Power type Diesel-electric Build date 2013- Prime mover MTU 4000R43 | Builder China CNR Corporation Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Engine type V16 Diesel | |
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The CNR CKD8 is a 2,949 hp diesel-electric locomotive manufactured by China CNR Corporation from 2013 onwards for use in Argentina by Trenes Argentinos, a subsidiary of Ferrocarriles Argentinos. The CKD8G variant is used primarily on the General Roca Railway and Sarmiento Railway, while the faster CKD8H is used on the General San Martín Railway and General Mitre Railway.
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Technical specifications
The locomotive has one conductor's cabin on each end, connected by an internal corridor. Its total weight is 120 tonnes with a maximum weight per axle of 20 tonnes. The four stroke 16V 4000R43 engine is manufactured by MTU Friedrichshafen and generates 2200 kw at 1800 RPM.
The locomotives are divided into two sub-models, the CKD8G and the CKD8H with the latter having a higher maximum speed and tractive force. Both have six axles with independent traction engines on each one and have both air and dynamic braking systems.
Purchase and usage
The purchase agreement between the Ministry of Transport of Argentina and China CNR Corporation for 20 locomotives was signed in December 2009. The agreement also included the purchase of 220 long distance passenger carriages, while the total cost of each locomotive which arrived in Buenos Aires from China is estimated to be just under US$2 million.
The locomotives are operated by Trenes Argentinos and used on the Mitre, Roca, Sarmiento and San Martín railways. Services departing from Retiro railway station run to the cities of Cordoba and Rosario, while those departing from Constitucion railway station go to places such as Rufino and Mar del Plata.