Renfe Class 340

The Class 340 of Renfe (4000 under the previous numbering scheme) were a class of 4-axle diesel-hydraulic locomotives built by Krauss-Maffei (and Babcock & Wilcox) for the Spanish Railways. The design is similar in outward appearance and technology to the DB Class V 200. 32 units were built.

Renfe Class 340
Renfe 340 020 (previously 4020) in the National Railway Museum in Madrid
Type and origin Power type Diesel-hydraulic Builder Krauss-Maffei 4000 to 4010 4011 onwards: Babcock & Wilcox Build date 1966 Total produced 32
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC B'B' Gauge 1,668 mm (5 ft 5 21⁄32 in) Length 19.75 m (64 ft 9.6 in) (20.35 m or 66 ft 9.2 in over buffers) Width 3.08 m (10 ft 1.26 in) Height 4.26 m (13 ft 11.72 in) Loco weight 88 t (87 long tons; 97 short tons) Fuel capacity 5,000 L (1,100 imp gal; 1,300 US gal) Prime mover 2 Maybach diesel model MD 870 Cylinders V16 Transmission Hydraulic Maybach Mekydro K 184 BT
Performance figures Maximum speed 130 km/h Power output 2 x 2,000 hp (1,500 kW)
Career Operators Renfe Locale Spain Last run 1987

Background and History

The locomotives had a total power of 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) from 2 motors (each a 16-cylinder Maybach/Mercedes-Benz MD870) diesel engine. Hydraulic transmissions used were two Mekydro K184.

The contract consisted of a series of 32 units which were shipped between 1966 and 1969, ten manufactured in Germany by Krauss-Maffei and the remaining twenty-two manufactured Spain by Babcock & Wilcox. The locomotives were similar to the V 200.1 Series of the Deutsche Bundesbahn, but with more power, more weight and slightly longer.

The units were conceived as locomotives for passenger services, with a maximum speed of 130 km/h (81 mph), but then were also used for freight trains which together with inadequate maintenance led to many failures in this series.

None are currently in service and 30 of the 32 units have been scrapped, the 4020 (Renfe 340 020) is in the Museo del Ferrocarril de Madrid and the 4026 (Renfe 340 026) is in the process of being restored by the AZAFT (Asociación Zaragozana de Amigos del Ferrocarril y Tranvías).

Further reading

• RENFE 340 LA TRACCION DIESEL, ISBN 9788495493149, Author(s): Josep Miquel & Eduard Ramirez

External links

• Museo del Ferrocarril de Madrid Spanish national rail museum website
• Photographs of the Class 340 fototrenes.tranvia.org
• Images of Class 340 from railfaneurope.net
• List of class 340 locomotives www.listadotren.es