SNCF Class BB 69400
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | France |
| Products | Freight locomotives |
| Parent | SNCF |
The SNCF BB 69400 series consists of diesel locomotives that were reconstructed from the BB 66400 class during 2004–2005 for use by SNCF's freight branch, SNCF Fret. This modernization program aimed to upgrade the engines and enhance operational performance.
Rebuilding
The initial MGO V16BSHR power plants were substituted with MTU 12V 4000 R41 engines, offering improved efficiency. Alongside this mechanical overhaul, the driver cabs were redesigned to feature standardized controls and better sound insulation. Additionally, a 7.80 kW Soprano air conditioning system was incorporated to increase crew comfort.
Livery
Following their conversion, the majority of BB 69400 locomotives continued to display the SNCF Fret color scheme. However, units transferred to SNCF Infra for infrastructure duties since 2015 have been repainted in a yellow and grey palette to denote their specialized function.
Fleet allocation
By January 2019, the total of 64 locomotives was mainly stationed at the Longueau and Chalindrey depots, where they support freight transport throughout France. Some locomotives have been retired post-refurbishment as part of ongoing asset management and fleet rationalization.
| Number | Converted from | Withdrawn | Livery | Dépôt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69402 | Ex 66402 | 20 Dec 2017 | Fret | / |
| 69403 | Ex 66403 | / | Fret | Longueau |
| 69409 | Ex 66409 | / | Fret | Longueau |
| 69410 | Ex 66410 | / | Fret | Longueau |
| 69412 | Ex 66412 | 30 Sep 2016 | Fret | / |
| 69414 | Ex 66414 | / | Infra | Longueau |
| 69426 | Ex 66426 | / | Fret | Chalindrey |
| 69439 | Ex 66439 | / | Infra | Longueau |
| 69472 | Ex 66472 | / | Infra | Chalindrey |
Preservation
Several locomotives from this class have been preserved:
- BB 69421 : Train à vapeur en Limousin
- BB 69432 : Matériel Ferroviaire Patrimoine National
- BB 69436 : Agrivap: Les trains de la découverte
- BB 69449 : Amicale des Anciens et Amis de la Traction Vapeur, Montluçon (03)
- BB 69499 : Train à vapeur du Limousin
Bibliography
- Defrance, Jacques, Le matériel moteur de la SNCF, La Vie du rail, Paris, 1978 (fr)
- Redoutey, Denis, Le matériel moteur de la SNCF, La Vie du rail, Paris, 2007, ISBN 978-2-915034-65-3 (fr)
- Voies Ferrées, bimonthly articles on SNCF motive power
- Rail Passion, quarterly updates on SNCF motive power