PKP class SM48 explained

SM48 is the name for class of Soviet diesel locomotives operating in Poland for PKP. The original designation was ТЭМ2 (TEM2), and was the Soviet-built version of the ALCO RSD-1.

History

The SM48 was originally put into service on the eastern Polish railways, where Russian broad gauge railways were still in use. It turned out that the locomotive fitted well within the structure gauge on standard gauge lines.

Introduction

Since 1976, PKP have bought 130 SM48 locomotives. There are also locomotives in service with other Polish operators: PCC Rail, PTKiGK Zabrze, Kopalnia Piasku Kotlarnia.

Modernizations

Since 2010, several locomotives underwent modernization to Newag 15D/16D standard.^[1] (PKP Cargo classes them as ST48.)

In 2017, Pesa offered their version of modernization, designated 19D.^{[2] [3]}

In 2021, offered their version of modernization, designated 20D.^{[4] [5]}

Nicknames

• Tamara – from an original USSR name "TEM2"
• Walentyna – from a popular female name in USSR

See also

• Polish locomotives designation

Notes and References

1. News: 15D/16D . Newag .
2. Piotr . Michalak . Wojciech . Jakuszko . Mariusz . Far . Modern systems and assemblies in modernized 6Di and 19D locomotives . Pojazdy Szynowe . 0138-0370 . 2/2018 . 38–51 .
3. News: [PL] IPS Tabor and Pesa present: the first 19D modernization locomotive ]. Railcolor News . 3 May 2017 .
4. Web site: Locomotives – Catalogue . PDF . Tabor Dębica .
5. News: Jakub . Madrjas . Tabor Dębica zaprezentował lokomotywę 20D . Tabor Dębica demonstrated 20D locomotive . 27 August 2021 . pl .