SNCF Class BB 36000

Infobox Locomotive Auto
name = SNCF BB 36000
powertype = Electric


caption = SNCF BB 436055, At Bois-Plan, near Chambéry, April 2006.
imagesize = 250
builder = Alstom
builddate = 1996-2002
totalproduction = 40
uicclass = Bo'Bo'
gauge = RailGauge|sg
length = 19.1 m
width = 2.59 m
height = 4.3 m
weightondrivers = 11 t
weight = 88 t
electricsystem = 1500V DC
3000V DC
25kV 50Hz AC
enginetype = 4×Alstom FXA 4559 with GTO powerpacks
topspeed = 120 km/h (before 2001 and theoretical: 220 km/h)
poweroutput = 5,600 kW
safety = Crocodile, KVB, TBL.
railroad = SNCF-FRET
numinclass = 40
trainbrakes =
locobrakes =
firstrun = 1996
roadnumber = 36001-36030 & 36051-36060
nicknames = Astride
disposition = in service|The SNCF Class BB 36000 electric locomotives were built by GEC-Alsthom (from 1998: Alstom) between 1996 and 2001. Initially only to be a tri-current version of BB 26000 locomotives, it was further developed and became eventually a completely new locomotive type. They mostly operate on French-Belgian freight corridors such as Calais-Montzen and Lille Délivrance-Antwerpen Noord.

SNCB/NMBS's class 13 and CFL's class 3000 locomotives were derived from the BB 36000.

History

Originally BB 36000 locomotives were an extension of the BB 26000 order, with the last 30 locomotives being equipped for service into Italy. In 1993 the order was modified: not only the locomotives were to be tri-current, but they would also be redeveloped and become a totally new locomotive type. At first SNCF hesitated to modify the order as the synchronous technology from BB 26000 locomotives was very reliable, but Alstom persuaded SNCF to change the order so that it would get new asynchronous traction motors with GTO powerpacks. This would also enable Alstom to receive export orders of locomotives with this technology.

Asynchronous traction was already used successfully for 2 decades in Germany, but not in France as realising multi-voltage locomotives with this technology was a problem due to the high weight of the semiconductors. In the mid-90s the technology was finally advanced enough to develop multi-voltage locomotives. Based on the experiences made with testbed locomotive BB 10003, Alstom engineers further refined the technology so it was ready to be used in new locomotives.

BB 36000 were also slated for use in the canceled Nightstar cross-channel services.

With the Nightstar project frozen in 1997 and shelved in 1999, the locomotives were displaced to FRET, the freight branch of SNCF.

Gallery

Career

References

*"Génération triphasé: BB 26000, 36000, 27000, 37000". In: "Rail Passion Hors-Serie : "Locomotives d'aujourd'hui: BB 26000, 36000, 27000 et 37000". July 2004. Éditions La Vie Du Rail, ISSN|1261-3665, p. 6-29.