Indian locomotive class WDS-6
The class WDS-6 is a diesel-electric locomotive used by Indian Railways for shunting and doing departmental works. The model name stands for broad gauge, Diesel, Shunting engine. The WDS-6 is used all over India.
History
The class was created in 1975 to address the need for powerful shunting locomotive that will be able to haul 20-24 coach rakes. The previous WDS-4 class was underpowered for this kind of operation. The WDS-6 locos consist of the YDM-4 powerpack placed on WDM-2 frames. They were manufactured by DLW varanasi and later Parel Workshops started building them using the kits provided by DLW.The WDS-6 can easily be recognized by their shot nose and flat-ended cab at one end. They were sold and transferred to industrial concerns and public sectors in huge numbers, but have IR road numbers on them.
Locomotive sheds
Technical specifications
| Manufacturers | DLW, Parel Workshop |
| Engine | Alco 251-D, Inline-6, with Alco turbocharged engine. 1,100 rpm max, 400 rpm idle; bore x stroke; compression ratio 12.5:1. |
| Transmission | Electric, DC-DC |
| Traction motors | GE for original Alco and MLW models, BHEL for DLW |
| Axle load | |
| total weight | |
| Bogies | Alco design cast frame trimount bogies |
| Starting TE | , at adhesion 27% |
| Length over buffer beams | |
| Distance between bogies |