Class M6

Class M6 is one of the most successful locomotives to be imported to Sri Lanka. Class M6 is a German Imported locomotive. It is the most loved locomotive by many railfans. Not just in Sri Lanka.

Specifications

Builder - Thyssen Henschel
Country Imported - Germany
Year imported - 1979
No. Imported - 16
Powered Engine - EMD 12 - 645 E 2 stroke
Maximum Power - 1650 hp ( horse power )
Maximum Speed - 90 kmph ( 55 miles per hour )
Axel Arrangement - A1A - A1A
Weight - 85.4 tons
Color - Red and Green ( General Livery ) / Red and Orange ( Intercity Express Livery )

As mentioned above Class M6 is painted in 2 liveries ( paints ), One is the General Livery which is a Red and Green Colour. This colour is mostly visible in the M6 train engines,

Class M6 General Livery

3 Class M6 engines which are, Class M6 785, 788 and 797 are painted in the ICE color scheme ( Intercity Express Livery ) This is the Red and Orange paint. Class M6 792 was painted in the ICE color scheme but, is currently painted in the general color.

Class M6 ICE ( Intercity Express ) livery

Running Lines

The bogies ( Wheel arrangement ) of Class M6 is capable of taking very sharp curves because of this, Class M6 travels on the Upcountry railway line very successfully. This engine is also used on the Coastal, Northern, Puttalam, and Eastern railway lines. Class M6 can travel on any railway line apart from the Matale and Kelani Valley Railway lines.

Trains Hauling

Udarata Menike ( In the past )
Podi Menike ( In the past )
1007 / 1008 Badulla Express ( Currently Hauling )
Badulla Night Mail Train ( Currently Hauling )
Kandy - Badulla Mixed Train ( Currently Hauling )
Udaya Devi Express ( Currently Hauling )
Kandy Intercity Express ( Currently Hauling )
Ambepussa - Fort ( Currently Hauling )
Trincomalee Train ( Currently hauling )
Random Slow Trains

Accidents Faced

Class M6 793 and Class M6 798 were both destroyed on the Eastern railway line by LTTE bombings, Both in different years and places. These engines couldn't be repaired and were removed from service.

Class M6 786 was hauling the Kandy Intercity express in 2005, The train collided with a bus in Yangalmodara. The Class M6 engine was damaged very badly, But, this engine is currently in service.

Class M6 790 got caught to a landslide in the late 1990's in Watawala. This engine is currently in service.