SNCF Class BB 17000

The SNCF Class BB 17000 B-B was a class of AC electric locomotives built between 1965 and 1968. The class was used for suburban duties on railway lines around Paris,^[1] notably powering VB2N push-pull sets. They were monophase locomotives (running off 25 kV AC overhead supply) and had the nickname "danseuses" or "dancers". By 2020 the 105-strong class of locomotives had all been withdrawn.^[2]

SNCF BB 17000
BB 17067 at Gare de l'Est 26 December 2005
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Alsthom Build date 1965–1968 Total produced 105
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC B′B′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Wheel diameter 1,100 mm (3 ft 7+1⁄4 in) Wheelbase 8.500 m (27 ft 10+5⁄8 in) ​  • Bogie 1.608 m (5 ft 3+1⁄4 in) Length 14.7–15.57 m (48 ft 2+3⁄4 in – 51 ft 1 in) Width 3.03 or 3.038 m (9 ft 11+1⁄4 in or 9 ft 11+5⁄8 in) Height 4.19 m (13 ft 9 in) Loco weight 78–79 tonnes (77–78 long tons; 86–87 short tons) Electric system/s 25 kV 50 Hz AC Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors TAB 660 B1, force ventilated, 1.5 kilovolt
Performance figures Maximum speed 90 or 140 km/h (56 or 87 mph) Power output: ​  • Continuous 2,940 kW (3,940 hp)
Career Operators SNCF Numbers BB 17001 – BB 17105 Nicknames Danseuses (Dancers)

One member of the class had been named, BB 17051 Cormeilles-en-Parisis.^[1]

Service

After spending a varied first part of their careers hauling different types of train, the locomotives were regrouped for use on the Parisian "trains de la banlieue" or suburban trains. They were all owned and operated by Transilien.