The SNCF Class BB 7200 is a 1.5 kV DC electric locomotive operated by the SNCF in France. It is the DC version of the 'Nez Cassé' family of locomotives built between 1976 and 1985 by Alstom. They are rated for of continuous power. SNCF Class BB 15000 is the AC version while the Class BB 22200 is a dual-voltage version. Another relative is the NS Class 1600 operated in the Netherlands, a DC locomotive based on the BB 7200. Intended primarily for passenger service, increasing numbers are being allocated for freight service with lower-geared bogies as passenger services are taken from locomotive-hauled coaches by TGV services. BB 7200 operations are limited to the French 1.5 kV DC electrified network in southeastern France, from Paris southwards. In 2016 48 were allocated to freight, 58 to intercity passenger service, 50 to regional passenger service, and two to auto-train service.
7209, 7210, 7308 and 7348 have all been destroyed in accidents. The class was originally numbered 7201 - 7440. Some have cast plates. 7411-7440 are fitted with regenerative brakes for use on the steep Maurienne line in the Alps.
Fourteen locomotives numbered 7311, 7312, 7314, 7325, 7326, 7327, 7330, 7331, 7332, 7335, 7337, 7339, 7341 and 7342 were modified for push-pull operation and become BB 7600 locomotives, to be operated on Transilien Line N.
Names Some of the class carry the name of a city in France: Number City 7203 Saint-Flour 7221 Saint-Amand-Montrond 7223 La Souterraine 7232 Souillac 7236 Chambéry 7237 Pierrelatte 7238 Thonon-les-Bains 7239 Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny 7240 Saint-Étienne 7241 Villeurbanne 7242 Vienne 7243 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges 7244 Vernou-la-Celle-sur-Seine 7253 Montréjeau 7256 Valenton 7270 Entraigues-sur-Sorgues 7410 Fontenay-sous-Bois 7411 Lamure-sur-Azergues
Models This locomotive was reproduced in H0 scale by Jouef, Lima, Märklin and Roco. This locomotive was reproduced in N scale by Fleischmann and Minitrix.
References