SNCF Class BB 9400

SNCF BB 9400
Picture of electric locomotive
BB 9470 at Lyon-Perrache in 1982
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
Designer
Builder
  • Fives/MTE, mechanical
  • CEM/MTE, electrical
Build date1967–1969
Total produced135
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Wheel diameter1,020 mm (40 in)
Length:
​
 • Over beams14,400 mm (570 in)
Loco weight60 t (59 long tons; 66 short tons)
Electric system/s1500 V DC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Performance figures
Maximum speed130 km/h (81 mph)
Power output:
​
 • Continuous2,210 kW (2,960 hp)
Tractive effort270 kN (61,000 lbf)
Career
Numbers9401–9535
NicknamesVespa

The SNCF Class BB 9400 was a class of Bo'Bo' electric locomotives of SNCF. They were used to haul L’Aquilon, a high-speed passenger train between Paris, Dijon and Lyon-Perrache.[1] The locomotives were given the nickname "Vespa", as they were very lightweight.[2] They were one of a series of locomotives referred to as "BB Jacquemin", as they used bogies designed by engineer André Jacquemin. The locomotive itself was designed by noted French railway designer Paul Arzens.[3] In later years they hauled passenger trains on the difficult Béziers–Neussargues line.[4]

The locomotive series was built between 1967 and 1969, numbered 9401 to 9535.[4] These fell into two groups; the original group was limited to 120 km/h (75 mph), with units BB 9531 to 9535 capable of 180 km/h (110 mph).[5] These units operated under a 1,500 V DC catenary, with a power of 2,210 kW (2,960 hp). The locomotives are 14.40 m (47 ft 3 in) long and weigh 60 t (59 long tons; 66 short tons). They were fitted for multiple unit and push–pull working.[4] Some were modified in the 1980s to work in freight service and reclassified as BB 9600, with sound-proofed cabins and a unified control stand for the operator. The class was withdrawn from service by 1994, with one example, BB 9411, preserved on display at the Gare de Nîmes.[5]

Notes

Wikimedia Commons has media related to SNCF BB 9400.
  1. ^ "L'Aquilon (train rapide entre Paris, Dijon et Lyon-Perrache), arrivant à Paris-Lyon tracté par une locomotive BB 9400". SNCF Open Archives (in French). SNCF. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  2. ^ "SNCF ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES BB 9400 AND THEIR FAMILY". mlgtraffic.net (in French). Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  3. ^ Alasdair (2011). "Les locomotives de Paul Arzens". blenheimgang.com (in French). Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  4. ^ a b c Garvin, Brian; Fox, Peter; Appleby, Chris (1986). SNCF/French National Railways Locomotives and Multiple Units. Sheffield: Platform 5. ISBN 0 906579 62 7.
  5. ^ a b "Les BB 9400 et 9600". raileuropexpress.com (in French). Retrieved February 11, 2019.
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