SNCF BB 9004, built 1954 as one of four prototype 4-axle DC locomotives -
the 9001 and 9002 were built by SLM/BBC, the 9003 and 9004 by MTE (Jeumont,
Schneider, SW). It was the first application of Jacquemin cardan transmission.
The body was designed by Paul Arzens. In 1955, it was one of the locomotives
used for high speed tests between Lamothe and Morcenx, where it reached the
world record speed of 331 km/h - even though this badly deformed the track,
and the pantographs melted away quickly at that speed with high DC amperages.
The BB 9003 and 9004 were then used for express trains to Le Mans and in the
south of France, until they were both retired 1972. These locomotives were
not ordered in series, but the 9200, 9300 and 16000 were directly derived
from them. The locomotive shown is actually a combination of the bogies and
number signs of the 9004 with the body of the 9003.
<p>
Mulhouse, Cit&eacute; du Train, 2006-06-02
<p>
<a href="mailto:tbk@uncia.de">tobias b k&ouml;hler</a>