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Locomotive-Specs
Alstom BB 8700 – photo 1© trainspo.com
Electric locomotive

Alstom BB 8700

Built by Alsthom

Top speed
90 km/h
56 mph
Track gauge
1,435 mm
Standard gauge
Years built
1965–1971
20 units
Axle arrangement
B'B'

Overview of the Alstom BB 8700

Discover the iconic SNCF BB 8700 locomotive, a classic French electric workhorse.

Built by Alsthom between 1965 and 1971, these robust locomotives served the French National Railway Corporation with distinction.

With a top speed of 90 km/h and a B'B' UIC axle configuration, the BB 8700 series, a variant of the BB 8500, was designed for reliable operation on the 1435 mm gauge network.

Featuring 1.5 kV DC electric systems and a substantial width of 3.04 meters and height of 4.15 meters, these locomotives were a familiar sight on French railways for decades.

Many were refurbished in 2001, extending their operational life. Explore the heritage of these powerful electric locomotives.

Alstom BB 8700 technical specifications

Value
SeriesBB 8500
Built byAlsthom · 1965–197120 units
Refurbished2001 (20)
Top speed90 km/h56 mph
Electric systems
  • 1.5 kV DC
Track gauge1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in
UIC axle arrangementB'B'
Width3.04 m10 ft 0 in
Height4.15 m13 ft 7 in

Operators of the Alstom BB 8700

Railway companies that have operated the BB 8700, with the class designation used by each of them.

OperatorClassCountry
French National Railway CorporationSNCF BB 8700France

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