Renfe Class 309

Renfe 309
309005 in October 2005
Type and origin Power type Diesel–hydraulic Builder M.T.M (Maquinista Terrestre y Maritima)[1] Model DH-700[2] Build date 1986–1987[1] Total produced 20[2]
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC C[1] Gauge 1,668 mm (5 ft 5+21⁄32 in)[1] Wheel diameter 1,000 mm (39.37 in) (new)[2] Length 9.960 m (32 ft 8.1 in)[2] Width 3.200 m (10 ft 5.98 in)[2] Height 4.210 m (13 ft 9.75 in)[2] Loco weight 54 t (53 long tons; 60 short tons)[1] Prime mover MTU,[2] built under license by Empresa Nacional Bazán[3] Engine type Four-stroke diesel[2] Cylinders V6[2] Transmission Hydraulic Voith L3r4U2[2] Loco brake Pneumatic, hydrodynamic(?)[1]
Performance figures Maximum speed 50 km/h (31 mph)[1] Power output 385 kW (516 hp)[1] Tractive effort 177 kN (40,000 lbf)[2]
Career Operators Renfe Locale Spain

The Renfe Class 309 is a class of 20 three axle diesel–hydraulic locomotives shunters built by M.T.M. for Renfe, and introduced between 1986–7.

In the late 1970s Renfe began planning to modernise its shunting locomotives; initially modernisation of the Class 303 with new engines was considered and one locomotive converted, but the experiment was not carried forward. In 1982 Renfe opened bidding for a contract for 50 locomotives of up to 1,100 hp (820 kW). M.T.M. (Maquinista Terrestre y Marítima) offered its own development, and was successful: in July 1983 Renfe placed an order for 20 units.

The first units were delivered in the red-brown/yellow/white estrella livery in 1985 and were accepted into service in 1986 after correction of technical problems.

Initially the property of Renfe, after the creation of Adif the locomotives were divided between Mercancías (formerly Cargas freight) and Adif (infrastructure services). As of 2010 about half have been painted in a red and grey livery.^[4]

• Manuel Galan Eruste, Locomotoras 309. In Maquetren n° 133, 2003.

• Renfe 309, image collection via www.flickr.com

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