The SNCF BB 8100 was a French class of 1500 V DC electric locomotives, used on the Paris-Lyon "Imperial" rail line. [1]

SNCF BB 8100
BB 8120 at Paris Gare de Lyon, December 1989
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderAlsthom-Jeumont-Schneider-OC Oerlikon
Build date1948–1955
Total produced
  • 172 SNCF
  • 60 NS
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICB'B'
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Length12.93m
Width2.988m
Height3.700m
Loco weight92 tons
Electric system/s1.5kV DC
Current pickup(s)2 Type G Pantographs
Traction motors4 M1 TC motors
750 V, forced ventillation
Performance figures
Maximum speed105 km/h
Power output2100 kW
Career
OperatorsSNCF, NS
WithdrawnMost in 2003, 3 units remaining in de-icing service until 2011
Disposition2 preserved (8177, 8238), remainder scrapped

A post war development of the BB 300 class, they were much loved by the SNCF, 171 locomotives were built between 1948 and 1955. They were used to haul both freight and, later, passenger trains. Expansion of the 1500 V DC electrification in the 1980s allowed the locomotives to roam further than their original Paris-Lyon line. Most were withdrawn by 2003, though three locomotives were kept by SNCF Infrastructure to be hauled behind diesel locomotives, with their pantographs extended to dislodge ice build-up on the electrical wires. These final three were withdrawn from active service in 2011. [2]

They were also exported to other countries, including the Netherlands where they were designated class 1100.[3]

The locomotives can be seen in action in the 1950s along the Paris-Lyon line in a promotional SNCF film "De Fils en Aiguilles".[4]

References

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  1. ^ Ribeill, Georges (2003). "Diversité ou unité des exploitations ferroviaires : un antagonisme permanent ?". Revue d'histoire des chemins de fer (in French). 26 (26): 16–42. doi:10.4000/rhcf.1937. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  2. ^ "BB 8001 et 8100 SNCF". trains-europe.fr (in French). Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  3. ^ Garvin, Brian; Fox, Peter; Appleby, Chris (1986). SNCF/French National Railways Locomotives and Multiple Units. Sheffield: Platform 5. ISBN 0-906579 62 7.
  4. ^ "DE FILS EN AIGUILLES". SNCF Open Archives (in French). Retrieved March 1, 2020. From Threads to Needles