SNCF Class BB 10003

SNCF BB 10003

Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Alstom / MTE Build date 1982 (converted from BB 7003) Total produced 1

Specifications UIC class Bo'Bo' Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Wheel diameter 1,250 mm (49.21 in) Loco weight 92 t (91 long tons; 101 short tons) Electric system(s) 25 kV AC Catenary For TMST tests (1991-2) : 3 kV DC Catenary, 750 V DC Third rail † Current collection For 25 kV and 3 kV DC, Pantograph For 750 V DC, Contact shoe Traction motors 4 aysnchronous motors type ASB5B1

Performance figures Maximum speed 160 km/h (99 mph) Power output 5 MW (6,700 hp)

Career Withdrawn 1998 Disposition reinstated as BB 15007 in 1998

Sources : except †

The locomotive SNCF BB 10003 was an experimental prototype locomotive converted from a SNCF BB 15000 unit and used to develop the use of asynchronous induction traction motors.

History

The locomotive BB 10003 was created from an earlier experimental machine BB 7003 in 1982. It was used to test the use of aysnchronous induction motors in locomotives.

From 1986-7 the locomotive was used in experiments testing the viability of a diesel electric locomotive with asynchronous traction motors; the locomotive was coupled to a remotorised SNCF CC 72000 locomotive which acted as an electrical generator.

In 1990/1 the locomotive was used as a test machine for operations of the TGV-TMST on 750 V and 3000 V. In 1998 the locomotive was converted back to a non-experimental class - as SNCF BB 15007. (SNCF Class BB 15000)

Legacy

The results were not as good as synchronous motor technology; it was not until the introduction of GTO transistor technology that series production of an asynchronous induction motored locomotive began in France, as the Eurostar TGV (1992), and later the BB 36000 Astride (1996).