SDA1 CRRC Ziyang, China. Engine room walk. Tue 29th Mar 2022

A casual stroll through the engine room of a "Second Generation" CRRC Ziyang SDA1 series locomotive powered by a 20 cylinder German made MTU Friedrichshafen model 20V4000T43L prime mover. The locomotive is near new unit CSR017 delivered in late 2021 from China.

Unlike the standard lay out of the traditional enclosed engine compartments EMD and ALCO loco's have that we, in Australia, are all accustomed to, the Chinese have adopted a variant on this, adopting their own way of doing things.

The layout appears quite functional, although a little confusing/cramped in places it all looks good as the locomotive is new. A request was made via email to CRRC Ziyang for a SDA1 "Second Generation" locomotive schematic and lay out diagram of the engine compartment. A few days later it arrived as an attachment but when opened was "scrambled" and in Chinese characters, no amount of "file converting" could get it to open.

An invitation was also extended to visit the CRRC Ziyang locomotive factory in China to "avail of a guided tour" at a "scheduled opportunity" should I visit China at some stage in the future, very polite and nice of them. They added an "English interpreter" would also be provided.

The walk of CSR017 starts traditionally at the Number-1 end, which has the main control and circuit breaker area then to the Main Generator area through to the Main Engine area, then to the Compressor, Traction Motor Blowers and Forced Air Ventilation system and concludes at Number-2 end where the computer based electronics diagnostics cabinets and some electric cabinets are located.

Sorry, some areas are not clearly identified/explained, I am old school EMD, GE and ALCO and used to their standard layouts. There are things seen of which I have no clue about and thus not explained. This is just a basic introduction.

The "Second Generation" series of the SDA1 model feature low operation noise, less than 75 decibels inside. Optimised ventilation system, Insulated bipolar transistors propulsion system. Micro computer control system, Wabtec "Fast Brake" electronic air brake system. CRRC states that the locomotive complies with EU Stage-III, AAR and Australian UIC emission standards.

Unlike the first series of the SDA1 locomotives that SCT Logistics are operating, the "Second Generator" has had the computer and diagnostic systems updated and modified. This proved to be an issue with the first series locomotives, electronic and traction motor problems were common. Many of the first series SDA1's running with SCT have now covered over one million kilometres.

Thanks go to CRRC Ziyang for supplying additional information as requested and to the management and staff of SCT at Goobang Junction West NSW for site access.

1130hrs Tuesday 29th of March 2022.