SNCF Class BB 60000
| Industry | Railway locomotive manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Valencia , Spain |
| Products | Locomotives (including SNCF Class BB 60000) |
The SNCF Class BB 60000 comprises a fleet of four-axle diesel–electric locomotives designed for heavy shunting and light freight duties, produced by Vossloh España in Valencia. Although primarily deployed for freight operations, this class is frequently referred to as SNCF BB 460000 in line with FRET's numbering system.[note 1]
The initial contract in 2004 called for 160 units, with the manufacturer identifying the model as GA 1000 AS. Subsequently, in 2009, a further two locomotives were commissioned by the French company Egenie.
It is important to note that this series is unrelated to the earlier SNCF BB 60000 prototypes developed during the 1950s and 1960s.
History
By the end of the 1990s, SNCF faced an aging diesel locomotive fleet, many exceeding three decades in service, leading to increased fuel consumption and maintenance expenses. Although some classes underwent re-engining—such as the transformation from SNCF Class BB 66400 to SNCF Class BB 69400 and from SNCF Class CC 72000 to SNCF Class CC 72100—these were interim measures. A modern fleet renewal was necessary to enhance long-term operational efficiency.
Initial procurement strategies envisaged acquiring both medium- and high-power locomotives. However, plans were adjusted to prioritize 160 low-power shunting units (BB 460000) alongside 400 medium-power locomotives (SNCF Class BB 75000).
For the low-power category, three contenders vied for the contract: Vossloh’s Vossloh G1000 BB, Italy’s Firema D146, and Alstom’s upgraded SBB-CFF-FFS Am 841. Vossloh’s proposal was deemed too expensive, while Firema did not meet FRET's requirements. Consequently, Alstom secured the contract in 2004.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag and featured a distinctive yellow and grey paint scheme.
Design and construction
At the outset, SNCF aimed to procure a standardized "catalog" locomotive requiring minimal adaptation. Alstom proposed an enhanced variant of their latest shunting model, the SBB Am 841. However, SNCF's specification for frontal cab access rather than side doors necessitated a comprehensive redesign of the cabin. This modification means that the BB 60000 should be regarded as a unique locomotive type rather than a derivative model.
While much of its technology is inherited from the SBB Am 841 platform, key differences include a newly designed cabin, distinct engine choice, and updated electrical systems. The locomotive features two engine hoods: a longer one housing the Caterpillar CAT3508B engine alongside its alternator, and a shorter hood accommodating electrical components and braking equipment.
The redesigned cab boasts a more rounded shape with dual full control consoles and air-conditioning for operator comfort. Its bogies are similar to those on previous models, incorporating primary suspension elements consisting of coil springs paired with Silentbloc components and vertical shock absorbers, complemented by secondary suspension using "Sandwich" blocks. Each bogie supports two traction motors powered by IGBT-based electronic controls. Braking relies exclusively on wheel brakes fitted with plastic pads.
The entire series is constructed by Vossloh España, while Alstom supplies key electrical transmission parts including the generator, rectifier, IGBT inverters, and traction motors.
Career
After completing a two-year certification phase, the first deliveries commenced in late 2006. Initial batches encountered problems such as insufficient brake pad performance, leading to unreliable shunting operations, alongside software glitches causing unexpected jolts. Vossloh addressed these issues by retrofitting the initial ten locomotives, with later units incorporating these enhancements directly during manufacturing.
The entire fleet is stationed at the Sotteville depot (EIMM Normandie), which serves as the primary location for extensive maintenance and overhauls. These locomotives are deployed throughout France, including areas like Paris (Le Bourget, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Trappes, Montereau, Chartres), Rennes, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Bordeaux, Hendaye, Picardie, and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Their duties primarily involve heavy shunting tasks and local trip workings. Specifically, in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 14 non-assigned units operate from Lens for regional maintenance and run services originating from Somain, Lille Delivrance, and Dunkerque yards. When coupled in multiple-unit configurations, two locomotives can haul loads exceeding 3,500 tonnes on the Lestrem branch line between Armentieres.
One locomotive was involved in SNCF's "Zéro pétrole" initiative during the early 2000s, experimenting with operations powered entirely by biodiesel fuel.
See also
- SBB Am 841, GA DE900, and Renfe 311: earlier models produced by the same manufacturer featuring comparable designs.
- SNCF BB 75000: more powerful mainline diesel locomotives commissioned around the same timeframe.
Notes
- ↑ The prefix "4" denotes freight locomotives under FRET's classification