SNCF Class CC 14100

The SNCF Class CC 14100 was a class of 25 kV 50 Hz AC electric centre cab locomotives designed to haul heavy freight trains in the northeast of France and cross-border traffic into Luxembourg. A total of 101 locomotives were produced, numbered CC 14101 – CC 14202.

SNCF CC 14100
CC 14161 in original green livery
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Alsthom Build date 1954–1958
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C–C  • Commonwealth Co-Co Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Wheel diameter 1,100 mm (43 in) Length 18.89 m (62.0 ft) Loco weight 128 t (126 long tons; 141 short tons) Power supply 25 kV AC Electric system/s Catenary Current pickup(s) Pantograph
Performance figures Maximum speed 60 km/h (37 mph) Power output: ​  • Continuous 2,600 kW (3,500 hp) Tractive effort 422 kN (95,000 lbf)
Career Number in class 101 Numbers CC 14101–CC 14202 Nicknames Fers à repasser (Irons) Preserved CC 14161 CC 14183

Service use

Introduced at the time when steam traction was being phased out, the torque of these locomotives was exceptional. During tests, a CC 14100 started a train weighing 1,850 tonnes (1,820 long tons; 2,040 short tons) on an 1.1% slope, and a 3,500 tonnes (3,400 long tons; 3,900 short tons) train on a 0.5% slope. Their slow speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) became a liability in later years and by 1986 individual locomotives were being withdrawn as they came due for overhaul or major repairs. The last members of the class survived until 1997, mainly on shunting duties.

Preservation

CC 14161 is on display on a short length of track next to a supermarket car park in Conflans-en-Jarnisy. CC 14183 is at the Carreau Wendel Museum at Petite-Rosselle.