The French SNCF electric locomotive 1.5 KV BB 9004 from 1952.
The SNCF BB 9003 and BB 9004 are French direct current electric locomotives with two trucks each having two driving axles. Built at the same time as SNCF BB 9001-9002, these four units were used to evaluate locomotives with total adhesion in the course of normal operation. They also served as prototypes that helped define the mechanical and electrical characteristics of future locomotives to be ordered in greater quantities.
BB 9003 was the first French locomotive to be remote-controlled from the exterior of its train. BB 9004 broke a rail speed record of 331 km / h on March 29, 1955.
The exhibited BB 9004 is preserved at Cite du Train, in a livery similar to one worn on the record winning run 1955. It is made with the body from BB 9003 (the 9004’s body being in too poor condition to be saved), using the mechanicals from 9004.
Builder: Jeumont-Schneider
Build date: BB 9003: 1952, BB 9004: 1954
Total produced: 2 units
