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Locomotive SNCF 241.P

The SNCF 241.P was a 4-8-2 'mountain' type express passenger steam locomotive for the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français) from 1948 until 1973. In 1944, SNCF reviewed its predicted postwar traffic requirements and determined a requirement for a locomotive capable of hauling passenger trains of 700–800 tons at 120 km/h (75 mph), and capable of climbing gradients of 1 in 125. A prototype 4-8-2 four cylinder compound locomotive, the 241.C.1, had been built by Schneider et Cie. in 1930 for the former Chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la Méditerranée (PLM). This locomotive was utilised as the basis for the new class, but with some key design changes including the addition of an automatic stoker, strengthened frames, and boiler modifications. 35 locomotives were built by Schneider et Cie., of Le Creusot between 1948 and 1952. The class was initially assigned to the main line between Paris and Marseilles, hauling services including the famous Le Mistral expresses, but within a few years they were displaced by electrification. Large scale electrification of the SNCF was underway, and 241.P  was the last new class of passenger steam locomotives in France. Most of the class was transferred to the Nord, l'Est and l'Ouest regions. The class was withdrawn progressively from service from 1965. Their last regular work, on the Le Mans to Nantes route, ended in 1973.


November 1st 2024

 

 
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