SNCF Class BB 9400

The Class BB 9400 was an electric locomotive of the SNCF. It was used to pull 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 called the "BB Jacquemin", as they used trucks 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]

SNCF BB 9400
Example of the series in 1983
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 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, with units BB 9531 to 9535 capable of 180 km/h. These units operated under a 1,500 V DC catenary, with a power of 2,210 kW (2,960 hp). The locomotives are 14.40m 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. All units have been removed from service, with one example kept on display at the Gare de Nîmes.[5]

Notes
  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. Garvin, Brian; Fox, Peter; Appleby, Chris (1986). SNCF/French National Railways Locomotives and Multiple Units. Sheffield: Platform 5. ISBN 0 906579 62 7.
  5. "Les BB 9400 et 9600". raileuropexpress.com (in French). Retrieved February 11, 2019.
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