Class NE25 Electric Locomotive

The Class NE25 is a narrow-gauge electric locomotive designed for use on the Atangmik Railway in Kanqaamiut. 
=== Design ===
These unique locomotives originated due to a large number of special requirements from their original purchaser. The Atangmik Railway, built with 60cm narrow gauge, ran through extremely rough terrain, and required a 11.3% gradient on sections of the line. In order to operate in these conditions, an Abt rack-and-pinion system was installed.
A number of engineers were concerned that traditional steam locomotives would have difficulties keeping their boiler tubes submerged during the climb up the gradients. One proposed solution - used on other cog railways in the world - was designing the locomotive on a slant, so that the boiler remained level during the climb. However, this presented its own problems, since portions of the line actually had little to no gradients at all; the altered locomotives could not be used here.
Rather than have seperate locomotives attempt to move a train over their specific sections of the line, the Atangmik Railway was instead electrified; an electric locomotive was able to move the train both over the rack and non-rack sections of the line, with no need to change locomotives.
The narrow gauge and tight curves forced the designers to use an articulated 2-B-B-2 layout. A single unpowered axle on each end helped distribute weight, while two powered axles, placed on articulated bogies in the middle of the locomotive, provided traction. The powered axles were driven externally by driving rods, in much the same fashion as a steam locomotive.
An enclosed cab was placed in the middle of the locomotive, with dual controls for bi-directional operation. A low long hood on either side of the cab, with narrow walkways on each side, allowed good views forward and aft.
The locomotives were rated for grades up to 15%. Due to the standard operating patterns of the Atangmik Railway, two locomotives generally operated on either end of the train.
=== Users ===
* Six locomotives (#1 - #6) were built for the Atangmik Railway in 1904.
Category:Trains