Saldanha Loco Depot.

Stefan Andrzejewski · Post by **Stefan Andrzejewski** » 15 Jun 2009, 17:40

I was in Saldanha this afternoon and decided to visit the Loco Depot there. It is huge. I thought there would have have been a coupe of 9E's and 34's standing around. I counted over 30 Class 34's and 11 9E's. The workshop has cranes to lift the whole train off its bogies. Lionel one of the senior managers showed me around. I was restricted where I could and could not take photos. The electric section is been moved about 1km down the line with a new shed been built. 15E's are due to arrive by the end of the year. He invited me up there when the 15E's arrive.The ore trains have been lengthened to 3.4km. They need extra power. The 15E's are 30% more powerful than the 9E's. The 9E's will be around for another 20 years as they have just been upgraded.From the drivers seat it looks like the cockpit of a 737-800. Only certified people were allowed to walk around the yard, so had to take photos from the entrance to the shed. Not the best of photos I am afraid. See the Diesel section for the others.

Stefan Andrzejewski · Post by **Stefan Andrzejewski** » 15 Jun 2009, 20:55

Does anyone have drawings of these 15E's?

Derek Walker · Post by **Derek Walker** » 15 Jun 2009, 21:16

Drawings? thats the first time I have seen a photograph of those units. How many do they use for an ore train??

Stefan Andrzejewski · Post by **Stefan Andrzejewski** » 15 Jun 2009, 22:15

They are in short supply. You normally find one or two 9E's and 3 Class 34's

Rob Stanier · Post by **Rob Stanier** » 16 Jun 2009, 12:05

Interesting looking electrics! What juice do they operate with ... 25kv?

Stefan Andrzejewski · Post by **Stefan Andrzejewski** » 16 Jun 2009, 13:16

They are 50kv and a power rating of 4140kw. By the way in the last photo of the 9E stabled there is a small motor bike next to the 9E. These fit in a locker between the bogies and is used to inspect the train. Walking up and down a 3.4km train would take the assistant or driver an hour.

Jez Smith · Post by **Jez Smith** » 17 Jun 2009, 14:31

Derek - I strongly recommend that you watch this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBlvB7Ye418

Jez

Stefan Andrzejewski · Post by **Stefan Andrzejewski** » 18 Jun 2009, 08:19

Thanx Jez for that. The trains have been lengthened by almost one km since then. The video gives a good example of one of these trains. The camera man nearly jumps out of his skin when the driver hoots. This is worth a watch.

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