| SNCF 241P | |
|---|---|
| Preserved 241P-17 | |
| Power type | steam |
| Builder | Schneider and Le Creusot |
| Configuration | 4-8-2 |
| Leading wheel diameter |
1,000 mm (39 in) |
| Driver diameter | 2,001 mm (78.8 in) |
| Trailing wheel diameter |
1,330 mm (52 in) |
| Length | 27.117 m (88.97 ft) |
| Weight on drivers | 81.6 t (80.3 long tons) |
| Locomotive weight | 131.4 t (129.3 long tons) |
| Tender weight | 81.6 t (80.3 long tons) |
| Locomotive & tender combined weight |
215.4 t (212.0 long tons) |
| Fuel capacity | 12 t (12 long tons) coal |
| Water capacity | 34,050 l (7,490 imp gal) |
| Boiler pressure | 2 MPa (290 psi) |
| Firegrate area | 5.052 m2 (54.38 sq ft) |
| Cylinders | 4 (2 H.P., 2 L.P.) |
| High-pressure cylinder size |
446 mm (17.6 in) × 650 mm (26 in) |
| Low-pressure cylinder size |
674 mm (26.5 in) × 700 mm (28 in) |
| Top speed | 120 km/h (75 mph) max. service speed |
| Power output | 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 202.66 kN (45,560 lbf) |
| Number in class | 35 |
The 241P is a 4-8-2 'Mountain' type express passenger steam locomotive that ran on the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français, French National Railways) from 1948 until 1973. Introduced as large scale electrification of the SNCF was already underway, they were the last new class of passenger steam locomotives in France.
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In 1944, SNCF reviewed its predicted postwar traffic requirements and determined a requirement for a locomotive capable of hauling passenger trains of 700 - 800 tons at 120 km/h (75 mph), and capable of climbing gradients of 1 in 125.
A prototype 4-8-2 four cylinder compound locomotive, the 241C, had been built by Schneider in 1930 for the former Chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la Méditerranée. This locomotive was utilised as the basis for the new class, but with some key design changes including the addition of an automatic stoker, strengthened frames, and boiler modifications.[1]
35 locomotives were built by Schneider and Le Creusot between 1948 and 1952.[1]
The class was initially assigned to the line between Paris and Marseilles, hauling services including the famous Le Mistral expresses, but within a few years they were displaced by electrification. Most of the class was then transferred to the Nord, l'Est and l'Ouest regions. For over ten years they managed the traffic on the line west of Le Mans, including the 411 km (255.4 mi) line to Brest and 410 km (254.8 mi) line to Quimper. They hauled trains of up to 16 coaches, weighing over 800 tons.[1]
The 241.P class were allocated to the following depots:
Although powerful, the class was not without its problems. The frames, lightly constructed to avoid excessive axle load, were not able to handle the power of the cylinders and flexing of the frame under load led to problems such as hot axle boxes.[2] The class also suffered from leaking boiler tubes after passing over points, which necessitated structural reinforcement.[3]
These impressive-looking locomotives, with their compound drive and eight coupled wheels, were withdrawn progressively from service from 1965 for 241P1 to 1973 for 241P16. Their last regular work, on the Le Mans to Nantes route, ended in early 1970. The class was nicknamed the grosses P to distinguish them from the 141.P Class, which were called the petites P.
Four 241Ps have been preserved: