The China Railways SS1-008

China Railways SS1-008 in 1968

The SS1-008 was the eighth prototype of China's first mainline electric locomotive, marking a major technical advancement and now preserved at the China Railway Museum.

The SS1 series, also known as the Shaoshan 1 type, represents China’s first domestically produced mainline electric locomotive. Initially designated as the 6Y1, the series was developed with technical assistance from the Soviet Union based on the VL60 locomotive. The development of the SS1 began in the 1950s to support the electrification of major railways like the Baoji–Chengdu line.

The eighth locomotive, 6Y1-008, later renamed SS1-008, was produced in 1968 following major technical improvements drawn from the French-made 6Y2 technology. These improvements enhanced the rectifier system, traction motors, and rheostatic braking, addressing reliability and operational issues present in earlier prototypes. The SS1-008 was featured in the Full Electrification Ceremony of the Baoji–Chengdu Railway on July 1, 1975, highlighting its operational significance.

An SS1-008 at the Ceremony for Electrification of the Baoji-Chengdu Railway, July 1, 1975

Technical Specifications

• Builder: Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Works

• Power type: Electric, AC-DC transmission

• Configuration: Co′Co′ (six axles)

• Gauge: Standard gauge, 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1/2 in)

• Length: 19,400 mm (63 ft 8 in)

• Electric system: 25 kV 50 Hz AC Catenary

• Current pickup: Pantograph

• Maximum speed: 95 km/h (59 mph)

• Power output: 3,780 kW (5,070 hp) continuously; hourly power up to 4,200 kW (5,632 hp)

• Rheostatic braking power: 2,800 kW

The SS1 series, produced from 1968 to 1988, totaled 826 units (7 6Y1 prototypes and 819 SS1 production units). The series served as China’s primary passenger and freight electric locomotive during the 1970s and 1980s, laying the foundation for future domestic electric locomotives.

The SS1-008 is preserved at the China Railway Museum, making it an important artifact of China’s railway history and a symbol of early domestic innovation in electric traction.

At the Beijing Railway Museum, 2008 -- Bärtschi, Hans-Peter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An SS1008 electric locomotive on the Baocheng Railway

June 1969, at the Majiaoba Locomotive Depot