KHŽ Class 430/431

Kráľovské Holynské Železnice Class 430/431
A Class 430 operating an intermodal train
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder ZAM Build date 1979 (prototype); 1981-1990 Total produced 2,041
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo′Bo′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Wheel diameter 1.250 m (4 ft 1.2 in) (new) Wheelbase 3.300 m (10 ft 9.9 in) Pivot centres 8.500 m (27 ft 10.6 in) Length Over body: 15.440 m (50 ft 7.9 in) Over buffers: 16.640 m (54 ft 7.1 in) Width 3.120 m (10 ft 2.8 in) Height: ​  • Body height 3.980 m (13 ft 0.7 in) Axle load 21 t (21 LT; 23 ST) Loco weight 82.5 t (81.2 LT; 90.9 ST) Electric system/s 25 kV 50 Hz overhead line Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors Four Gear ratio 1:2.72 Loco brake Air brakes and electric resistance brake
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) Power output 3,720 kW (4,990 hp) Tractive effort: ​  • Starting 248 kN (56,000 lbf)  • 1 hour 128 kN (29,000 lbf)
Career Class KHŽ Class 430 (Freight) KHŽ Class 431 (Passenger) First run 1982 Last run Still in active service

The KHŽ Class 430/431 locomotive is one of the most important and widely used electric locomotives in Holynia’s railway network. Built between 1982 and 1990, over 2,000 units were produced, with approximately 1,500 still in service today. The Class 430/431 locomotives are considered the workhorses of Holynia's rail network, serving both freight and passenger transport needs across the country. They have earned a reputation for their versatility, reliability, and long-lasting performance, making them a central part of Holynia's rail infrastructure for decades.

Design

The passenger Class 431 locomotive, at Cizekporok Railway Station.

The Holyn Class 430/431 is a powerful electric locomotive designed to handle both passenger and freight services. With a Bo-Bo wheel arrangement (four axles, each individually powered), the locomotive offers strong traction, making it suitable for both heavy freight hauling and high-speed passenger services. The Class 430/431 is powered by overhead 25 kV AC electrification, which is the standard for Holynia’s rail network. The locomotive is capable of reaching speeds up to 140 km/h (87 mph), though it typically operates at speeds between 120 km/h and 130 km/h (75-81 mph) for regular intercity and freight services.

The Class 431 variant is specifically designed for passenger services, featuring modifications to enhance comfort and reduce noise during operation, while the Class 430 variant, which is used primarily for freight, focuses on maximizing hauling capacity and durability. The locomotives are known for their robust steel frames and simple, reliable control systems, which contribute to their long service life. They are capable of operating on a wide range of routes, including those through mountainous regions and across Holynia’s vast plains.

Service history

When the Class 430/431 locomotives were first introduced in the 1980s and early 1990s, they were a part of Holynia’s effort to modernize and electrify its rail network. Designed to replace older, less powerful locomotives, the Class 430/431 featured advanced traction and control technologies, which helped improve the efficiency and speed of Holynia’s rail services. They operated along side the Class 428 electric locomotive. The locomotives quickly became integral to the nation’s rail system, operating on both long-distance passenger routes and heavy freight corridors.

The Class 431 locomotives, which were adapted for intercity passenger services, were deployed on major routes between cities such as Cizekporok, Strakova, Tisno, and Hrastov, offering fast and reliable service for both business and leisure travelers. Meanwhile, the Class 430 locomotives were used predominantly for freight transport, hauling goods across Holynia’s industrial zones and to major ports for export. Due to their reliability, these locomotives have been used in both primary and secondary roles across Holynia’s rail network. Modernization and Upgrades

Despite their age, many Class 430/431 locomotives have been refurbished and upgraded over the years to extend their service life and improve performance. As Holynia’s rail network has continued to modernize, the Class 430/431 fleet has been fitted with newer technologies, such as more energy-efficient electrical systems and updated signaling and control equipment. These upgrades have ensured that the locomotives remain competitive in terms of energy efficiency and operational capabilities.

The Class 431 variant has seen several enhancements to make it suitable for higher-speed passenger services, including aerodynamic modifications to improve efficiency and braking systems for safer high-speed travel. Similarly, the Class 430 locomotives have been upgraded with modern traction and hauling technology, enabling them to continue performing their vital role in freight operations. These modernizations have helped the Class 430/431 remain one of the most reliable locomotives on the network, despite newer models being introduced. Legacy and Continuing Service

The Holyn Class 430/431 locomotives have become a symbol of Holynia’s commitment to a strong and efficient railway network. Their design, which emphasizes reliability and versatility, has allowed them to remain in service for over four decades. While they were originally built to meet the demands of the 1970s and 1980s, they have been continuously updated to serve modern needs, ensuring their place as one of the most important locomotives in Holynia's fleet.

Current operations

Today, the Class 430/431 remains a key part of Holynia's rail network, with over 1,500 locomotives still in active service. These locomotives continue to operate on a wide variety of routes, from heavy freight corridors to high-speed passenger lines. Their enduring presence on the tracks reflects their durability and the important role they play in maintaining Holynia’s economic and transportation infrastructure.

The Holyn Class 430/431 will likely remain in service for many more years, continuing to serve both passenger and freight needs across the country. With ongoing plans for further modernization, these locomotives are expected to maintain their reputation as the backbone of Holynia’s rail system, ensuring their legacy as the "workhorses" of Holynia’s railway network for generations to come.