In short

On February 27th 2004 a contract was signed between SNCF and a consortium of Alstom and Siemens for the delivery of new diesel locomotives. The number of locomotives was immense: SNCF signed for 400 locomotives with an option for more. The size of the order clearly showed SNCF intentions to renew its fleet of diesel locomotives. The initial order concerned the purchase of Prima DE33 B AC locomotives with a 2000 kW MTU R41 diesel engine installed. Due to changes in European emission standards and SNCF's wish for a more powerful diesel engine, all units produced after a 75133 received 2400 kW MTU R43 engine. A new subseries was introduced for these locos: BB 75400.

The exterior of the locomotives was inherited from the Alstom Prima platform, but the technical part was mainly provided by Siemens, which used components similar to those of the EuroRunner locos. Originally, Siemens would produce 130 frames in Munich, which would then be transported to Belfort. However, after 18 frames it was decided to do all the hardware in Belfort. Construction numbers 21286 - 21415 were reserved for this purpose, but finally only 21286 - 21303 were used. 

Of the 400 locomotives ordered, only 200 were delivered. An overview of the different subseries is provided on the right.

Fleet Changes - Akiem

In December 2008 a new leasing company was introduced, named Akiem. The company was founded by SNCF and took over a great part of the modern fleet. Next to Alstom Prima electrics, Alstom Astride electrics and various shunter locomotives, also 50 Prima DE33 B AC locomotives were transferred to the Akiem fleet. The locomotives involved are 75006 - 75045 & 75101 - 75110. With the transfer to Akiem also the livery of the locomotives was gradually changed from the former Fret SNCF colors to a silver grey base livery.

With the locomotives now available to other operators than SNCF, the door has opened for a more international career. This was clearly illustrated by the homologation of the Prima DE33 B AC for the Czech Republic and Slovakia back in 2011. 75006 - 75045 were originally configurated for France only, but also operations in the Czech Republic are possible now. Also the service domain for 75101 - 75110 was extended. Both the Czech Republic and Slovakia were added to France and Germany, making the locomotives available for services in four different countries. Ten locomotives (006, 009, 016, 018, 021, 027, 031-032, 034-035) were later transferred back and entered service for SNCF Infra.

Fleet Changes - SNCF Infra

A part of SNCF's fleet of Prima DE33 B AC has been transferred to its Infra division. Just like the transfer of the Akiem locomotives, a new livery was applied to the SNCF Infra units as well. The Fret SNCF livery was replaced by an all yellow one with a purple beam and red/purple SNCF logos.

An up to date overview of all SNCF Infra locomotives can be found in the BB 75000 / BB 75100 locomotive list at the bottom of this page.

News

Technical Details

BB 75000 / BB 75100 - Fleet List

BB 75300 - Fleet List

BB 75400 - Fleet List