SNCF Class BB 22200

SNCF Class BB 22200

22394 at Antibes station (2006)
Type and origin
Power type Electric
Builder Alstom
Build date 1976–1986
Total produced 205
Specifications
AAR wheel arr. B-B
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in)
Length 17.48 m (57 ft 4 in)
Locomotive weight 90 tonnes (89 long tons; 99 short tons)
Electric system(s) Catenary
25 kV 50 Hz AC
1500 V DC
Current collection
method
Pantograph, 2 off
Traction motors Alstom TAB674, 2 off
Performance figures
Maximum speed 160 or 200 km/h (99 or 124 mph)
Power output 4,360 or 5,600 kW (5,850 or 7,510 hp)
Tractive effort 294 kN (66,000 lbf) (Max)
Locomotive brake Air
Train brakes Air
Career
Operator(s) SNCF
Number(s) BB 22201 – BB 22405
Nicknames Nez Cassés ("broken noses")
Disposition 5 withdrawn, remainder in service

The BB 22200 is a class of electric locomotives in service with the French railways SNCF, built by Alstom between 1976 and 1986. They are a dual voltage version (1500 V DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC) of the BB 7200 and BB 15000 classes.[note 1]

From 1994 nine of the class were used for hauling freight trains through the Channel Tunnel as the Class 92 locomotives were not yet delivered.[1][2] These were numbered 22379/380/399-405,[3] and were used until 1995. For use on British railways these locomotives were allocated the UK traction number Class 22.[4]

History, operations and design

After the first test held in 1976, the BB 22200 were introduced on the MarseilleNice–Ventimiglia line in southern France–northern Italy. The following year they started to haul longer distance trains such as the Train Bleu (1000 km from Ventimiglia to Paris) and the car-transport train between Marseille and Paris.

The BB 22200 are capable of a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour (99.4 mph). 8 locomotives, having a maximum power of 5,600 kilowatts (7,500 hp), were equipped for services up to 200 kilometres per hour (124 mph) and can work on TGV lines.

522266 in En Voyage livery


See also

Notes

  1. The designation "22000" is in fact the sum of 7200 and 15000

References

  1. Colin J. Kirkland (1995). Engineering the Channel Tunnel. Taylor & Francis. p. 297.
  2. Annual report 1989-90. Channel Tunnel Safety Authority. 1991. pp. 16,111.
  3. Haydock, David; Fox, Peter (1999). European Handbook No.4 French Railway Locomotives & Multiple Units. Platform 5, Sheffield. ISBN 1-872524-87-7.
  4. TheRailwayCentre.Com. "The all-time guide to the UK Traction Classification System". Retrieved 2008-01-13.
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