The
class 9E series of locos are exclusively employed on the Sishen to Saldanha iron
ore line (or OREX). The locos run on 50kV power.
Generally a train consists of 3 units, pulling 210 ore wagons (each carrying 100tons of ore), making a train approx. 2.1km long. Up to 4 trains a day make their way to Saldanha.
Also
of interest, is the fact that the wagons are made up in sets of 2. When
they unload at Saldanha, the wagons are swiveled in the train, ie. they are not
uncoupled!
I will display
images of both the locos, and the wagons in this section...
All Photos are the property of, and copyrights are held by Ralph Christie.
The photos are
used with permission. Contact me if you want to use Ralph's photos.
|
The first 2 9Es of the train is clearly visible. They normally are run with 3 locos at the front of a train. |
|
A pair of 9E at the front of a 2.1km long train. |
|
Full front of a class 9E. |
|
The fron and drivers door. |
|
Class 9E number plate, there are not 'sub' classes like with the 10E, 7E, 6E and 5E series. |
|
A closer look at the pantographs and isolators on a 9E. |
|
A couple of CR wagons fully loaded. |
|
A neatly loaded CR wagon carrying approx. 100tons of iron ore. |
|
The semi permanent coupling used here can not swivel. |
|
These are the swivelling couplers used to unload the wagons. These can also be uncoupled. |
|
The overhead catenery, carrying 50 000V to the locos. |
|
Finally, an image of a full ore train dissapearing in the distance. |
All pages
on this web site, including the complete page hierarchy and all photos,
copyright Francois Kritzinger, 2003, unless otherwise stated.
No images
may be used without permission