The U18C is a diesel electric locomotive manufactured by General Electric Transportation. The production code is GE U18C. The U18C weighs 84 tons (83 long tons; 93 short tons). The shape is slim, but capable of working at a value of 1,454 kW (1,950 hp). This locomotive has a Co'Co' axle arrangement. This axle indicates that the locomotive has 2 wheels. Each wheel set has three wheel axles. On flat or mountainous tracks, the speed of the U18C Locomotive can reach 120 km/h (33 m/s). The U18C locomotive is owned by Indonesian State Railways.
The second generation U18C locomotive was imported as many as 34 units in the span of 1983–1984. This locomotive has the same characteristics as the first generation locomotive, but has a small radiator net. The shape of the windshield is square with sharp edges. Just like the previous generation locomotive, this locomotive did not initially have fog lamps, but now it has been fitted with fog lamps after undergoing Final Maintenance in 2010–2011, except for U18C number 83 10. In the past, among the second generation locomotives, there were sufficient locomotives. unique, one of which is U18C 83 18 belonging to Purwokerto main station which on the front has a different shape compared to other U18C locomotives. The sandbox is shorter than usual and the windshield extends downwards. The inside is also unique because there is only one service desk so that the driver's cabin becomes more spacious. The reason behind the different appearance of the U18C 83 18 locomotive is that this locomotive once hit the stoomwalls, causing severe damage and it is difficult to restore it to its original form. and extend 2 mirrors down. Because of this strange shape, train enthusiasts often call it "The Donald Duck Diesel". Previously, U18C 83 09 belonged to Sidotopo Depot (formerly Depo Yogyakarta), U18C 89 04 belonged to Medan Depot (formerly Jatinegara Depot), U18C 77 14 belonged to Sidotopo Depot & U18C 06 (now C18MMi 03 06) also belonged to Yogyakarta Depot has the same shape as U18C 83 18, but the shape of the four locomotives is now back to normal after undergoing Final Maintenance at Pengok Train Repair Center in Yogyakarta.
The mysterious U18C number 45 (formerly: U18C 83 07)[]
In addition to the two generations there is also a second generation U18C class which is believed to be mysterious. The number 45 is a locomotive belonging to the Madiun Locomotive Depot (MN) (formerly Yogyakarta Main Station (YK)) which is famous for its mystical power and is one of the most sacred locomotives in Indonesia.
Number 45 is famous for its frequent occurrence of strange events with the locomotive. Since its arrival, it has often been labeled as a problematic locomotive. Although the test results show no problems with the 45, accidents or damage often occur when operating without a clear explanation. Number 45 was originally assigned to pull the circuit eastward. Once upon a time when the locomotive was on duty towing the Bima train and the train crashed. After being repaired, this locomotive served the Bima train and crashed again. He had to re-enter the Pengok Yasa Hall, Yogyakarta, and after completion of the repairs, his position was demoted to attract only the business class series, namely Jayabaya. But it had another crash. The frequency of collisions between trains or with motor vehicles experienced by number 45 is quite frequent, in addition to the strange occurrences experienced by the technicians who repair this locomotive after the collision.
According to the procedure, after being repaired at Pengok Train Repairing Center, it was tested statically to check its completeness. After everything was in order, the locomotive was tested dynamically on the test track in front of the Train Repairing Center complex. When driven at high speed, suddenly the brakes failed, so the locomotive continued and hit the concrete wall dividing the test track. Once again CC 201 83 07 is damaged and must be repaired.
Feeling confused about CC 201 83 07, technicians Panut and Suroso felt the need to call GE experts directly from United States. While inspecting CC 201 83 07, the GE expert said that during the process of making this one locomotive, there were problems because there were many work accidents. Finally, the technicians decided, apart from being physically repaired, CC 201 83 07 was also repaired spiritually. According to Javanese custom, the Pengok Train Repairing Center technicians agreed to take care of this locomotive. The trick is to hold a celebration and install a pair of used horseshoe at both ends of the CC 201 83 07 bumper. Then give a few grams of gold and plate the lower side of the locomotive with a chrome layer so that it looks shiny.
Surprisingly after this ritual, CC 201 83 07 never had an accident again. Ruwatan performed by Train Repairing Center technicians succeeded in eliminating this locomotive's bad luck. Now CC 201 45 is placed at the Madiun Locomotive Depot, and is easily recognized by its characteristics as a locomotive with shiny iron-coated sides, and on the front under the nose, there is a box with a hole in it called Multiple Unit Box Port which is useful for connection traction cable, but has been removed. In addition, the number plate on the bumper is now removed.
Gallery[]
_.jpg "Majapahit train pulled by U18C 83 48 (129) .jpg (5.49 MB)")
