Despite the tendency towards the steam locomotive usage after the independence in Indonesia, dieselization was still an inevitable process. They came in a form of General Electric CC200 locomotives, which was introduced in 1953, as a part of American economic aid for Indonesia.
They were first regarded with caution by the Indonesian railway community due to their unusual technology. But later, the Indonesian State Railway officials were impressed by its economic operational cost, and eventually decided to shift their preference towards diesel locomotives. These eventually led to the decline of steam locomotives, a process completed by mid 1980s.
When they were first introduced, only a small number of railway lines in Java Island could support large diesel locomotives like CC200. To rectify the problem they decided to add a two-axle unpowered bogie in the middle of the loco (see the above picture/click to enlarge). This removable bogie was temporarily fitted to reduce the locomotive axle load clearance, without sacrifying its horsepower output. Later this feature made this locomotive unique, because they are the only diesel locomotive type in world, even until today, that featured Co-2-Co axles configuration.
More than fifty years have passed since this locomotives started its operation. But fortunately, three locomotives are preserved today, one in running condition and repainted back to its original cream and green livery. And it is still acted as a living memory for those whose are still hungry for the noise of Alco 244, and GE shovel nose locomotives.
General Electric
CC200
Specification
Factory model : UM/106T.
Type : diesel-electric multi purpose locomotive.
Introduced : 1953.
Number in class : 27.
Manufacturer : General Electric, Eyre, USA
Gauge : 1067 mm
Axles : Co-Co.
Length : 17 metres
Mass : 96 t
Engine : Alco 244 E
Power : 1750hp
Speed : 100 km/h*
