Evaluation of the reliability of a heavy diesel locomotive

The article addresses the evaluation of the operational process of a heavy diesel locomotive type 15D/A, which was developed through the modernization of the TEM2 locomotive. The primary goal of the modernization was to improve technical and operational parameters while keeping investment costs low. The paper discusses the failure structure, causes of inefficiency and breakdowns, and calculates failure intensity parameters in relation to operational and transport performance. The determined indicators show relatively low failure rates for the analysed group of vehicles. Technical availability indicators – both operational and actual – were also evaluated. The research results demonstrate that the modernization reduced the locomotive's failure rate compared to other diesel traction vehicles, confirming the investment's rationale.