Soviet locomotive class L

Soviet locomotive class L
Locomotive L-3653 near Moscow
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
DesignerL.S. Lebedyanskiy
BuilderKolomna Locomotive Works
Build date1945—1955
Total produced4,199
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-10-0
Driver dia.1,500 mm (59.06 in)
Height4,873 mm (15.99 ft)
Axle load18 t (18 long tons; 20 short tons)
Fuel typeCoal
Firebox:
 • Grate area6 m2 (65 sq ft)
Boiler pressure14 kgf/cm2 (1.37 MPa; 199 psi)
Superheater:
 • Heating area113 m2 (1,220 sq ft)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size650 mm × 800 mm (25.59 in × 31.50 in)
bore x stroke
Valve gearWalschaerts
Performance figures
Maximum speed85 km/h (53 mph)
Tractive effort271.5 kN (61,040 lbf)
Career
NicknamesSwan
LocaleSoviet Union
First run1945
Retired1975-1995
Scrapped1975-1991 (600),1992-1995
DispositionMost Scrapped

The Soviet locomotive class L (Russian: Л) was a Soviet main freight steam locomotive type. They were nicknamed Lebed, "Swan."[1]

Description

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The L class 2-10-0 was the first Soviet locomotive to use Boxpok-type wheels, which were commonplace in steam locomotive design post-World War II. A casing between the dome and chimney covered a steam drier pipe.

History

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It was designed and built by the Kolomna Locomotive Works shortly after World War II under supervision by L.C. Lebedyanski. It was originally designated Class P (for Pobeda, "victory"), but was redesignated Class L in honor of its designer.

In conjunction with the FD class 2-10-2, it was primarily used to haul mainline goods across the terrain of the Soviet Union. Over 4,000 L class locomotives were constructed from 1945-1955, and they operated with the Soviet Railways until 1975.

Today there are over 300 example of L class locomotives surviving in various states of repair in the former Soviet Union, constituting the single largest surviving class of locomotives in the world. Many are still in operating condition.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ross, David, ed. (2003). The Encyclopedia of Trains and Locomotives. Barnes & Noble, p. 206. ISBN 978-0-7607-9679-5.