arrighi, 6LDA22 600hp, two # III? & IV .
France Sollac, 6LDA22 600hp, five # ?? (delivered 1953 - 1954).
Japan Japan National Railways, 8LDA25 1,000hp, six, DD501 - DD506
Spain RENFE, 6LDA22A 350hp, 202 # 10301-10400, 11301-11400, 12301-12302 (delivered 1953 - 1966).

1954
Algeria Algerian Railways (CFA), 8LDA25 960hp, ten # 060-YDA- 1 to 10.
Cuba Cuban National Railways, 6LDA22C 740hp, six #7501 - 7506.
France SNCF, 6LDA22 600hp, 19 # 63020 - 63038.
France Electricite de France - Nantes-Chevire, 6LDA22 600hp, one # ??
Japan Japan National Railways, 6LDA22 750hp, one, #??
Senegal Chemin de Fer du Senegal, 6LDA25 720hp, eight # BB221 - BB228.
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Dev Co., 6LDA28 850hp, six # 100 - 104 (1954) & 105 (1960).
Spain RENFE, 6LDA22 600hp, 20 # 10501-10520.
Switzerland Sulzer Brothers, 6LD22 350hp, one, #??

1955
Cuba Cuban National Railways, 6LDA22C 740hp, six #??.
France SNCF, 6LDA22B 600hp, 40 # 63039 - 63078.
France SNCF, 12LDA28 2,000hp, 35 # 65501 - 65535 (delivered 1955 - 1959).
France Sollac, 6LDA22 600hp, 1 #??.
France SA de Wendel, Hayange, 6LDA22 600hp, two 301 & 302
France Mines de Potasse d'Alsace, 6LDA22 600hp, 3 # 040 DE 1 - 3
Germany Henschel & Son, 6LDA22 360hp, 1, #??
Switzerland Swiss Federal Railways, 2 x 6LDA25 850hp, four # 1501 - 1504.

1956
Ecuador ENFE 2 x 6LDA25 610hp, five # 151 - 155.
France SNCF, 6LDA22C 600hp, 30 # 63079 - 63108.
Ireland CIE, 6LDA28 960hp, twelve # B101 - B112
Morrocco CDF Mediterranee au Niger, 6LDA22 600hp, three - #??

1957
France Mines de Potasse d'Alsace, 6LDA22B 600hp, 3 # 040 DE 4 - 6
France SNCF, 6LDA22C/D/E 720hp, 86 # 63109 - 63195 (delivered 1957 - 1958).
France USINOR, 6LDA22B 600hp, two #220 & 221
Japan Japan National Railways, 8LDA25 1,200hp, 65 # DF50 01 - 65 (delivered 1957 - 1962).
Spain Aviles Steelworks, 6LDA22 600hp, ten # A1 - A10

1958
France CAFL Paris, 6LDA19 420hp, one #??
France Marine Homecourt, 6LDA19 420hp, one #??
United Kingdom British Railways, 6LDA28 1,160hp, 151 # 5000 - 5150 (delivered 1958 - 1961).
United Kingdom British Railways, 6LDA28 1,160hp, 47 # 5300 - 5346 (delivered 1958 - 1959).

1959
France Sollac, 6LDA22 600hp, 1 #??.
France Sollac, 6LDA22B 600hp, 1 #??.
Roumania Caile Ferate Romine (CFR), 12LDA28 2,100hp, 1,407 # 060 DA 001 - 1407 (delivered 1959 - 19xx).
United Kingdom British Railways, 12LDA28 2,300hp, 10 # 1 - 10 (delivered 1959 - 1960).
United Kingdom British Railways, 8LDA28 1,550hp, 98 # 6500 - 6597 (delivered 1959 - 1962).

1960
Switzerland Swiss Federal Railways, 2 x 6LDA25 850hp, ten # 1505 - 1514 (delivered 1960 - 1961).
United Kingdom British Railways, 12LDA28B 2,500hp, 183 # 11- 193 (delivered 1960 - 1963).

1961
France SNCF, 8LVA24 1,750hp, two # 66501/502.
France Mines de Potasse d'Alsace, 6LDA22E 800hp, 1 # 040 DE 7
United Kingdom British Railways, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 25 #5151 - 5175 (delivered 1961 - 1962).
United Kingdom British Railways, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 69 #5347 - 5415 (delivered 1961 - 1962).
United Kingdom BRCW, 12LDA28C 2,750hp, one # D0260.

1962
France SNCF, 6LDA22E 750hp, 55 # 63196 - 63250 (delivered 1962 - 1963).
Nyasaland Nyasaland & Trans Zambesian Rly, 6LDA28B 1,200hp, five # 200 - 204.
Peru Peruvian State Railways, 6LDA22E 510hp, two, #??
United Kingdom British Railways, 12LDA28C 2,750hp, 507 # 1100 - 1111, 1500 - 1701, 1707 - 1999 (delivered 1962 - 1967).

1963
France SNCF, 12LVA24 2,650hp, 81 # 68001 - 68081 (delivered 1963 - 1967).
Nyasaland Nyasaland & Trans Zambesian Rly, 6LDA28B 1,200hp, three # 205 - 207.
Spain RENFE, 6LDA22E 725hp, ten # 10701-10710.
United Kingdom British Railways, 6LDA28 1,250hp, 302 # 5176 - 5299, 7500 - 7677 (delivered 1963 - 1967).

1964
Nigeria Nigerian Railway Corp. 6LDA28C 1,400hp, 29 # 1401 - 1429.

1965
Australia Commonwealth Railways, 6LDA28B 1,400hp, thirteen # NT 65 - 77 (delivered 1965 - 1968).
Cuba Cuban National Railways, 12LVA24 2,534hp, ten #2501 - 2510.
Poland Polish Railways (PKP), 12LDA28 2,100hp, 422 # ST43-001 to 422.
United Kingdom British Railways, 12LVA24 2,650hp, five # 1702 - 1706.

1966
Bulgaria Bulgarian Railways (BDZ) 12LDA28 2,100hp, 130 # 06.001 - 06.130 (delivered 1966 - 1975).
Nigeria Nigerian Railway Corp. 6LDA28C 1,400hp, four # 1425 - 1428.
Roumania Caile Ferate Romine (CFR), 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 693 # 80, 81, 84, 88xxx series.
Spain RENFE, 6LDA22B 400hp, 63 # 10401-10463 (delivered 1966 - 1977).

1967
Nyasaland Nyasaland & Trans Zambesian Rly, 6LDA28B 1,200hp, seven # 208 - 214.
United Kingdom Hawker Siddeley, 16LVA24 4,000hp, one # HS4000.
Roumania Caile Ferate Romine (CFR), 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 633 # ?? (delivered 1967 - 1992).
Roumania Industrial, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 476 # ?? (delivered 1967 - 1992).

1968
Malawi Malawi Railways, 6LDA28B 1,200hp, five # 405 - 409.

1969
Bulgaria Bulgarian Railways BDZ, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 263 (delivered 1969 - 1992).

1971
China China Railways 12LDA28 2,100hp, 285 # ?? ND2 class (delivered 1971 - 1987).
China Industrial ?? 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 2 # ??

1972
Czechoslovakia Czech State Railways, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 42 # ?? (delivered 1972 - 1983).

1974
United States of America Demonstrator, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 1 # ??

1975
Roumania Caile Ferate Romine (CFR), 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 28 # 69xxx & 73xxx series.

1977
United States of America** Southern Pacific, 8ASL25/30 2,800hp, four # 7030 - 7033.
Poland Owner ??, 6LDSR28B 1,250hp, 2 # ??
Roumania Industrial, 6LDSR28B 1,250hp, 111 # ?? (delivered 1977 - 1987).

1979
United States of America** Morrison Knudsen, 6ASL25/30 1,500hp, one # 5001.
Iraq Owner ??, 6LDSR28B 1,250hp, 10 # ?? (delivered 1979 - 1982).
Roumania Caile Ferate Romine (CFR), 6LDSR28B 1,250hp, 28 # ?? (delivered 1979 - 1983).

1980
United States of America** ATSF, 16ASV25/30 3,600hp, four # 5496 - 5499.
United States of America** Union Pacific, 16ASV25/30 3,600hp, six # 60 - 65.
Mozambique CFM Mozambique, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 32 # ?? (delivered 1980 - 1981).

1984
China China Railways 12LDA28 2,100hp, 88 # ?? ND3 class (delivered 1984 - 1990).
Iraq Owner ??, 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 3 # ??

1991
USSR Industrial 6LDA28B 1,250hp, 1 # ??

**The USA units were remanufactured using existing/withdrawn bodies, bogies and other components.

The following is a narrative describing (hopefully) the roots of the Sulzer engines in the UK that led to the introduction of the Class 24.


An advertisement from 1963 depicting the Brush Type 4, powered by the Sulzer 12LDA28C engine.

The firm of Sulzer Brothers was founded in 1834 comprised of the father, Johann Jakob Sulzer-Neuffert and his two sons, Johann Jakob & Salomon. The building of a foundry in Winterthur, also in 1834 led to the beginnings of the production of numerous items including iron castings, heating radiators, steam boilers and stationary steam engines. Expansion took place into pumps, fans, paddle steamers and refridgeration equipment. The production of ice making machines for Professor Carle von Linde brought the firm into contact with Rudolf Diesel, a student under Professor Linde. Diesel had arrived at Winterthur in 1879 under the recommendation of Linde, to gain some practical engineering experience whilst waiting to re-sit his exams, missed in 1879 due to a bout of typhoid fever.

In February 1892 Diesel applied for his famous Patent that heralded the birth of the diesel engine, although at this time it was little more than ideas & hypotheses. Initially he received little support for development of his patent, in widening his search for interested parties he forwarded a copy of his book to Sulzer Brothers, also personally corresponding with their chief engineer, Wilhem Zublin. The response from Sulzer was lukewarm, even Sulzer's prinicipal advocate Johann Jakob Sulzer-Imhoof remained interested but cautious. They, like many others were interested in the scientific aspects but seemed wary of the commercial prospects for this new technology. However an agreement was signed in May 1893 with Diesel to allow Sulzer Brothers exclusive rights of Diesel's patents in Switzerland and to receive all discoveries from the research carried out by Diesel at Augsburg. Sulzer Brothers were one of ten licensees signed to Diesel's patents. Diesel's initial machine was completed in July 1893, but took a further seven months to reach an acceptable level of operation. J.J. Sulzer-Imhoof visited Augsburg several times, in November 1895 to see Diesel's original engine and then in February 1897 to witness successful demonstrations of a second engine. The thermal efficiency of this engine was greater than double that of current steam engines, a fact which led to Sulzer (and many of the other licencees) to build and test its own diesel engines. This resulted in the succesful running of their first engine during June 1898, a single cylinder four stroke engine developing 20bhp.

In 1898 a holding company, the Allgemeine Gesellschaft fur Dieselmotoren AG was established to handle all rights to Diesel's patents. All licencees provided the holding company with data obtained from research into this new technology. Many pitfalls were encountered and Sulzer Brothers were also encumbered with the 1893 agreement that seriously limited the markets open to them. A new, broader licensing agreement drawn up in 1903 provided them with the impetus to create a diesel engine department, a research area for the two & four stroke designs and a sales department. Winterthur's first order came in January 1903 for twelve 35hp single cylinder engines. The journey had begun. By 1906 twelve engine sizes were available, with outputs from 15 to 600 bhp.

Although the commercial success of the diesel engine was now assured, its chief creater, Rudolf Diesel suffered a series of financial set backs as well as falling into poor health. On September 29th 1913 Diesel and two colleagues boarded a steamer bound from Antwerp to Harwich. He was not seen alive again, a body carrying his identification was later found by a Dutch vessel, and in line with tradition at the time the remains were buried at sea.

Sulzer's use of worldwide licencees to build their engines was a remarkable pioneering business decision which over time proved to be the correct one considering the location of Winterthur. The first licencee in the UK was William Denny & Brothers of Dumbarton in February 1913, followed by Sir W G Armstrong Whitworth Co Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne in March 1920.

The initial direction of Sulzer's new found diesel engine production was for stationary applications, the 'D' & 'K' models. However the fitting of the French canal barge 'Petit Pierre' late in 1903 with AB Diesels Motorer 25hp diesel engine saw the first successful marine application. Sulzer's first application 'at sea' was in a Leeds - Liverpool canal boat in 1905 with a two cylinder thirty horsepower 'D' series engine. The application was not a success, but as usual the experience was priceless. And so it would be through to the end of the 20th Century, when their 12RTA96C, at the time the world's most powerful diesel, and delivering just under 90,000hp entered service in some P&O vessels.

For the railway application Sulzer built rail traction engines between 1912 & 1992. Their first attempt, like the English canal boat was not a success. The 1912 built 'Thermo-Lokomotive' containing a four cylinder two stroke 1,000hp diesel engine (a 4LV38) was a failure, the unusual starting procedure and the direct transmission proving to be major weakness in the design. Two years later five railcars for the Prussian & Saxony railways proved to be the better starting point for rail traction, fitted with faster running four stroke engines (6LV26's) and coupled to an electric transmission.

In the United Kingdom the firm of Armstrong Whitworth of Scotswood, Newcastle established a diesel traction department in 1930/31, employing use of the Sulzer line of engines. Three Sulzer powered 250bhp LNER railcars were manufactured in 1932 for the Tyneside area. In 1934, the LMS ordered a diesel electric shunting locomotive (7408, later 7058) powered by a six cylinder Sulzer engine (6LV22), with electrical components from Lawrence Scott and Electromotors of Norwich. This was based on an earlier 1932 built machine destined for industrial service and which would outlive the LMS shunter. It trialled at Willesden and Crewe, and clearly showed its superiority over the diesel mechanical types. The advent of WW2 saw it borrowed by the War Department between 1941 - 1943, returning afterwards to Willesden. Its final years were spent at Toton, being allocated BR number 13000, but never carried as its service ended in November 1949, being scrapped two months later at Derby Works.

By 1935 an order for twenty shunters, based loosely on 7058 and 7079 (the E.E. variant) was issued by the LMS. Ten were delivered by Armstrong Whitworth late in 1936, numbered 7059 - 7068, using the same Sulzer engine as 7058, a 6LTD22 model, now rated at 400hp. This increase was achieved by lightening the components and increasing the rpm from 775 to 875. The main generator and traction motor being supplied by Crompton Parkinson. The jackshaft drive was continued over from 7058, but the main fuel tank was now placed between the cab and the engine compartment. All entered service in 1936 split between Crewe South and Kingmoor. Starting in 1940 they were all requisitioned by the War Department, seeing service in France, Belgium, Holland and Egypt. Four were eventually purchased by the Belgian Railways, the last not being retired until January 1966. Two were sold to the Egyptian State Railways in the early 1950's, remaining in service until 1974. Two suffered mechanical problems and saw no service after the war's end whilst the remaining two saw much use by the War Department in the UK before being sold to private buyers. Prior to World War Two Armstrong Whitworth closed down its diesel traction department.


A 1960 advert portraying the BRCW Type 3 destined for the Southern Region, and the engine it was equipped with.

The 'LD' series of engines came into production in 1933 with Armstrong Whitworth's prototype 'UL' locomotive in the UK and other pioneering locomotives built in France. Gradually the 'LD' series would become Sulzer's primary offering for traction needs. During the 1930's thirty countries operated Sulzer powered rail vehicles whilst by 1937 a single engine producing in excess of 2,000hp was available. This culminated in the twin bank 12LDA31 from 1937/38, used in double locomotives built for use in France & Roumania. The nomenclature of the engine designations was, for example, 6=cylinders, L=traction i.e. locomotive, D= direct injection, A=blown/turbo charged (from the German 'Abgasturbine'), 28=cylinder bore in centimeters.

The 'LD' series engines first appeared in the British Isles in mainline Sulzer powered locomotives built in 1951 at Inchicore for the CIE. They were 80ton Bo-Bo's of 915hp (later 960hp), numbered 1100/1 powered by a 6LDA28 engine at 750rpm, with Metropolitan Vickers electrical equipment. During 1954/55 BRCW, Sulzer and Crompton Parkinson produced twenty machines for Commonwealth Railways (14) and the Sierra Leone Development Corp. (6), using the 6LDA28 of 900/1000hp. During 1956/7 the CIE ordered 12 A1A A1A machines, again Metropolitan Vickers supplied the electrical equipment, but assembly was by BRCW. With this last order however the diesel engines were constructed at Vickers Armstrong's plant at Barrow in Furness, rather than at Sulzer's Winterthur plant. By the time of the first BR/Sulzer Type 2 order Sulzer were firmly established with a product that could be bought 'of the shelf'. With a British Transport Commission requirement mandating orders to go to English firms, the Sulzer engines were built under license by Vickers Armstrong at Barrow, who at that time were enlarging their workshops to handle a production run of about 1,450 power units. During the height of production 12 - 15 engines were turned out each month. This number included about sixty spare power plants. To allow Vickers Armstrong time to tool up Sulzer supplied the first ten 6LDA28A engines from their plant at Winterthur.

Return to Picture menu
Return to Home Page