The SNCF Class BB 7200 is a 1.5 kV DC electric locomotive operated by the SNCF in France. It is the DC version of the 'Nez Cassé' family of locomotives built between 1976 and 1985 by Alstom. They are rated for 4,040 kW (5,420 hp) of continuous power. SNCF Class BB 15000 is the AC version while the Class BB 22200 is a dual-voltage version. Another relative is the NS Class 1600 operated in the Netherlands, a DC locomotive based on the BB 7200. Intended primarily for passenger service, increasing numbers are being allocated for freight service with lower-geared bogies as passenger services are taken from locomotive-hauled coaches by TGV services. BB 7200 operations are limited to the French 1.5 kV DC electrified network in southeastern France, from Paris southwards.[1] In 2016 48 were allocated to freight, 58 to intercity passenger service, 50 to regional passenger service, and two to auto-train service.[2]

SNCF BB 7200
BB 7389 running passenger service in Marseille, 1982
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderFrance Alsthom
France MTE
Build date1976-1985
Total produced240
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
 • UICB'B'
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge wheeldiameter = 1,250 mm (49 in)
Length17.48 m (57 ft 4 in)
Width3.053 m (10.02 ft)
Height4.295 m (14.09 ft)
Loco weight89 t (98 short tons)
Electric system/s1.5 kV DC Catenary
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Traction motors2x TAB 674 DC
Loco brakeAir and Electrical regenerative
Train brakesAir
Safety systemsETCS
Performance figures
Maximum speed160 km/h (99 mph),
100 km/h (62 mph) (7201 - 7235, 7343 - 7380, 7411 - 7440),
200 km/h (120 mph) (7261 - 7263)
Power output4,040 kW (5,420 hp)
Tractive effort288 kN (65,000 lbf), 300 kN (67,000 lbf) (7201 - 7235, 7261 - 7263, 7343 - 7380, 7411 - 7440)
Career
OperatorsSNCF, SNCF-FRET
ClassBB 7200
Number in class236 (2008)
Numbers7201-7208, 7211-7307, 7309-7347, 7349-7440
LocaleMainly South-East France
Dispositionin service
BB 7222 hauling another electric locomotive on 19 August 2002 near Bayonne

7209, 7210, 7308 and 7348 have all been destroyed in accidents. The class was originally numbered 7201 - 7440. Some have cast plates. 7411-7440 are fitted with regenerative brakes for use on the steep Maurienne line in the Alps.[1]

Fourteen locomotives numbered 7311, 7312, 7314, 7325, 7326, 7327, 7330, 7331, 7332, 7335, 7337, 7339, 7341 and 7342 were modified for push-pull operation and become BB 7600 locomotives, to be operated on Transilien Paris – Montparnasse lines.[1]

Names

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Some of the class carry the name of a city in France:

Number City
7203 Saint-Flour
7221 Saint-Amand-Montrond
7223 La Souterraine
7232 Souillac
7236 Chambéry
7237 Pierrelatte
7238 Thonon-les-Bains
7239 Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny
7240 Saint-Étienne
7241 Villeurbanne
7242 Vienne
7243 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges
7244 Vernou-la-Celle-sur-Seine
7253 Montrejeau
7256 Valenton
7270 Entraigues-sur-Sorgues
7410 Fontenay-sous-Bois
7411 Lamure-sur-Azergues

Models

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Haydock, David (2016). French Railways: Locomotives and Multiple Units (6 ed.). Platform 5. pp. 20–21. ISBN 978-1-909431-34-8.
  2. ^ Redoutey, Denis (2016). Le Matérial Moteur SNCF en 2016 (7 ed.). Éditions La Vie du Rail. pp. 185–189. ISBN 978-2-37062-040-8.