SNCF Class CC 21000
| Industry | Railway locomotive manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Alsthom |
| Defunct | 1996 (converted to CC 6500 series) |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Electric locomotives |
The CC 21000 series comprised electric locomotives operated by the French national railway company SNCF, constructed by Alsthom from 1969 to 1974. These units were developed as a dual-voltage adaptation of the CC 6500 series, capable of functioning under both 1500 V DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC electrification systems. Initially stationed in Dijon, the first two locomotives, CC 21001 and CC 21002, were outfitted with cab signaling technology to facilitate trials on emerging high-speed rail lines.
Amtrak
In 1977, Amtrak conducted trials with SNCF's CC21003, which had been modified by Alstom to meet Amtrak's specifications for operation under a 25 Hz traction power supply, including cab signaling, American-style couplers, and other requirements set by the AAR. Renumbered as X996, this unit was equipped with a Nathan P01235 air horn similar to that found on the GE E60 locomotive. Tested alongside a Swedish SJ Rc4 (X995), the locomotive was considered as a potential replacement for the aging PRR GG1 engines on the Northeast Corridor. However, due to X996’s suspension not adapting well to US track conditions, Amtrak ultimately selected the Rc4 design as the foundation for their EMD AEM-7. Following completion of evaluations, X996 was returned to France and reinstated into SNCF service.
Disposal
Between 1995 and 1996, the CC 21000 locomotives underwent conversion into class CC 6500 units, receiving new numbers CC 6575 through CC 6578. All were retired from service by 2005. The former CC 21003 was redesignated as 6577 prior to being dismantled in 2005. One example, CC 6575 (originally 21001), has been preserved and is displayed statically at the SNCF Nimes Depot near Montpellier, France.