Prakash Tendulkar

Before we start, we need to change our paradigm about Simulators. WCAM3 Simulator is fully functional and practical, is designed for teaching loco staff who may not have EE background, is not designed for fun like MS Train Simulator.

The main panel is located at the center. WCAM3 is a dual voltage (1.5 KV DC and 25 KV AC) locomotive designed and manufactured by BHEL. WCAG1 is a direct derivative of WCAM3, shares most of the components with it and has minor differences like gear ratio and starting torque.

For those who may not be familiar, although made by BHEL, Jhansi, WCAM2 is in fact, a siblings of WCAM1 rather than WCAM3, inside a new shell. They share the same TAO659 Traction motors from BHEL rated at 3640 HP in AC and 2940 HP in DC mode. It is not surprising because Western Railway, its' sole user, has less than 60 kms. of DC track which is leveled and therefore, this loco does not require capability to negotiate incline in Ghats. WCAM3 and WCAG1 use HS15250A Traction motors by BHEL that deliver 5000 HP in AC and 4600 HP in DC mode. 

On the other hand, WCAM2P hauls super fast trains like Rajdhani and hence has maximum speed of 120 kms/h compared to 105 kms/h for WCAM3 that hauls only Shatabdis. This is achieved by a gear ratio of 21:58 for WCAM2P against 16:61 for WCAM2. Some WCAM1 units are re-geared for 21:58 against original 16:61 ratio.

In AC mode, WCAM3 and WCAM2 but not in WCAM1, Traction Motors are permanently wired for 2S-3P combination and there is no transition. WCAM1 uses transitions of 3S-2P & 2S-3P combinations in AC mode. In DC mode, the motors transit in 6S, 3S-2P and 2S-3P combinations for WCAM3, 6S and 3S-2P for WCAM1 and WCAM2. 

The main panel in Simulator is, therefore, devoted to AC and DC circuits for Traction Motors and is flanked on both sides by other panels describing supplementary circuits. All these panels are equipped with LEDs that light up to show the circuit activated by an instructor, including minor details like resistors.

The Simulator has front panel layout as can be seen in WCAM3, ammeters, voltmeters, and few other gauges. Now the hard part. All the circuits are activated by one or more toggle switches and the gauges are not activated at all. To be honest, both of us were kind of disappointed initially but when I consider the lowest possible level of audience that may attend the sessions, I think it is a great simulator used for education and not entertainment. I have edited images to show AC and DC circuits separately.

  AC Circuit from panel

  DC Circuit from panel

  Few other panels on side

In another room where working model of WCM5 is located, is another simulator. It contains a cut out of WCG2 cab (a real one and not card board box) with master controller and gauges. As one operates master controller, circuit shown in front panel reflects changes. This simulator, is however, limited to DC mode only. On separate desks, are brake controller with air compressor (to simulate air brakes) and other sundry equipments like traction motor. This offers a hands on experience to "would be" drivers, although I am certain all of them had a real experience gained clandestinely during night trips.

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