SNCF 72000 CC

A favourite among French railfans, the SNCF's 72000CC is the most powerful diesel electric locomotive in Europe.

Fitted with a 16 cylinder version of the 12 cylinder prime mover used in the earlier 68500 class A1A+A1As; power is transferred from bogie mounted traction motors to the wheels via 2 speed gearing & spring drive. This enables the locomotive to operate on both heavy freight and fast passenger services.

Axle load is kept to a minimum by use of mono-motor bogies and the motors themselves are electrically identical to those of the BB8500, BB17000 & BB25500 electric locomotives.

Drafts are similar to those of the related electric classes, the windows angled forward at the top to reduce glare, and the nose section incorporating a cellular structure designed to increase crew safety in the event of a collision. The roofline is raised to accommodate the diesel prime mover.

3 class members, 72061, 72062 & 72064 have been suitably modified to haul TGV consists over the non-electrified Roche sur Yon & Sables d'Olonne sections. Buffers have been removed, and a special coupler assembly installed. This use of the 72000 class will fade into history with plans to electrify the route; and in fact, the spread of electrification throughout France will see these disel locomotives eventually displaced, just as steam was by innovations like the CC 72000.

Resources

General Data
Dimensions
Images
3D Model

Gallery & General Data - La Passion des Trains
Gallery & General Data - Trains of France
Gallery (43 pictures) - European Railway Server
Gallery - Web-o-Trains by Yannick Egermann and Romain Martin
Gallery - Rue du Chemin de Fer
Gallery - Modelisme ferroviaire du Poitou

Many thanks to Yannick Egermann - La Passion des Trains.