SNCF 240P

Infobox Locomotive
name = SNCF 240.P
powertype = Steam


caption =
designer = André Chapelon
axleload = 20 t (44,000 lb)
hpcylindersize = 420×650 mm (16.5×25.6 in)
lpcylindersize = 650×690 mm (25.2×27.2 in)
driversize = 1.9m (74.75 in)
boilerpressure = 2.00 MPa (290 psi)
totalsurface = 213 m² (2,290 ft²)
superheaterarea = 68 m² (733 ft²)
firearea = 3.75 m² (40 ft²)
tenderc

weightondrivers = 80.5 t (755,500 lb)
weight = 136.5 t (301,000 lb)
length = 20.79 m (68 ft 2½ in)
poweroutput = 4,000 cylinder hp

The SNCF 240P class was a group of 37 4-8-0 steam locomotives designed by André Chapelon, and regarded by some, as one of his best designs.

They started life as Chemin de Fer de Paris à Orléans (Paris-Orleans Railway) 4500 class 4-6-2s before being rebuilt. The new boiler with the long, narrow Belpaire firebox came from the "Nord" "Super Pacifics". With all the pipes, domes, and pumps, these were double-chimneyed, husky looking locomotives of very different appearance than the Pacifics.

Use

These 4-8-0s were created to tackle the gradients of the line to Toulouse, steeper than those to Bordeaux. The intention was to provide one-third more adhesive weight than the 4500s. On level ground, they could manage 28 coaches at 53mph (85km/h).

References

*cite book
last = Hollingsworth
first = Brian
coauthors = Arthur F. Cook
title=The Great Book of Trains
publisher = Salamander Books Ltd.
year = 1987,1996;
isbn = 0-517-18462-1
*cite book
last = Hollingsworth
first = Brian
title = The Illustrated Dictionary of Trains of the World
year = 2000
publisher = Salamander Books Ltd.
locaion = London
isbn = 1-84065-177-6
pages = 118–121