myaroslav
A bit about TE33A. Kazakhstan is managing several projects of localizing rolling stock production which are providing Kazakhstan's railways a distinctive look. One of the oldest and the most successful of these projects is manufacturing of ES44ACi locos by a special plant in the capital city Astana, signed as the TE33A type. First ones were built in Erie in 2009, but the share of localization is being gradually raised. About 500 locos have been built up to day, and they have almost replaced soviet-built mainline diesels. Moreover, Kazakhstan is exporting TE33As to seven other countries of 1520mm network and it is a definit success for a young manufacturer. There are two main subtypes in the series. TE33A and TE33AC (certified) are freight locos standing on pedestal axlebox bogies (with welded frames compared to cast frames of original ES44AC). TEP33A is a passenger version having maximum speed raised from 120 to 160 kmh. It received bogies with axlebox links resembling those of soviet locos. Apparently they are differing by transmission ratio, electro-pneumatic brakes and, possibly, some other safety equipment. And I still can't get used to their polyphonic horns sounding quite unusual compared to other locos here. In the last photo - a model of TE33 built by depot workers. #trainspotting #train #diesel
