UCW 6E1

Built by UCW

Top speed

113 km/h

70 mph

Power output

2,252 kW

3,020 hp

Length

15.49 m

50 ft 10 in

Track gauge

1,067 mm

Cape gauge

Years built

1971–1973

150 units

Axle arrangement

Bo'Bo'

Overview of the UCW 6E1

Discover the Spoornet 6E1, a robust electric locomotive designed for the 1067mm gauge railway.

Built by UCW between 1971 and 1973, this powerful machine boasts a top speed of 113 km/h and a substantial power output of 2252 kW.

With its Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement and impressive tractive effort of 311 kN, the 6E1 is a reliable workhorse.

Its dimensions, including a length of 15.49m, width of 2.9m, and height of 4.09m, are optimized for efficiency and performance within its operational environment.

This locomotive utilizes a 3 kV DC electric system, making it a key component of South Africa's rail infrastructure under Spoornet.

UCW 6E1 technical specifications

	Value	Imperial / US
Built by	UCW · 1971–1973150 units
Top speed	113 km/h70 mph	70 mph
Power output	2,252 kW3,020 hp	3,020 hp
Tractive effort	311 kN69,916 lbf	69,916 lbf
Electric systems	3 kV DC
Track gauge	1,067 mmCape gauge3 ft 6 in	3 ft 6 in
UIC axle arrangement	Bo'Bo'
Length	15.49 m50 ft 10 in	50 ft 10 in
Width	2.9 m9 ft 6 in	9 ft 6 in
Height	4.09 m13 ft 5 in	13 ft 5 in