SNCF CC 72000 class diesel with a passenger train in Flanders, 1972

A total 92 units of this CC* type were built between 1967 and 1974 by Alsthom which are considered the most powerful class of diesel locomotives to be built in France with a V16 prime mover rated at 2,650 kW (3,550 hp).

*There were two traction motors, each mounted on a 3-axle monomotor bogie with two-speed gearing.[2] A unique feature of the monomotor design was the choice of two speed settings, which was intended to benefit its dual use on both freight and passenger services; selecting the 85 km/h max speed 'regime marchandises' maximized tractive effort (beneficial when hauling heavy freight trains), while the 140/160 km/h max speed 'regime voyageurs' was suited for higher speed express trains.

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