8354 - the SNCF bo-bo electric BB17029

(which was used in push-pull mode with the double decker coaches)

Prototype information:

These mixed traffic locomotives, derived from the BB16500's spent the majority of their career on the Paris suburban lines. Delivered to La Chapelle and Achères depots, they spent their first few years hauling express trains to Le Havre, but also to Creil and even Lille. They also hauled many freight trains alongside BB12000, 13000, CC14000, 14100, BB 16500 and 25500's in the north of France which meant the entire class reallocating to Lens. The delivery of the new VB 2N in the mid-70's allowed the progressive return of the locomotives to the Paris area where they operated for several years with their sister locos BB16500 before being responsible for their relocation to La Villette. They then hauled the Rames Nord, and all types of stock from Paris-Nord to Persan-Beaumont, Pontoise and Creil. The last ex-Lens BB17000's were based at Achères depot assigned thereafter to the push-pull suburban trains at Paris-St Lazare where they operated in particular with the Etat and Talbot coaches. The arrival of new railcars such as the Z20500’s at the beginning of the 1990's involved the locos being re-allocated to Achères and La Villette, and all the locos have gradually been equipped for one man operation. Contrary to the BB25500’s which are still involved with haling important freight traffic, the BB17000’s remain confined to the Parisian suburbs. In spite of their limited role, the occasional failures of the quite old BB16000’s and the lack of suitable traction finds them from time to time at the head of main line trains out of Paris-St Lazare. The batch of the locomotives at La Villette increased over the last few years but peaked at the time of the arrival of Z22500’s during 1998 before the arrival of EOLE, thus allowing the relocation of many of the BB16500’s to Lens. These locomotives regularly haul trains of seven to eight heavy double deck cars, but are not suited to the frequent stops and are now showing their age and failures are not unknown. In spite of the arrival of Z20900’s, the increase in the Paris suburban traffic still means they have several years of life left in them on the SNCF network.

Depots: La Villette, la Chapelle et Achères.

Number built: 105
Operating area : Northern region and Paris suburban

Number range:

17001 - 17105
Maximum speed: 140 km/h (90 mile/h)

Power: 

4000 HP

Weight

79 tons
Length 14.7 m
Date entered service: 1964-68
Builder Alsthom