Alstom Prima diesel locomotives
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway locomotive manufacturing |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Founder | Alstom |
| Headquarters | Belfort and Valencia , France and Spain |
Area served | Middle East, Europe, North America |
Key people | Alstom, EMD, Siemens (design partners) |
| Products | Diesel-electric locomotives for passenger and freight services |
The Prima Diesel-electric locomotives represent a range of medium to heavy-duty mainline engines designed for both passenger and freight services, featuring four- and six-axle configurations. These locomotives have been manufactured for standard as well as broad gauge tracks, catering to transportation needs across regions including the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The design leadership is provided by Alstom, in partnership with EMD and Siemens.
History
The Prima series initially comprised solely electric locomotives, with the earliest prototype constructed in 2002 at Alstom’s Belfort facility in France. This was succeeded by the Prima 6000, a 6000 kW electric demonstrator engineered to evaluate multi-voltage capabilities for trans-European rail operations. Early procurement of Prima electric models was predominantly by SNCF.
Diesel locomotives bearing the Prima name incorporated GM engines produced at Alstom’s Valencia plant and Ruston engines assembled in Belfort. After the sale of the Valencia factory to Vossloh in 2004, production of EMD-powered locomotives continued there—including significant rebuilds of RENFE's 333 class—before transitioning into the "Vossloh Euro" series, which marked the end of its association with the Prima brand.
During the 1990s, Prima diesel locomotives were exported beyond Europe: Syria’s Chemins de Fer Syriens operated the DE32C model; Sri Lanka acquired ten M9 class units; and Iran received the DE43C (AD43C) variant. The Euro 3000 and Euro 4000 models developed by Vossloh España preserve design characteristics from earlier Prima locomotives, such as centralized driver cabins and rigid body frames.
A collaboration between Alstom and Siemens produced the BB 75000 diesel locomotive, which secured an order exceeding 400 units from SNCF with an option for an additional 100. The first BB 75000 unit was manufactured in 2006 after a mock-up was revealed in 2004.
In 2008, Alstom launched the 'Prima II' platform, which included diesel versions, reflecting ongoing growth within the Prima diesel locomotive family.
Technology
Alstom’s Valencia-produced Prima locomotives were equipped with General Motors powertrains encompassing engines, generators, electronics, and traction motors. French-built models intended mainly for export markets outside Europe utilized Ruston engines. SNCF Fret’s Prima diesel fleet employed MTU Friedrichshafen powerplants.
Among the notable innovations introduced in the Prima series are a centrally positioned driver’s seat featuring ergonomic controls and a monocoque rigid bodyshell design.
While maintaining key Prima design features—such as a single-window front, central driver placement, and body style—the BB 75000 integrates Siemens components alongside a Caterpillar engine.
Variants
| Type | Operator (name) |
Engine | UIC wheels |
v km/h |
Number built |
Build date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JT 42BW | Israel Railways | EMD 710 V12 | Bo'Bo' | 140 | 48 | 1996-2006 | Mainly used for passenger transport |
| JT 42CW | Israel Railways | EMD 710 V12 | Co'Co' | 110 | 8 | 1996 | Primarily freight operations |
| AD 32C | Sri Lanka Railways (M9) | Ruston RK 215 V12 | Co'Co' | 110 | 10 | 1997-2000 | 1676mm gauge; engine power reduced from 3220 hp to 1800 hp |
| DE 32 C AC | Syrian Railways (LDE3200) | Ruston RK 215 V12 | Co'Co' | 120 | 30 | 1999 | Approximately 2160 kW at wheel; also designated AD 33 |
| JT 42HW-HS | EWS (Class 67) | EMD 710 V12 | Bo'Bo' | 200 | 30 | 1999-2000 | Versatile use |
| DE 43 C AC | Iranian Railways (AD43C) | Ruston RK 215 V16 | Co'Co' | 110 | 100 | 2000-2009 | Passenger configuration with top speed of 150 km/h; initial 20 units built by Alstom, remainder by Wagon Pars |
| PL42AC | New Jersey Transit (NJT) | EMD 710 V16 | Bo'Bo' | 160 | 33 | 2003-2006 | Single-ended units designed for passenger service |
| Class 333.3 | RENFE | EMD 645 V16 | Co'Co' | 120 | 92 | 2000-2005 | 1668mm gauge; rebuilt from older Macosa/NOHAB models retaining only EMD 645 engine and generator |
| Class 333.4 | RENFE | EMD 645 V16 | Co'Co' | 160 | 8 | 2003- | 1668mm gauge; upgraded from Class 333.3 for higher-speed passenger use |
| DE30BAC (BB 75000) | SNCF | MTU 4000 R41 16V | Bo'Bo' | 120 | 400 | 2006-2015 | Joint Alstom-Siemens effort (~60:40); combines SNCF BB 27000 shell with Rh 2016 traction gear; MTU engine as per Rh 2016 model |
| For detailed references see individual linked articles (first column) | |||||||
RENFE 334
The RENFE 334 units represent the last batch of Prima locomotives constructed in Valencia and are classified within the Vossloh Euro family, manufactured post-2004. Engineered specifically for passenger operations on Spain's non-electrified routes, they succeeded the earlier Class 333 models.