The Sri Lanka Railways Class M2 is a class of diesel-electric locomotive that was developed in 1954 by General Motors Diesel, Canada, and Electro-Motive Division, USA. This is considered one of the most successful locomotives in Sri Lanka.[1]

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Sri Lanka Railways class M2
M2 # 570 Alberta which hauled the last "Yal Devi" train to Kankasanthurei. After war began it was trapped there. Later decomposed and shipped to Colombo. Now in use.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder General Motors Diesel, Canada (12) Electro-Motive Division, USA (2) Serial number A608–A609, A720–722, A894–A896, A1325–1326, A1920–A921, 31211–31212 Model EMD G12 Build date 1954–1966 Total produced 14 (now 13 in running condition)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC (A1A)(A1A) Bo′Bo′ in M2c sub class Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Axle load 19.75 t (19.44 long tons; 21.77 short tons) Loco weight 79 t (78 long tons; 87 short tons) Fuel type Diesel Prime mover EMD 567C Engine type V12 Two-stroke diesel Cylinders 12 Loco brake Vacuum (Dynamic on M2c and M2d sub classes)
Performance figures Maximum speed 112 km/h (70 mph) Power output 1,425 hp (1,063 kW) 1,310 hp (980 kW) in M2d sub class
Career Operators Ceylon Government Railway » Sri Lanka Railways Class M2 Number in class 14 (includes M2-5, M2a-3, M2b-2, M2c-2, M2d-2) Numbers See table Official name See table First run 1954
Colombo Plan Aid Number 571 "Saskatchewan" was destroyed due to terrorist's bomb Number 570 "Alberta hauled the last "Yal Devi" train to Kankasanthurei. After war began it was trapped there. Later decomposed and shipped to Colombo. 2014 destroyed in Pothuhera train accident. Repaired and back in use. Number 591 "Manitoba" was damaged due to tsunami waves on 26 December 2004. Now in use Livery :Original Livery Red Yellow Strip and Brown, later changed to Silver,thin black strip,Light blue, thick yellow strip and Dark blue,

It is a General Motors Diesel (Canada) EMD G12 model using the EMD 567C, 1,425-horsepower (1,063 kW) engine.

Description

Introduction

From 1954, several batches of General Motors-manufactured locomotives were imported to Sri Lanka under "The Colombo Plan". Locally called a "Canadian" engine – there are actually two classes of Canadian engines in SLR – the other one is Class M4. Since these engine were imported under grants from the Canadian government, class M2 locomotives are named with Canadian province and city names. The last two locomotives were made in the United States and imported for Cement Corporation, Sri Lanka. But they were later attached to Sri Lanka Railways locomotive fleet. They were named after two local cities – Galle and Kankasanthurei – where the cement factories were located.

Entering into Service

The class entered service in January 1955. "Ruhunu Kumari" Train started using M2 572 " British Columbia" 24 October 1955, the first long distance luxury passenger train service in Sri Lanka. same loco hauled the first "Udarata Manike" Colombo Badulla train on 23 April 1956 and same day started "Yal davi" hauled by M2 569 "ontario", in the far north of the country.

Sub Classes

In Service

This have been used on both passenger and freight trains on Sri Lanka's railways for over 50 years. Despite the introduction of more modern types of traction, as of 2013 a significant number are still in use.

Locomotive Fleet

Accidents & Incidents

• Number 569, 570, 571 landed in Sri Lanka on 2nd and 3rd December 1954.
• Number 569 went on the first trial on 10th December 1954.
• Number 571 went on the first trial on 15th December 1954.
• Number 570 went on the first trial on 30th December 1954.
• Number 572 went on the maiden journey with Ruhunu Kumari on 24th October 1955.
• Number 572 went on the maiden journey with Udarata Manike on 24th April 1956.
• Number 570 was trapped in Kankasanthurei from 1992 to 1996 due to the civil war after hauling the last night mail train to Kankasanthurei. Brought to Colombo by ship as parts, re-assembled and went back on track.
• Number 571 Saskatchewan was completely destroyed on 14th September 1985 near Pollipothana due to a bomb blast by terrorists.
• Number 570 Alberta faced minor damages land mine in Punani on 7th June 2007 and severely damaged as a result of Pothuhera train accident on 30th April 2014
• Number 591 Manitoba was damaged on 26 December 2004 when pulling the Matara Express and was hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami. and added back to service after four months. This was repainted depicting a sea wave on its livery.
• Number 628 Kankasanthurai was badly damaged by a land mine, but was rebuilt[3]

Gallery

References

• "Class M2 Locomotive". www.ceylonrailway.com.
• Hughes, Hugh (1996). Indian Locomotives: Part 4 – 1941–1990. Harrow, Middlesex: The Continental Railway Circle. ISBN 0-9521655-1-1.
• Lanka Railway Digest.