1C1 3900 was a class of SNCF electric locomotive. The class had only one member, 1C1 3901. It was built in 1912 for the Chemins de fer du Midi and its Midi class was E 3200. It was one of six different prototype electric locomotives ordered by the Midi. It was withdrawn in 1959 and one motor from it is preserved.

SNCF 1C1 3900
Midi E 3200
Midi E 3201
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderWestinghouse
Build date1912
Total produced1
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-6-2
 • AAR1-C-1
 • UIC1′C1′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Wheel diameter1,200 mm (47.24 in)
Trailing dia.850 mm (33.46 in)
Adhesive weight54 t (53 long tons; 60 short tons)
Loco weight82 t (81 long tons; 90 short tons)
Electric system/sSingle phase AC, 12 kV, 16+23 Hz. Overhead line
Current pickup(s)2 pantographs
Traction motorsTwo, Westinghouse
Performance figures
Maximum speed75 km/h (47 mph)
Power outputContinuous, 883 kW (1,184 hp)
One hour, 1,030 kW (1,380 hp)

Overview

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Many lines of the Midi network being mountain lines, the company began an electrification programme in 1909. The system chosen was single phase alternating current at 12 kV and 16+23 Hz.

Six prototype locomotives were ordered for the Perpignan - Villefranche-de-Conflent line. They were:[1]

Only the E 3201 really worked well. The company also ordered railcars E ABD 1 to 30, which later became Class Z 4900. [2]

Service

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The E 3201 worked throughout its career on the Perpignan - Villefranche-de-Conflent line for the haulage of freight trains, helped by the railcars. Thanks to its good reliability, it was kept by the SNCF when it was founded in 1938 and it remained in service until 1959.

Preservation

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E 3201 / 1C1 3901 was to be preserved but, owing to an act of vandalism, only one motor from the locomotive could be saved. It is exhibited at the Cité du Train, Mulhouse.

References

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  1. ^ Ransome-Wallis, P. (2001). Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Railway Locomotives. Courier Corporation. p. 149. ISBN 0486412474.
  • Davies, John. Chemins de fer du Midi and Chemins de fer de Paris à Orleans Locomotive List 1840–1938. Woodbridge, Queensland: Dr. John Davies. p. 56. ISBN 0-9585541-0-2.