Class S11

July 21, 2021

Class S11

If you're a railfan, You may have heard about a train called the "Red Dragon" that Red Dragon is Class S11. Class S11 is very different when compared with Class S8, S9 and S10 ( I will do a post about this later ).

Class S11 was imported in 2011 from Integral Coach Factory ( ICF ) in India. 20 engine were imported ( 894 - 913 ) When the engines were imported they were painted in a different livery. This livery isn't visible anymore.

Specifications

Type - Diesel - Electric
Powered Engine - CUMMINS ( INDIA ) KTA50L 16V type EFI engine
Maximum Power - 1350 hp
Maximum Speed - 110 kmph
Length ( whole train ) - 130 m
Axel Arrangement - BO'BO
Weight ( whole train ) - 100 tons
Length ( Of a compartment ) - 72 feet
Number of passengers who can travel in one compartment - 1500

Class S11's coupler is different from other engines Because, the coupler is endemic to India. Just in case of an accident, Another engine can't couple to this train engine.

The whole powerset is coupled together, Just in case of a derailment the whole train can topple over.

These train engines were imported to use as long distance trains. Most of the time you can see double set Class S11's hauling Long distance trains and Office trains.

As I have mentioned above Class S11 is a very light train engine the whole train engine ( Compartments and 2 engines ) weigh 100 tons. Due to the long length of the carriages the train is capable of transporting many passengers. The train provides sanitary facilities such as, Running water. The seats are made out of cushions therefore, passengers can have a comfortable journey on this train.

The train also has air suspension, This reduces the shaking of the train.

Trains Hauling

Vauniya ICE - In the past
Deyata Kirula - In the past
Ruhunu Kumari - Currently hauling
Negombo / Chillaw Express - Currently hauling
Belliatta Express - Currently Hauling
Mirigama Express - Currently Hauling
Sagarika Express - Currently Hauling
Random Slow Trains - Currently Hauling

Lines Operating

Class S11 operates on railway lines such as the, Northern, Coastal, Puttalam and Main Lines. This train travels on the Upcountry railway line up to Rambukkana. But, Can't operate above Rambukkana because of the long length of the train compartments. It's also stated that this train once hauled a special Poson train to Anuradhapura at the time of import.

Accidents Faced

Class S11 899 collided on the OFV ( Observation Saloon ) of the Kandy Intercity train in Alawwa, 2011. It is stated that the Class S11 was travelling to Rambukkana and lost control as it crashed on to the OFV of the Kandy ICE. It is stated that the driver and the driver's assistant of the Class S11 and some passengers in the Kandy ICE lost their lives while several others sustained injuries.

2011 ALAWWA TRAIN ACCIDENT

In 2014, Another Class S11 which was hauling an Express train to Jaffna collided head on with the "Rajarata Rejina" which was plying from Vauniya to Matara. The Rajarata Rejina was hauled by Class M2 570 "Alberta" that day. The 2 trains collided in Pothuhera railway station.

It is stated that the signalman of the Pothuhera train station forgot to switch the track for the Class S1which caused the accident. The Class S11 couldn't manage to stop in time as well. Both the locomotives were badly damaged. The impact made some compartments of the Rajarata Rejina to derail as well.