SNCF Class XR 7300: French trailed railcar

SNCF Class XR 7300 / 7100 / 7800 / 8100

The XR 7300, 7100, 7800 and 8100 are French trailed railcars produced by Decauville in 1948. They were built to the same design as the XR 6000 trailers that had been in use since before World War II, as well as the XR 7200. These trailers represent a single generation, replacing the early Decauville models and pre-war equipment, which was sometimes converted from cars.

These cars were built to be part of actual trains, replacing some that had previously been pulled by steam locomotives. They were phased out between the late 1970s and early 1990s.

This series is similar to the Picasso series (SNCF 3800).

History

The first XR 7300 cars, in service from 1950 to 1958, were specially built. In addition to second-class seating, they featured a small first-class lounge in the center, as well as a baggage compartment.

The XR 7300 served as the basis for the XR 7100 models, which included only a first-class lounge. Additionally, the XR 7307, 62, 73-74, and 84 cars were converted while retaining the same number of first-class seats.

A later modification, the XR 7800, featured a larger baggage compartment that replaced both the vestibule and the first-class lounge. Both classes incorporated improvements based on experiences with the XR 7100.

The standardization of railway carriage connections and various changes in the railway industry led to an increased demand for second-class seating. This, in turn, prompted the development of first-class trailers with additional space outside the luggage compartment, resulting in the XR 8100 series.

Description

All four series share a common body structure, with slight differences from the XR 6000 and 7200 models. They have the same body design, except for the XR 7800, which features several hidden compartments due to its expanded luggage compartment.

All these models were factory-equipped with hot water heating and a Thermo-Pull boiler.