Poster locomotive bb 9004

The BB 9003 and BB 9004 are two French direct current electric locomotives with two bogies with two powered axles, delivered to the SNCF in 1952 and 1954 respectively.

Built at the same time as the BB 9001 and 9002, these four machines are intended to test the behavior of full grip locomotives in operation and to define the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the series machines for high speed circulation. The BB 9003 and 9004 are notably built to test the integration of a new type of motor bogie, designed by André Jacquemin. The BB 9004 set a world rail speed record (331 km / h) on March 29, 1955.

Like many other prototypes, their career was fairly short since they were canceled in January 1973, but a locomotive called "BB 9004", actually rebuilt from the two prototypes, was exhibited at the Cité du train.