© trainspo.comCAF RENFE 279
Built by CAF, MELCO
Overview of the CAF RENFE 279
Discover the RENFE 279, a powerful electric locomotive built by CAF and MELCO since 1967 for the Spanish operator Renfe Operadora.
With a top speed of 130 km/h and an impressive power output of 2700 kW, this locomotive is designed for operation on broad gauge (1668 mm) track.
The RENFE 279 is characterized by its robust construction with a 1668 mm gauge and a Bo'Bo' axle arrangement. Its dimensions – 17.27 m length, 3.13 m width, and 3.68 m height – along with a weight of 80 tons, highlight its strength.
It is designed for various electric systems, including 1.5 kV DC and 3 kV DC, underscoring its versatility within the Spanish network.
Learn more about the technical sophistication and reliability of this iconic locomotive that has significantly contributed to railway operations in Spain.
CAF RENFE 279 technical specifications
| Value | Imperial / US | |
|---|---|---|
| Built by | CAF, MELCO · 196716 units | |
| Top speed | 130 km/h81 mph | |
| Power output | 2,700 kW3,621 hp | |
| Electric systems |
| |
| Track gauge | 1,668 mmIberian gauge5 ft 5⅝ in | |
| UIC axle arrangement | Bo'Bo' | |
| Length | 17.27 m56 ft 8 in | |
| Width | 3.13 m10 ft 3 in | |
| Height | 3.68 m12 ft 1 in | |
| Weight | 80 t176,370 lb |
Operators of the CAF RENFE 279
Railway companies that have operated the RENFE 279, with the class designation used by each of them.
| Operator | Class | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Renfe Operadora | RENFE 279 | Spain |
CAF RENFE 279 photos
Photos © their respective authors, shared on trainspo.com. They may show liveries or variants that differ from the specifications above.
More electric locomotives from CAF

CAF
289
Electric locomotive
1969–1972 · 140 km/h

CAF
RENFE 276
Electric locomotive
1956–1965 · 110 km/h

CAF
RENFE 251
Electric locomotive
1982–1984 · 160 km/h

CAF
RENFE 250
Electric locomotive
160 km/h · 4,600 kW

CAF
289-100
Electric locomotive
100 km/h · 6,200 kW

CAF
EuskoTren 11-14
Electric locomotive
70 km/h · 565 kW

CAF
RENFE 281
Electric locomotive
1927–1929 · 75 km/h

CAF
E401
Electric locomotive
200 km/h · 6,000 kW
Similar electric locomotives from other manufacturers

Alstom
RENFE 280
Electric locomotive
1963 · 120 km/h

Alstom
2500
Electric locomotive
120 km/h · 2,053 kW

Henschel
2550
Electric locomotive
120 km/h · 2,053 kW

ACEC
SNCB 26
Electric locomotive
1964–1971 · 130 km/h

Alstom
ONCF E-900
Electric locomotive
1970–1971 · 125 km/h

Alstom
CP 2600
Electric locomotive
1974–1975 · 160 km/h

Ansaldo
HZ 1061.1
Electric locomotive
1968 · 120 km/h

MTE
BB 25150
Electric locomotive
1967–1977 · 130 km/h