The SNCF Class BB 9400 was a class of Bo'Bo' electric locomotives of SNCF. They were used to haul 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 referred to as "BB Jacquemin", as they used bogies 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]
Power typeElectric
Power typeElectric
Builder- Fives/MTE, mechanical
- CEM/MTE, electrical
Quick facts Type and origin, Power type ...
| SNCF BB 9400 |
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| Type and origin |
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| Power type | Electric |
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| Designer | |
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| Builder | - Fives/MTE, mechanical
- CEM/MTE, electrical
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| Build date | 1967–1969 |
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| Total produced | 135 |
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| Specifications |
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Configuration:
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| • UIC | Bo′Bo′ |
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| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
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| Wheel diameter | 1,020 mm (40 in) |
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Length:
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| • Over beams | 14,400 mm (570 in) |
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| Loco weight | 60 t (59 long tons; 66 short tons) |
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| Electric system/s | 1500 V DC |
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| Current pickup | Pantograph |
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| Performance figures |
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| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) |
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Power output:
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| • Continuous | 2,210 kW (2,960 hp) |
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| Tractive effort | 270 kN (61,000 lbf) |
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| Career |
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| Numbers | 9401–9535 |
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| Nicknames | Vespa |
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Close
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 (75 mph), with units BB 9531 to 9535 capable of 180 km/h (110 mph).[5] These units operated under a 1,500 V DC catenary, with a power of 2,210 kW (2,960 hp). The locomotives are 14.40 m (47 ft 3 in) 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. The class was withdrawn from service by 1994, with one example, BB 9411, preserved on display at the Gare de Nîmes.[5]
