The GE U20Cdiesel-electric locomotive was introduced by GE Transportation Systems as an export model road switcher in 1964. It was powered by the 8-cylinder 7FDL-8 engine. This locomotive is used worldwide with many variations and modifications. Different engines may be used, e.g. 7FDL8 and 7FDL12. Like the other members of the Universal series, and can be built to suit all track gauges.
A unique modification is the wide cab version of the U20C used on the gauge Indonesian railroad and operated byPT Kereta Api Indonesia. Unlike other models of the U20C, with short hood cabin, the Indonesian U20C features a full-width cabin, for comfort and better sight of track and signals. It is classified as CC203 by PT Kereta ApiIndonesia. The wide cab was built by Goninan Locomotive Work in Australia.
Construction
Between 1995 and 2000, 41 units of this locomotive type were delivered to the Indonesia. Which was numbered as CC203 01-41. The first batch is number 01-12 which were imported from GE Transportation in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States. And numbers 13-41 were built locally by PT GE Lokomotif Indonesia, a joint company between PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia / Indonesian Railway Industry and GE Transportation. The CC 203 was designed between Goninan, Australia and GE, USA. In which Goninan constructed the wide cabin and GE constructed the engine and the body.
Operational
All locomotives are still in operation, and were allocated for pulling express passenger trains, but in special conditions they pull 3rd class and sometimes freight trains as well. All CC 203s were painted with Indonesian Railways Co.'s current paint schemes, while at first time using blue and blue darker stripes like Exo before 2017, but in their short hood using Indonesian Ministry of Transportation instead of PT KAI logo.
Operational history
Class CC 203s were built to commemorate 50 years of Indonesian Independence in 1995 & PT Kereta Api Indonesia's brand new class service. This locomotive is specially built for locomotive for Argo express trains like Argo Bromo JS950. After the Indonesian Government launched many Argo Trains, CC 203 always operates with the Argo class Train. After the railway acquired newer locomotives like the CC 204 and CC 206, CC 203s were no longer the main locomotive of Argo trains, but not all of them, only :id:Kereta api Argo Wilis|Argo Wilis that they're still ongoing. Since that, CC 203 now operates every train in Java - mostly mixed-class, business, and economy passenger trains, as well as freight trains occasionally. While in Sumatra, 4 units of CC 203 class were used in double traction mode to haul pulp and log train for a company named PT Tanjung Enim Lestari Pulp and Paper. These particular CC 203s were allocated at Tanjung Karangdepot, Lampung. Also, a pair of CC 203 class from Jatinegara motive power depot also used as a locomotive for special Presidential Trains before being replaced by CC 206s, also operated in double traction for safety & other reasons.
C20EMP
In year 2005, GE Locomotive Indonesia introduced a brand new locomotive with full computer control. It was given type as C20EMP and still uses the 7FDL-8 engine. The overall shape is similar to other Indonesian CC 203s, but has a Brightstar Sirius on-board computer to control the propulsion and transmission, for better fuel economy and lifetime. The power rating is 2150 HP but the power output is 1950 HP. Because the result is very good, PT Kereta Api Indonesia, made a contract with PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia to build 20 locomotives. Then, the brand-new C20EMP was delivered from GE and assembled at PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia. These C20EMP numbered as CC 204 08-xx will be numbered as CC 204 12-17. CC204 08-09 was delivered at 2008, CC204 10-11 was delivered at 2009. A total of 30 locomotives were manufactured before production ended in 2011. While in Java, C20EMPs were mostly pulling Argo class trains and other executive class trains alongside the CC 203. All CC204s are used for hauling coal trains and passenger trains in South Sumatra, replaced by CC206 in Java.
Export Version
In year 2000, PT Industri Kereta Api Indonesia made the last CC 203 for Philippines Port Railways. It has same specification as Indonesian CC 203. But after 7 years of revenue service, the container rail service was closed down. The locomotive was refurbished and was shipped to Australia for Coote Industrial Company. After strip down inspection and maintenance, the locomotive was put back on revenue service. Around 2015 this locomotive was acquired by Transperth Trains - the commuter rail operator in Perth, Western Australia - whose fleet otherwise consists solely of electric multiple units. U201 replaced Transperth's earlier diesel shunter, a Westrail MA-class locomotive, which was in turn acquired by Hotham Valley Railway, a tourist heritage railway operating south of Perth. U201 is now based at Transperth Train's Claisebrook depot.
