Częstochowa 2025-08-04

Newag 311D / 311Da.

The Newag 311D is a modern heavy diesel locomotive designed for operating freight trains on non-electrified railways. The 311D type locomotive is designed for operation on standard gauge tracks. The 311Da locomotive is designed for 1520 mm gauge. Newag has offered this locomotive since 2007, and by 2020, 48 locomotives had been built. A further 27 311Da locomotives were built for 1520 mm gauge, for the PKP LHS (Lienia Hutnicza Szerokotorowa) line.

The 311D1-22 diesel locomotive (311D-22 serial number), EVN: 92 51 3 640 030-4, was built in 2008. Since 2023, the locomotive has been owned by IGL on a lease. IGL Sp. z o.o. Sp.k. is a Polish rail carrier specializing in freight transport and railway siding operations. With a qualified staff and reliable rolling stock, IGL offers comprehensive bulk cargo transportation services, rail siding shunting services, and traction services for other rail carriers. The carrier’s rolling stock allows for the transport of large quantities of material at one time, up to 3,500 tons.

It’s worth noting that IGL collaborates with Greenbrier Leasing Europe. Greenbrier Leasing Europe is the European subsidiary of the American group The Greenbrier Companies, specializing in freight car leasing. The company offers comprehensive leasing solutions, including full technical, administrative, and maintenance services, allowing clients to focus on their core business. Greenbrier Leasing Europe has production facilities in Świdnica (Poland), Oława (Poland), Tarnobrzeg (Poland), Caracal (Romania), Drobeta-Turnu Severin (Romania), and Adana (Turkey). Thanks to this network of plants, the company is able to effectively serve the European market, offering a wide range of services related to leasing and wagon production.

The Eamnos coal wagon, manufactured by Wagony Świdnica sp. z o. o., has four axles. Overall length: 11.30 m, body length: 9.90 m, tare weight: 17,950 kg, payload weight: 20,900 kg, body surface area: 26.2 m², and body volume: 57.3 m³. The wagon is designed for transporting aggregates and ore. It allows for top-loading and unloading using buckets or tippers. The wagon meets TSI, EN, and UIC standards and is TEN GE marked for road traffic. Its front subframe sections comply with EN 12663-2 and UIC 530-1 standards, making it suitable for the installation of an automatic coupler.

The 311D locomotive was developed by Newag and the American company General Electric (GE). The goal was to perform a thorough modernization of the extensive M62 locomotive family, designated ST44 by PKP. Preparing the prototype took three years.

From the M62, ST44, only the locomotive frame and bogies remained, which were modified anyway. The primary scope of the locomotive modernization was the replacement of the diesel engine coupled to the generator and a new cooling system. The main and auxiliary generators are AC synchronous machines. This module is supplied by General Electric. The engine required a complete redesign of the housing, with the bridges routed externally. As a result, the 311D locomotive bears no resemblance to the ST44. The use of bridges also provided easier access to the engine. The ST44 bogies were retained and undergone a complete overhaul. The original ED118 traction motors were used, modified and their insulation level improved to level H. The Oerlikon air braking system was retained. The locomotive is equipped with new, modern engineer’s cabins with heating and air conditioning. The locomotive’s controls are electronic. The engineer faces a modern, clear control panel. The engineer has access to a stove and sink. There is no toilet. The speedometer is electronic with event recording. The locomotive has an electronic anti-skid system. The front windows are equipped with wipers, washers, and heating.

Compared to the ST44, the 311D locomotive consumes 20-25% less diesel fuel, while offering significantly improved traction parameters. By 2025, 48 311D locomotives and 27 311Da locomotives have been built for rail operators in Poland. Currently (2025), the official NEWAG website no longer offers 311D locomotives. However, diesel locomotives are still available: the 6Dg (four-axle) and the 15/16D (six-axle).

T-T 311D / 311Da specifications:

Axle configuration: Co’Co’. Wheel diameter: 1.05 m. Traction power: 2,133 kW. Total length: 17.55 m. Width: 2.95 m. Height: 4.62 m. Gross weight: 118,000 kg. Fuel tanks with a capacity of 5,000 liters (3,300 kg). The cooling system contains 880 liters of water. The sandbox contains 600 kg of sand. Engine is a General Electric GE 7FDL 12 EFI 45 V-12, 4-stroke, turbocharged, with an output of 2,133 kW (2,900 hp). Other data gives an output of 2,200 kW (approximately 3,000 hp). Nominal rotational speed 1,050 rpm. Idle speed 450 rpm. Oil capacity in the system 1,211 liters. Generator set weight 15,846 kg. Electric traction motor type ED 118A GE. The locomotive has 6 such motors. The traction motor weighs 3,240 kg. Maximum speed 100 km/h.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman