The MÁV Class V42 electric locomotive, nicknamed "Leo".
These engines were developed in the late '50s,
when the phase converter locomotives were considered as obsolete,
but the rectifier technology had no tradition in Hungary.
The Class V42s and their predecessors,
the Class V41 engines are Ward-Leonard converter engines.
The low voltage output of the main transformer feeds
a single phase synchronous motor that drives a DC generator.
The DC current is used by the nose suspended traction motors.
These engines, originally considered as an interim solution,
served long time, a few V42s are still in service.
The photo was taken on the locomotive show on 7th July 1993 in Budapest.
The MÁV Class V43 electric locomotive (nickname "Sili").
This silicon rectifire locomotive was developed by the West European consortium
"Society for the 50Hz Electrification" with German, Sweden and French members.
After building the first 7 engines in Germany,
they sold the design for Ganz-MÁVAG,
where further 390 engines were built between 1965 and 1983.
Although their power is limited to 3000HP,
these locomotives are the standard motive power in Hungary
hauling everything from freight trains to express passenger trains.
Only the Eurocity trains, that can be hauled by
160km/h (100mph) need faster engines, the Class V63,1.
This picture shows the V43,1233 starting with an international express from the Balatonlelle stop.
The first car is a former East-German car.
The "black box" preceding the V43,1233 sign on the front
is the palce of the painted red star,
presented on all Hungarian locomotives before 1990.
In 1991 it was simply painted over black.
A V43 in the Budapest Nyugati station.
Its lower headlights are replaced with a newer frame
containing the separate red lights required by the UIC.
Originally the red light was made by a separate red bulb inside the headlight body.
The Jaquemin "monomoteur" truck of the Class V43.
This truck, very similar to those used in the French SNCF Class 67000 Diesel-electrics
has one single traction motor that drives both axles
through a dual stage gearset and hollow shaft connection.
It is a good performer, but its gear setting needs extremely exact work.
This caused many problems in the '70s, when poorly aligned gears
resulted very fast wearing out and unreliable operation.
MÁV was considering to withdraw the whole class,
as thorough investigations and a newly developed
gear setting bench for the workshops solved the problem.
MÁV Class V46 switcher ("Grashopper") in line service.
These thyristor controlled switchers are available on all larger freight yards.
Their line service is rather a curiosity.
They got their nickname from the switchboard,
that is well equipped with numerous LEDs.
The photo was taken in July 1998 in Balatonlelle.
Class V46 switcher in duty.
The picture was taken on 28.Dec. 1998 at the Dunaújváros station.
The Class V63, "Gigant".
These 5000HP engines haul in Hungary the heavy express and freight trains.
Those engines having a number above 100, like V63,155 on the picture,
are regeared for 160kmph (100mph) top speed.
The photo was taken in August 1995 in Balatonlelle.
The controls of the V63.
The MÁV Class BDVmot EMU for commuter service (nickname: "Worm").
These units have inverter supply.
Its three-phase traction motors are mounted
on the body and drive the trucks via cardan shafts.
The photo was taken in July 1990 in Budapest.
The new MÁV Class BVmot Intercity EMU (actually the Class Bmxtz control car),
nicknamed "Silkworm". They have a similar inverter drive like the BDVmots,
but the traction motors are mounted in the trucks.
They are rated for 160kmph (100mph).
The photo was taken on the locomotive show 1996 in Budapest.
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This page was updated last time on 13th January 1999
© János Erö