WAP 1

WAP-1 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in the 1980 by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works for Indian Railways. They entered service in 1980. A total of 77 WAP-1 were built By CLW between 1980 and 1996.

The WAP-1 is India's first dedicated electric passenger locomotive of Indian Railways having served trains for over 40 years. This class provided the basic design for a number of other locomotives like WAP 3 and WAP 4 and WAP 6. However, with the advent of new 3-phase locomotives like WAP 5 and WAP 7, the DC traction motor type WAP 1 and other locomotives were relegated to hauling smaller express and passenger trains and now the aging fleet the WAP-1 locomotives are being slowly withdrawn from mainline duties.

As of June 2020, 55 locomotives still remain on regular mainline duty as WAP 1.

History
Five prototype locomotives were ordered from CLW to the design of RDSO. The first prototype locomotive was put into service in 1981. They were first used on the Howrah Rajdhani Express.

Until the Arrival of WAP 1, double headed WDM 4 were used to haul the Howrah Rajdhani Express. A single WAP 1 could haul a 18 coach ICF rajdhani at speeds of 120-130 km/h.

The locomotive is powered by six axle-hung, nose-suspended forced ventilated type DC traction motors. Speed control is achieved by grouping in 2S-3P combination and by field weakening of the motor. It utilizes a silicon rectifier for conversion of AC power into DC.

Compressed air brake for the locomotives and vacuum brake for the train are present. The brake system was modified to make them suitable for dual brakes.

Service history
The WAP 1 was the first dedicated passenger Service locomotive. First Prototypes were re-geared WAM 4 units in WAP 1 shells. They were dedicated Links of Howrah Rajdhani and many other Prestigious as well as high priority trains until the arrival of the much powerful WAP 4.

They sport the famous ICF Rajdhani livery and many operational units are still painted in that livery.

All WAP 1 units have Flexicoil Mark 4 bogies, Only 5 Units had Flexicoil Mark 2 bogies and were named WAP 1 FM II. These 5 units were later classified as WAP 3.

These 5 Units were again reverted Back to WAP 1 configurations around late 1990s.