WCG 2

The Indian locomotive class WCG 2 was a class of 1.5 KV DC electric locomotives that was developed in the late 1970s by Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Chittaranjan Locomotive Works for Indian Railways. They entered service in February 1971. A total of 57 WCG-2 were built at CLW between 1970 and 1976, which made them the most numerous class of Pure DC electric locomotive.

The WCG-2 was An extremely powerful class of locomotive and almost single handedly stabilized the chaos caused by Locomotive shortage in Mumbai section during 1990s.

They are famously known for doing passenger duties and banking duties in the Bhor and Thull ghats. However, with the advent of new 3-phase locomotives and conversion of Central Railways to 25 kV AC, the aging fleet of WCG-2 locomotives were only seen doing duties around ghat sections that remained 1.5 KV DC until the morning 2nd May, 2010 when the whole section got fully converted 25 KV, 50 Hz AC.

History
Since most of IR network was either 25 KV AC or not electrified at all and only AC locomotives were being Manufactured, therefore all WCG 2 were Custom built by CLW for pulling freight on the 1.5 KV DC section of the CR Mumbai Division.

They had better adhesion available through the provision of a vernier control on the starting resistance. They used AC auxiliaries, compressor and alternator from Kirloskar, exhauster by Northey, others by S F India. They had Three series-parallel motor combinations and weak field operation was possible. Bogie design was same as WDM 2.

RDSO designed WCG 2 based on Japanese models i.e. WAM series of locomotives, but final design and manufacturing was by CLW. These locos could be MU'ed up to 3 units. In their Hay days, They pulled freight though the steep ghats of CR, Often Double or triple headed.

Service History
Since DC locomotives were only found around Mumbai area, No new DC locomotives were being developed, and the WCG 2 was as mentioned, a custom built special case. 57 were procured from CLW during 1970-76 and they were dedicated freight locomotives. Normally coupled in pairs or triples, they hauled freight trains in the Bombay - Igatpuri/Pune sections.

Almost all Passenger and Mixed DC locomotives (except WCG 2) were almost 35-40 years old, some were even 55-60 year old, and as luck would have it, The ageing fleet of WCM 1/2/4/5 started failing frequently around 1992. Such was the Chaos that Not a single train going out of Mumbai region was on time. Locomotives like WCG 1, developed way back in 1928 were still operating because Mumbai had very few reliable locomotives.

The WCG 2 single handedly put things in order during these chaotic times. Although designed to pull freight, they started hauling everything around Mumbai be it expresses, passengers, freight even EMUs. By this time, they were supplemented by Bi Current Locomotives like the WCAM series. They remained the most powerful locos until WAG 7 came into scene, and were the most powerful class of pure DC locomotives ever manufactured.

IR started gradually converting the Mumbai section to 25 KV AC and the WCG 2 were only seen operating on the Bhore ghat area that remained pure 1.5 KV DC. In their final years of service, they were seen Banking In triple MU'ed uunits pushing trains up the bhore ghats. By 2010 only 15 or so remained in service, way past their operational life but were still in good condition for their age.

On 2nd May, 2011 a pair of WCG 2 banked CSTM-PUNE Intercity Express up the Bhore ghats for the last time, After which the section got converted to 25 KV AC, marking the end of DC electric era of Indian Railways. All operational units were taken back to Kalyan electric locomotive shed and were auctioned off to scrappers. The last of the WCG 2 units was scrapped in july 2012.

Sheds
All WCG 2 were assigned to Kalyan Locomotive Shed and Sported the Kalyan Locomotive Shed livery which looked similar to Deccan queen, but were painted cream instead of white.

Current Status
WCG 2 #20108 was Transported to West Bengal and was restored and now is an exhibit at the CLW Locomotive Park near the very factory where it was manufactured almost 30 years ago.

WCG 2 #20158 that was to be sent to NRM delhi was plinthed at CSTM heritage gully on january of 2019. It reamins unknown if it will be sent to NRM delhi Later on.

All other units were scrapped.