The SNCF Class BB 71000 is a class of 30 centre-cab B′B′ diesel shunting locomotives. Introduced in 1965, they were the last locomotives in service with SNCF to feature side rods.[1] The class was withdrawn from traffic between 1998 and 1999. A number were sold on for industrial use.[2]

SNCF Class BB 71000
Picture of diesel locomotive
BB 71008 at Chaillevette in 2016
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel
BuilderFives-Lille/CFD
Build date1965–1966
Total produced30
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICB′B′
 • CommonwealthB-B
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Wheel diameter860 mm (34 in)
Length20.190 m (66 ft 2.9 in)
Loco weight55 t (54 long tons; 61 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverPoyaud V12
TransmissionMechanical
Performance figures
Maximum speed80 km/h (50 mph)
Power output615 kW (825 hp)
Tractive effort164 kN (37,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsSNCF
ClassBB 71000
Number in class30
NumbersBB 71001–BB 71030

Description

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This small series of 30 locomotives was built by the Departmental Railway Company (CFD), following the BB 60001 which served as their prototype. They were delivered from March 1965 to February 1966. These locomotives, with mechanical transmission and driving rods, were mainly used on freight services. Despite the better efficiency of the mechanical transmission, per gross ton towed and per kilometer, than that of a locomotive with electric transmission, their lack of reliability led to 21 of them being resold to various companies. Certain V12 engines were coupled to a Leroy-Somer alternator, producing 660 volts in three phases (star coupling), as a high power generator (580 kVA), installed in a generator van, for TEE trains (car air-conditioned stainless steel PBA, Mistral 1969, and Grand Confort).[3][4]

Preservation

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  • BB 71001, formerly owned by the Pyrénées-Orientales Departmental Council and based in Boulou, used by the local rail operator (OFP) at Languedoc-Roussillon for shunting and acquired by the latter.
  • BB 71008, Re-engineered with a Cummins prime mover and preserved by Trains and Traction.[5]
  • BB 71010, ex-Rive Bleue Express, acquired in 2022, by the Fédération des amis des chemins de fer secondaires (FACS).[5]
  • La BB 71015 acquired by le chemin de fer de la Vendée in 2022.
  • BB 71018 acquired by le chemin de fer de la Vendée in 2022.
  • BB 71027 acquired by le chemin de fer de la Vendée in 2023.
  • BB 71030 by Patry.


References

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  1. ^ Garvin, Brian; Fox, Peter; Appleby, Chris (1986). SNCF/French National Railways. Sheffield: Platform Five. pp. 52–54. ISBN 0-906579-62-7.
  2. ^ van Uden, Marco. "SNCF withdrawn diesel locomotives". Railfan Europe. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  3. ^ Defrance, Jacques. Le matériel moteur de la SNCF (1978 ed.). Paris: La Vie du Rail.
  4. ^ Revue Le Train, article d'Olivier Constant dans "l'encyclopédie du matériel moteur, tome 7, les locomotives diesels" dont les BB 71000 paru en septembre 2010, ISSN 1296-5537.
  5. ^ a b Palissy