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WCAM (W -broad gauge ; CA -Both DC and AC ; M -for both goods and passenger service) is the dual-power AC/DC series locomotive used by Indian Railways. These locomotives can run under both DC traction and AC traction. All the WCAM locos except the WCAM 1 (made by CLW) were made by BHEL. They have 750 V DC traction motors, using resistance banks in DC mode and a variable ratio auto-transformer with rectifier units in AC mode, for power control.
Contents
The WCAM class locomotives were in service only in the Mumbai region. The dual-voltage WCAM series locomotives hauled intercity trains out of Mumbai DC suburban region which was on a 1500 V DC overhead system, as opposed to other parts of India which have 25000 V AC overhead.
Western Railways having switched over to complete AC traction on 5 February 2012 has transferred almost all its WCAM locomotives to Central Railways although it still has some WCAM 1 locomotives which haul passenger trains up to Ahmedabad Junction.
On the Central Railway line they are in service on Mumbai CST - Igatpuri or Mumbai CST - Pune line. Sometimes they travel up to Itarsi Junction.
With Central Railways progressively moving towards a complete changeover from DC to AC traction, trains leaving Lokmanya Tilak Terminus have started using pure AC engines.
Loco sheds holding WCAM engines
As of 2014, the only shed holding WCAM engines is Kalyan. Prior Western Railways changeover to AC traction, its locomotives were managed by the Valsad shed.
Types
There are four types of Locomotives under WCAM class:
Specifications
Comparative Specifications of different type of WCAM