South African house, WH Auctioneers, holds regular auctions of assets for the construction, mining, transport, agricultural and engineering industries. WH launched an online auction for 13 Afro 4000 Diesel Electric Locomotives which were initially purchased for long-distance services provided by Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Auction’s closing date is set for 12 September 2019, at 14h00 (South African Time).
WH Auctions has been appointed as lead facilitators and auctioneers on the Swifambo Rail Leasing Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) matter which offers for sale the 13 locomotives manufactured by Spanish company Vossloh España who has subsequently been bought by Stadler Rail.
For the locomotives, PRASA and Swifambo Rail Leasing entered an agreement in 2013 for the purchase of 70 locomotives under the rail services' modernisation programme in South Africa.
The vehicles were purchased at EUR 3 million each and it is estimated to now be worth EUR 4.1 million (ZAR 64 million).
In 2014, in South Africa, the new Afro 4000 diesel locomotives were unveiled for entering long-distance passenger services. These assets are situated in Braamfontein, Bloemfontein, Beaufort West, East London and Port Elizabeth with mileages ranging from 509 km to 12,000 km. Proof that these locomotives are able to run on the SA railways, the Afro 4000 has been verified as technologically viable to operate on the South African network by the Rail Safety Regulator with no objections. All the locomotives on auction are therefore capable of operating under any conditions that allow for safe height conditions with Cape Gauge (Narrow Gauge – 3Ft 6inches or 1067mm) rail tracks.
The 6-axle locomotives can be used in more countries:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Taiwan
- Philippines
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Honduras
- Costa Rica
- Botswana
- Canada
- Congo
- Ecuador
Major operating systems electrically controlled are:
- Traction power system;
- Dynamic braking system;
- Load test system.
The locomotive’s electrical control system commands all major operating systems. The locomotive is designed in order to run in single or multiple operation, with single control up to three locomotive units. When operating in this mode, all the locomotives will be simultaneously controlled from the leading locomotive by intercommunicating with the locomotive control circuits through the “multiple unit” located in the front of the leading locomotive.
Auxiliary systems controlled by the computer:
- The ground relay protection system;
- The alarm system;
- Air compressor control;
- Starting system;
- Diesel engine systems.
The operation control of most locomotive systems is performed by a computer, which detects and warns about most locomotive fault conditions through messages on the display as well as through audible alarms. It also records failure messages and significant information in a file memory. This is useful for obtaining a permanent record of events and failures for corrective maintenance. The low maintenance costs are made possible by the modular design, which permits easier assembly and disassembly, with easy access to components.
The locomotive computer performs the following functions:
- Monitors operator controls and feedback devices;
- Controls all major locomotive operating systems;
- Detects and annunciates locomotive operating status and fault conditions;
- Records fault messages and operation data;
- It provides self-tests to aid in troubleshooting locomotive faults.
The EMDEC control system
The onboard Electro-Motive Diesel Engine Control system (EMDEC) is responsible for the fuel injection system designed to improve fuel savings, as well as a reduction in certain types of exhaust emissions. This is made possible by the system’s ability to sense changes in engine or ambient conditions and compensates by adjusting fuel delivery rates and injection timing. The system also protects the engine from conditions such as overspeed, high temperature or low oil pressure.
Bogie
The two identical three excel type bogies with traction and transmission on each axle ensure vehicle guiding along the tracks within the required conditions of safety, stability and comfort. The bogie design allows for optimum running stability and load distribution between wheels, high adherence and good curve negotiation.
The dynamic brakes were developed as an effective means of reducing the amount of tread braking which is required to control trains on long descending grades for extended periods of time. This system preserves the lifecycle of the wheels and allows for longer service life since rim wear is reduced thanks to the lower use of disc brakes. The locomotive control system sets up the traction motors circuit differently for dynamic braking than it does for traction monitoring.
The AFRO 4000 locomotive has two cabs, the one located next to the electrical cabinet is considered to be the front cab.
The locomotive provides optimum driving conditions with a spacious cab which has separated air condition system to assure agreeable condition for the driver and features fire protection. The wind screen is shock-resistant to further enhance the driver’s safety and also ensures minimum noise levels in the cab.
Interested parties can source more information on www.whauctions.com or by calling Prelena at WH Auctions on +27115745700