SNCF 241 P

In French notation 241, counting axles, is a 4-8-2 counting wheels, namely a 'Mountain'. 35 of these were built by Schneider et Cie., of Le Creusot between 1948 and 1952. It is widely considered the largest and most powerful steam locomotive class in France.

The 241.Ps have a 17 meter (55.77ft) long chassis, slightly longer than the one of the PLM Mountain locomotives. the chassis side rails are 28mm (1.1in) sheet metal, and their flexibility is compensated by a network of cast steel spacers. They have a bogie with bearing wheels at the front with wheels of 1m (3.28ft) diameter, four axles coupled to wheels of 2m (6.56ft) diameter, and a rear axle with wheels of 1.33m (4.36ft). The boiler is stamped at 20 bars (290psi). The coal is charged by a system of storage screw without end. The water supply is provided by a loaded injector and an ACFI pump, located behind the chimney of the engine.

The 241.P is a compound engine with four cylinders, and whose arrangements where identical to no. 241.C.1. There are two high pressure cylinders interior to the chassis, causing a slack that influences the third axle, which can get moving, and there are two low pressure cylinders exterior to the chassis, attacking the second coupled axle. The gear change is made, since the 1960s, with a servo motor taken from decomissioned 141.R class locomotives.

The hook power is of the order of 1,900 hp (1,874 imp. hp). The speed limit is 120 km/h (74.5 mph).

In its entire general aesthetics, the locommotive is a style synthesis of the major railways that preceded the SNCF. Generally, the 241.P had PLM appearance, because of their model being a PLM mountain locomotive, with the cutter wind driving cab. The smoke box door and the tender, came from the Nord company. The double exhaust chemney had a marquee cap, which came from the PO-Midi railway.

Four have been preserved.  Read more