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hide options panelBB7200 Class
10 photos
updated : 2020-12-17
The BB7200s are the 1500V DC only version of the SNCF's standard mixed traffic Bo-Bo electric locomotive of the 1970s. The locos are rated at 5400hp and a total of 240 were built in 1976-85. They are still in widespread use on DC lines across the country although more than half have been withdrawn.
BB9300 Class
5 photos
updated : 2020-12-17
The 40 Class BB9300 were modernised versions of the BB9200, SNCF's standard 1500V DC mixed-traffic B-B locomotive of the late 1950s. The last BB9300s could be found working regional passengers from Toulouse and Bordeaux and were coming towards the end of their lives by 2008.
BB15000 Class
3 photos
updated : 2020-12-17
BB15000s are the 25kV AC only version of SNCF's standard mixed-traffic electric locomotive of the 1970s. The class was introduced in 1971, with 65 entering service by 1978. They were initially concentrated on the lines from Paris Est but are now more widespread across the AC system in northern France.
BB26000 Class
15 photos
updated : 2020-12-17
The Class BB26000 locos were SNCF's first design with a 3 phase drive, known as Sybics (synchronous bicourant). A total of 234 Sybics were built in 1988-98. They are capable of working on both 25kV AC and 1500V DC systems and can be found all over the SNCF system on passenger or freight duties.
BB27000, 27300, BB37000 Class
1 photo
updated : 2022-09-13
These classes of Bo-Bo electric loco are all versions of the Alstom Prima design, introduced from 2002. The 27000 is the basic 1500V DC, 25kV AC 5600hp freight loco. The 27300 is similar but equipped for passenger work and the 37000 is a triple voltage version of the 27000, equipped to run into Germany.
BB67000, BB67200, BB67300, BB67400 Class
1 photo
updated : 2022-09-13
The BB67000 mixed traffic diesel-electric was introduced in 1963. Many are still used for infrastructure work as BB67200. BB67300 was a more powerful version but all are now withdrawn. BB67400 was more powerful still and some remain in service on passenger, freight and infra duties.
CC72000, CC72100 Class
4 photos
updated : 2020-12-17
The Class CC72000 C-C diesel-electrics were introduced in 1967 and rated at 3550hp. They saw use on express passenger trains on various routes. From 2002, 30 locos were re-engined to reduce emissions and renumbered as Class CC72100. Most CC72000 were withdrawn by 2010, CC72100 by 2017.
Class 13 (SNCB)
1 photo
updated : 2022-09-13
The SNCB Class 13 Bo-Bo electric was introduced in 1997. It is closely related to the SNCF BB36000 and capable of working from 3000V DC, 25kV AC and 1500V DC systems. SNCB have 60 and CFL 20, used on passenger and freight traffic in the two countries and also freights into France.
Class 185, 186, 187
2 photos
updated : 2022-09-13
Classes 185, 186 and 187 are the German classifications for Bombardier TRAXX electric locos, most of which are equipped to operate off German 15kV AC and French 25kV AC. Locos used by DB Cargo and other freight operators regularly work in France and SNCF's subsidiary Akiem has some on its books.
Although France is Britain's nearest neighbour, French railways haven't featured on many of my trips. Infrequent trains, erratic timetables and the total foreignness of the place made visits hard work in a way that other European countries weren't. A great shame as many of the locos were superb.
These pictures were taken on visits to the superbly scenic but lightly trafficked main line along the Mediterranean coast, north of the Spanish border, on the trunk route through the Saverne Gap west of Strasbourg and on the long cross-country Paris - Belfort route, before DMUs took over long distance passenger traffic from the CC72100 diesels . All the photos were taken on trips since 2008.
