Sunday, December 5, 2010

world speed record breaking SNCF locomotive


The previous post reminded us of another rail speed record breaking run from history, that of electric locomotive CC 7121 which broke the then record when it achieved 243 km/h (151 mph) on the former PLM mainline between Dijon and Beaune on 21 February 1954. This event is represented in this Alfred Brenet painting.

However, this record did not last long: another member of the same class, CC 7107, reached 331 km/h (206 mph) over 28-29 March 1955. Locomotive BB 9004 also attained 331 kilometres per hour (206 mph) on a separate high speed run between Bordeaux and Dax, Landes. CC 7107 hauled a three-car train with streamlining modifications to reduce aerodynamic drag.

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