SNCF Class BB 22200

The BB 22200 is a class of electric locomotives in service with the French railways SNCF, built by Alstom between 1976 and 1986. They are a dual voltage version (1500 V DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC) of the BB 7200 and BB 15000 classes.[note 1]

SNCF Class BB 22200 British Rail Class 22
22394 at Antibes station (2006)
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Alstom Build date 1976–1986 Total produced 205
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC B'B' Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in) Length 17.48 m (57 ft 4 in) Loco weight 90 tonnes (89 long tons; 99 short tons) Electric system/s Catenary 25 kV 50 Hz AC 1500 V DC Current pickup(s) Pantograph, 2 off Traction motors Alstom TAB674, 2 off Loco brake Air Train brakes Air
Performance figures Maximum speed 160 or 200 km/h (99 or 124 mph) Power output 4,360 or 5,600 kW (5,850 or 7,510 hp) Tractive effort 294 kN (66,000 lbf) (Max)
Career Operators SNCF Numbers BB 22201 – BB 22405 Nicknames Nez Cassés ("broken noses") Disposition 5 withdrawn, remainder in service

From 1994 nine of the class were used for hauling freight trains through the Channel Tunnel as the Class 92 locomotives were not yet delivered.[1][2] These were numbered 22379/380/399-405,[3] and were used until 1995. For use on British railways these locomotives were allocated the UK traction number Class 22.[4]

History, operations and design

After the first test held in 1976, the BB 22200 were introduced on the Marseille–Nice–Ventimiglia line in southern France–northern Italy. The following year they started to haul longer distance trains such as the Train Bleu (1000 km from Ventimiglia to Paris) and the car-transport train between Marseille and Paris.

The BB 22200 are capable of a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph). Eight locomotives, having a maximum power of 5,600 kilowatts (7,500 hp), were equipped for services up to 200 kilometres per hour (120 mph) and can work on TGV lines.

522266 in En Voyage livery

See also

• SNCF BB 20011 and 20012 two locomotives of the class used as test locomotives for synchronous electric motors and other technology used in the SNCF Class BB 26000

Notes

1. The designation "22000" is in fact the sum of 7200 and 15000

References

1. Colin J. Kirkland (1995). Engineering the Channel Tunnel. Taylor & Francis. p. 297. ISBN 9780419179207.
2. Annual report 1989-90. Channel Tunnel Safety Authority. 1991. pp. 16, 111. ISBN 9780115510106.
3. Haydock, David; Fox, Peter (1999). European Handbook No.4 French Railway Locomotives & Multiple Units. Platform 5, Sheffield. ISBN 1-872524-87-7.
4. TheRailwayCentre.Com. "The all-time guide to the UK Traction Classification System" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-01-13.