Locomotive Class 408 (M40)

This locomotive is designed to perform line as well as traction services. Its resource is a 16-cylinder, 16 VFE 17/24 GANZ-Jendrassik type diesel engine with a maximum revolution of 1,200/min. The diesel engine drives a direct current generator, while the electricity produced by the generator operates the series-wound tractive motors on the axles of the vehicle. The regulatory equipment ensures that - irrespective of the vehicle’s speed - the performance exerted by the diesel engine may be fully exploited. These locomotives used to be equipped with VAPOR-HAGENUK or CLAYTON train heating boilers. These days however, they have already been removed from the vehicles.

With regard to these types of locomotives, vehicles were manufactured for track group numbers 000, 100, 200, 300 and 900. The locomotive under track group number 000 was originally equipped with an engine of 800 horse power, while 100 and 200 were equipped with one of 1,000 horse power. A further difference between the vehicles – other than the performance of the diesel engines – concerned the bogie-casing connection and the control of heating. Vehicles under track group number 900 do not have heating equipment. The renovated track group number 300 is equipped with a CAT 3512 type engine, without train heating.

These locomotives are currently used for shunting at stations, and for routing lower capacity freight trains.