SNCF Class BB 27300

Class BB 27300
SNCF locomotive BB 27331 arriving at Colombes
Power type Electric
Builder Alstom
Model Prima EL2P
Build date 2004–2009
Total produced 67
UIC classification Bo'Bo'
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in)
Wheelbase 10.60 m (34 ft 9 in)
Length 19.52 m (64 ft 1 in)
Locomotive weight 89 tonnes (88 long tons; 98 short tons)
Electric system 1.5 kV DC
25 kV 50 Hz AC
Current collection
method
Pantograph
Transmission 4 motors, 6 asynchronous FRA 4567 with forced ventilation
Top speed 160 km/h (99 mph)
Power output 4,200 kW (5,600 hp)
Career SNCF Transilien
Class BB 27300
Number in class 67
Number 27301–27367
Locale Paris Montparnasse, Paris Saint-Lazare

The SNCF Class BB 27300 are a series of 67 electric locomotives, built as part of the "Prima" range by Alstom.[1] Painted in the blue and white livery of Transilien, the brand name for the SNCF network around Paris, these locomotives are the passenger equivalent of the freight-only Class BB 27000 and are equipped for push-pull operation on suburban passenger services in the Île-de-France region around Paris, working with refurbished VB2N double-deck carriages.[2]

Contents

Orders

The first batch of 60 locomotives was ordered in 2004, and following testing of the first two units in 2005, delivered progressively into 2008. Follow-up orders for five and two locomotives respectively were placed.[1] The locomotives are numbered in series from 27301-27367, although the number carried on the locomotive is prefixed with the number 8, to denote the unit as belonging to the Île-de-France division of SNCF.[1]

Usage

The first locomotives entered service in 2006 on suburban trains from Paris-Montparnasse. Current deployment sees a total of 23 locomotives operating services from Paris-Montparnasse on trains to Dreux, Mantes-la-Jolie and Rambouillet. At Montparnasse they have displaced older BB 8500 and BB 25500 locomotives. A further 42 locomotives operate from Paris Saint-Lazare on trains to Poissy, Mantes-la-Jolie, Pontoise, Gisors, and Ermont Eaubonne. At Saint-Lazare BB 8500 and BB 17000 locomotives have been displaced.

Future

The usage of BB 27300 locomotives on suburban passenger services is a temporary measure. It is expected that sometime after 2015 they will begin to be replaced by new Electric Multiple Units. When this happens, the locomotives are likely to find further use with SNCF's freight subsidiary, SNCF Fret, where they will join the technically similar BB 27000 locomotives.

References