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South African Class 34

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description South African Class 34 Overview

South African Class 34 is a designation for a family of diesel-electric locomotives used on the country's Cape-gauge railway network. The class includes variants supplied by General Electric and General Motors Electro-Motive Division, and the locomotives were built for heavy freight work and other main-line duties. They entered service under South African Railways and later remained associated with Spoornet and Transnet Freight Rail.

help South African Class 34 FAQ

What is South African Class 34 used for?

South African Class 34 locomotives are diesel-electrics used mainly for heavy freight work. They operate on South Africa's Cape-gauge railway network.

Which manufacturers supplied South African Class 34 locomotives?

The Class 34 designation covers variants supplied by General Electric and General Motors Electro-Motive Division. This means the class is a family designation rather than one single locomotive design.

What does diesel-electric mean on a Class 34 locomotive?

A diesel engine drives an electrical generator, and traction motors turn the locomotive's wheels. This arrangement gives a freight locomotive strong pulling power at low speed.

Why are there different South African Class 34 variants?

South African operators received locomotives from different builders and production families under the Class 34 designation. Their equipment and appearance can therefore vary while serving similar freight duties.

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