WCAM Class

WCAM (W -broad gauge ; CA -Both DC and AC ; M -for both goods and passenger service) is the dual-power AC-DC series locomotive used by Indian Railways. These locomotives can run under both DC traction and AC traction .All the WCAM locos were made by BHEL.They have 750V DC traction motors, using resistance banks in DC mode and a variable ratio auto-transformer with rectifier units in AC mode, for power control.

The WCAM class locomotives are in services only in Mumbai Region. The dual-voltage WCAM series locomotives haul intercity trains out of Mumbai DC suburban region which is still on 1500V DC overhead system as opposed to other parts of India which have 25000 V AC overhead.

Virar is the change-over point the traction, being DC inwards near Mumbai and AC on the outer side.The WCAM class of locos on Western Railways operated till Baroda on the mainline beyond which it is purely AC line. Trains to Ahmedabad from Mumbai are usually hauled by WCAM locos all the way. Generally the WCAM locos are restricted to Valsad / Surat. On Central Railway line they are in service on Mumbai - Igatpuri route which is change over point for AC-DC line . Sometimes they go up to till
Manmad

There are four types of Locomotives under WCAM class -
Mixed type locomotives:
*WCAM 1
*WCAM 2
*WCAM 3

Goods locomotives:
*WCAG 1

Comparative Specifications of different type of WCAM

ee also

*Indian locomotives

References

* [http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-loco-electric-dc.html#acdc Electric Locomotive Classes –DC & Dual current]