The Class BB 9400 was an electric locomotive of the SNCF. It was used to pull L’Aquilon, a high-speed passenger train between Paris, Dijon and Lyon-Perrache.[1] The locomotives were given the nickname "Vespa", as they were very lightweight. [2] They were one of a series of locomotives called the "BB Jacquemin", as they used trucks designed by engineer André Jacquemin. The locomotive itself was designed by noted French railway designer Paul Arzens. [3] In later years they hauled passenger trains on the difficult Béziers–Neussargues line.[4]
The locomotive series was built between 1967 and 1969, numbered 9401 to 9535[4]. These fell into two groups; the original group was limited to 120 km/h, with units BB 9531 to 9535 capable of 180 km/h.[citation needed] These units operated under a 1,500 V DC catenary, with a power of 2,210 kW (2,960 hp). The locomotives are 14.40m long and weigh 60 t (59 long tons; 66 short tons). They were fitted for multiple unit and push–pull working.[4] Some were modified in the 1980s to work in freight service and reclassified as BB 9600, with sound-proofed cabins and a unified control stand for the operator. All units have been removed from service, with one example kept on display at the Gare de Nîmes. [5]
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