8345 - the SNCF bo-bo electric BB15006
Prototype information
| In 1971 delivery of the first
BB15000 class began, which looked similar in outline to the CC 6500's ,
same livery, similar but shorter body but with two axle bogies. These
innovative locomotives were the first to use power electronics including
thyristors instead of the traditional tap changer. The shape of the
driving cabs helped to avoid dazzling the driver, and they were fitted
with speed control as well as standard controls. In keeping with the
CC6500, they later wore TEE livery to enable them to harmonise with the
coaches on the prestige trains like the 'Klébert' or the 'Stanislas'
which connected Paris to the east of France. They replaced the BB16000's which had been operating on these trains for the
previous three years.
In the original green livery they were assigned to Strasbourg depot which they never left and began to replace the BB16000's on the fastest trains connecting the capital with Strasbourg, Metz or Nancy. Following delivery of the last locos, the BB 16000's were displaced from Strasbourg to Vault depot and continued their career in the north of France. The BB 15000's were to be seen at the head of parcels trains, but less often at the head of freight trains in spite of the installation of forced ventilation which meant better cooling of their traction motors. |
| Type | BB15000 |
| Number built: | 65 |
| Number range | 15001 to 15065 |
| Operating area : | Eastern Region |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h (100 mile/h) |
| Power | 6000 HP |
| Operating Voltage | 25Kv ac |
|
Weight |
90 tons |
| Length | 17.5 m |
| Date entered service: | 1971 to 1978 |
| Builders | Alsthom |