SNCF Class BB 26000
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 |
| Products | Electric locomotives |
The SNCF BB 26000 series consists of dual-voltage electric locomotives with a four-axle B'B' configuration, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 km/h. Manufactured by GEC Alsthom between 1988 and 1998 for SNCF, these locomotives are widely recognized as Sybics. Their nickname originates from the term Synchronous Bicurrent, reflecting their synchronous motor technology and ability to operate under two different voltage systems (French: Synchrone Bicourant).
Design and development
Engineered for versatility in both freight and passenger transport, this class can pull 16 Corail coaches at on a 0.25% incline, as well as freight trains weighing on a 0.88% gradient.
Featuring two driving cabs, these locomotives have steel bodies equipped with dual pantographs designed for use with 1500 V DC and 25 kV AC supplies. The 25 kV AC input is transformed and rectified down to 1500 V, which then powers the electronic control systems directly. The power electronics include three parallel-connected thyristor bridge-based three-phase inverters, each supplying two three-phase outputs wired in series per motor. For speeds below , each motor bogie incorporates a voltage-reducing chopper circuit to assist regulation. The electronics managing the two motor bogies operate in parallel and are cooled through an evaporative process using boiling Freon 113.
The bogies employ a monomoteur configuration with helical spring suspension. Traction is provided by three-phase synchronous motors similar to those used on the contemporary TGV Atlantique, distinguished by having two stator windings offset by 30 degrees. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a hollow shaft drive coupled with a floating ring vibration damper.
The choice of monomotor bogies was influenced by their successful application in earlier SNCF models such as the BB 22200, BB 15000, and BB 7200 classes. Synchronous motors were selected over commutated or asynchronous alternatives due to their reduced weight, simpler design, and cost-effectiveness.
Two prototype locomotives, BB 20011 and BB 20012, were utilized to trial dual-voltage traction technologies, microprocessor-based control systems, auxiliary motors, and braking mechanisms.
The external design was developed with input from the Parisian industrial design agency MBD Design.
History and operations
Although SNCF initially ordered 264 units, only 234 were constructed; the remaining 30 units were produced as an advanced triple-voltage variant capable of running on 3 kV DC lines. These featured asynchronous motors and were designated as the SNCF Class BB 36000 (also known as Asytrit). This locomotive class has been deployed extensively across numerous French regions.
In June 2000, unit number 26084 was retired following damage sustained in a sabotage incident near Chasse-sur-Rhône. By 2009, there were still 233 locomotives operational in France; however, this number had decreased to around 140 by December 2024.
Liveries
Initially painted in an orange and grey scheme, these locomotives have since been seen in various liveries including the green livery of Fret SNCF, the red and grey multiservice, the TER Alsace, as well as the purple and silver En voyage designs.
Miniature models
Scale models of these locomotives have been produced in HO scale by manufacturers such as Roco, Märklin, Jouef, and Trix, with PIKO offering versions in both HO and N scales.
External links
- Images
- Photo Collection – /pix/fr/electric/dual/26000 hosted on railfaneurope.net
- France SNCF Standard Gauge Electric Locomotives BB 26000 (Sybic) available at photos-trains.ch (archived version)
- SNCF BB 26000 overview with images at trainspo.com
- Fleet details
- Multi-system Electric Locomotive Fleet: BB26000 listed on Trains du Sud-Ouest