EMD FT36HCW-2


The EMD FT36CW-2, classified as the Class 7000 locomotive under Korail, was a Korean semi-high-speed diesel locomotive. It was built to make the Saemaul Class trains more streamlined before the 1988 Olympics. The locomotives were built between 1986 and 1987 and were all retired between 2011 and 2012 when they reached the end of their 25-year lifespans.

Specifications

The FT36HCW-2 is only capable of hauling passenger cars.
The braking system is of an electric type, unlike the air brakes used on the larger GT26CW and GT26CW2 diesel-electric locomotives. However, dynamic braking was prohibited from use due to the aging of the traction motors.
The cab only had windows on one side of the train, so it was hard to see in the other side of the train. Therefore, the top speed when driving in slower speeds was limited to 25 km/h.

History

The FT36HCW-2s were equipped with head-end power. However, the power supply caused many problems, and excessive noise and frequent maintenance led to the decision by Korail to remove HEP from the cars and instead use dynamo cars to provide the head-end power.
The locomotives also were originally powered by EMD 16-645F3B 3500-horsepower engines, but were eventually repowered with more efficient 3000-horsepower EMD 16-645E3 to satisfy passengers and customers.
The front coupler was initially housed, but was converted to an external convex to resolve efficiency problems.

Trains and statuses

There were fifteen FT36HCW-2 locomotives, all of which were classified as Class 7000 locomotives. A detailed list of the fifteen units is below.
Car NumberRetirement YearNotes
70012011Preserved by the Korea Railroad Cultural Heritage Committee.
70022011Sold & scrapped in 2015
70032011Damaged in an accident at Jeonui Station on June 21, 1990 as a Saemaeul train, but was repaired.
Sold & scrapped in 2018
70042011Sold & scrapped in 2015
70052011Sold & scrapped in 2016
70062011Sold & scrapped in 2016
70072011Sold & scrapped in 2016
70082011Sold & scrapped in 2016
70092011Sold & scrapped in 2018
70102012Sold & scrapped in 2015
70112012Last unit in service on, November 28, 2012.
Sold & scrapped in 2015
70122012Sold & scrapped in 2018
70132012Involved in an accident on the Daegu line on June 14, 2008 as a Mugunghwa train, but was repaired.
Sold & scrapped in 2018
70142012Sold & scrapped in 2015
70152012Sold & scrapped in 2015