The E52500 series electric locomotives are high-powered traction vehicles operating on a 25 kV 50 Hz AC electric system. These locomotives were used by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) between 1998 and 2011 under a leasing agreement. Originally designed by the Sweden-based company ASEA, they were manufactured by the Croatian company Končar. These locomotives were temporarily incorporated into TCDD’s fleet and served in both freight and passenger operations.
Historical Background
Towards the late 1990s, despite increasing electrification efforts in Türkiye’s railway sector, the number of domestically produced electric locomotives remained insufficient. To address this shortfall, TCDD leased 15 E52500 series locomotives from Croatia in 1998. Five more units were leased in 1999, followed by two additional units between 2004 and 2005, bringing the total to 22. Originally designed for the Yugoslav Railways (JŽ), these locomotives were based on the Rb type developed by ASEA for the Swedish Railways. Despite being manufactured in 1967, their performance characteristics and maintenance conditions allowed them to adapt well to the operational environment in Türkiye.
E 52500 Locomotive (Generated with AI)
Technical Specifications
According to sources, the main technical features of the E52500 series include:
- Axle arrangement: Bo'Bo'
- Length: 15.47 m
- Total weight: 82 tons
- Power output: 3,860 kW
- Tractive effort: ~275 kN
- Maximum speed: 120–160 km/h
- Electrical system: 25 kV AC / 50 Hz
- Pantograph: Spring-loaded, carbon contact type
These locomotives are equipped with both electro-pneumatic and regenerative braking systems. As described in the Formation and Control of Train Sets module, such locomotives are well-suited for hauling long freight trains due to their high traction capacity.
Operational Use
Based on images and technical data from the DEU Şafak Aktaş archive, the E52500s were typically used on routes including:
- Istanbul–Ankara line
- Divriği–İskenderun freight corridor
- Lines around Konya and Afyonkarahisar
When they first arrived in Türkiye, modifications were required to adapt them to Turkish rail geometry, and some of their braking systems were upgraded. Despite these adjustments, they were effectively used, particularly in freight operations.
However, in a train accident that occurred in Tavşancıl in 2004, locomotives numbered E52502 and E52506 were severely damaged and subsequently withdrawn from service. On April 3, 2011, following the expiration of the contract between TCDD and Končar, the remaining locomotives were also withdrawn from service and returned to Croatia.
The E52500 series temporarily addressed Türkiye’s shortage of electric locomotives and performed successfully, especially on heavy freight routes. However, due to their age and difficulties in spare part procurement, they did not serve as a long-term solution. They were eventually replaced by TCDD’s modern and domestically produced licensed electric locomotive series (e.g., E43000 and E68000).
