SS 1600 class

The SS 1600 class, later redesignated as the CC50 class, is a 2-6-6-0 articulated Mallet type steam locomotive previously operated by the Staatsspoorwegen (SS), which was built by Werkspoor and the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM).

SS 1600 class
CC5029 at the Ambarawa Railway Museum
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Werkspoor, Amsterdam, Netherlands and SLM (Swiss Locomotive and Machineworks), Switzerland Serial number SS 1600/CC50 Model Mallet articulated Build date 1927-1928 Total produced 30
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-6-6-0  • AAR 1-C-C  • UIC (1C')C' Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Wheel diameter 1,106 mm (3 ft 7.5 in) Length 19.9 m (65 ft) Width 2.45 m (8 ft 0 in) Height 3.68 m (12 ft 1 in) Empty weight 65.7 t (72.4 short tons) Tender weight 39.5 t (43.5 short tons) Fuel type Coal, teak wood, and Residual Oil Water cap. 25,000 L (6,600 US gal; 5,500 imp gal) Electric system/s Maffei Poge (Originally fitted) Pyle National (DKA-era modification) Cylinder size 420 mm and 650 mm × 620 mm (17 in and 26 in × 24 in) Train brakes Vacuum brakes Manual brakes Riggenbach Brakes
Performance figures Power output 1,200 hp (890 kW)
Career Operators PT Kereta Api Indonesia Persero Withdrawn 1984 Disposition Three preserved, remainder scrapped

History

The Staatsspoorwegen (SS) ordered 30 1600 class Mallets from several European firms such as Werkspoor and the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) between 1927-1928. They worked on mountainous lines such as the Cibatu-Cikajang-Garut and Purwakarta-Padalarang lines. The 1600s distinguished themselves by pulling a train weighing 1,300 tons at a speed of 55 km/h (34 mph), and also with their good cornering abilities. During the Japanese occupation, the 1600s were redesignated as the CC50s, and continued to be used from the DKARI era to the PJKA era.

With all the advantages possessed by the CC50, this locomotive is also used for the Purwakarta, Cibatu, Purwokerto, Ambarawa, and Madiun. In fact, Cibatu is one of the main bases for all Mallet type locomotives.

In 1981, CC50 number 22 of Purwokerto was donated by PJKA to the Utrecht Railway Museum, as a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and the Netherlands. This locomotive unit was then returned to its original numbering, namely the SS 1622 series. Apart from that, number 19 of Purwakarta became the main star in the War of Independence themed film entitled Last Train in the same year.

The impact of the policy of rationalizing steam locomotives to diesel locomotives meant that the CC50 had to retire in 1984 after the end of its service period spent on the Cibatu-Garut route which began to close that same year. Its existence was displaced and replaced by various diesel locomotives, plus at that time the CC 201 locomotive had just been imported.

Preservation

Currently, there are only 3 CC50 units left, namely CC5001, CC5022, and CC5029. CC5001 is at the Transportation Museum Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta. Before being taken to TMII for preservation, this locomotive unit first obtained components that were cannibalized from other CC50 units, for example the tender taken from CC5019. CC5022 is in the Utrecht Railway Museum, Netherlands, and CC5029 is in the Ambarawa Railway Museum.

SS no.	PJKA no.	Builder’s no.	Builder	Delivered	Image	Notes
1601	CC5001	558	Werkspoor	1928		Tender from CC5019
1622	CC5022	573	Werkspoor	1928
1629	CC5029	3253	SLM	1928