Alstom BB 8500

Built by Alsthom

Top speed

140 km/h

87 mph

Power output

2,940 kW

3,943 hp

Weight

80 t

176,370 lb

Track gauge

1,435 mm

Standard gauge

Years built

1964–1974

146 units

Axle arrangement

B'B'

Overview of the Alstom BB 8500

Discover the robust SNCF BB 8500 electric locomotive, a workhorse of French railways built by Alsthom between 1964 and 1974.

With a powerful 2940 kW output and a top speed of 140 km/h, this 80-tonne locomotive is designed for efficiency on the 1435 mm standard gauge.

Operating on 1.5 kV DC electric systems, the BB 8500 series played a significant role in the French National Railway Corporation's operations, embodying reliability and performance for decades.

Alstom BB 8500 technical specifications

	Value	Imperial / US
Series	BB 8500
Built by	Alsthom · 1964–1974146 units
Top speed	140 km/h87 mph	87 mph
Power output	2,940 kW3,943 hp	3,943 hp
Electric systems	1.5 kV DC
Track gauge	1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in	4 ft 8½ in
UIC axle arrangement	B'B'
Weight	80 t176,370 lb	176,370 lb