An analysis of the effectiveness of the asset maintenance plan at Spoornet: case study: class diesel locomotives (traction and rolling stock)

Maintenance of locomotives is the main function of Bellville Locomotive Traction Depot in the Western Cape. Therefore, it is important to have a sound maintenance plan in place, to prevent a negative impact on the availability and reliability of locomotive supply for hauling power to train services.The purpose of the research is to determine the causes of the increased frequency of maintenance through a case study relating to 35-class locomotives. The abnonnal increased frequency of wheel change and inter-bogie control repairs on 35-class diesel locomotives is investigated.A research survey was adopted, which included questionnaires and personal interviews based on the literature search. The target group is L&N section, which includes below-deck maintenance, overhaul and change out, repairs to locomotive bogies, frames, wheels, snubbers, inter-bogie control and traction motors. Sixteen people are responsible for all below-deck repairs and service of 52 locomotives.The results of the research will expose the shortcomings of the maintenance plan and propose solutions. This will be achieved by testing the effectiveness of the existing maintenance plan at Spoornet through the identification of the causes for the abnormal increase in wheel changes and inter-bogie control repairs on 35-class diesel locomotives. The outcome from this case study research will be to quantify the benefits arising from the effective application of a maintenance plan.