A1AA1A 68000 et 68500

The A1A-A1A 68000 and 68500 locomotives are emblematic diesel-electric machines of the French railway landscape, put into service by the SNCF between 1963 and 1971. Designed to haul both freight and passenger trains, they are distinguished by their A1A-A1A axle configuration, where the end axles are powered while the central ones are load-bearing. The 68000 series is powered by a 2,200 hp Pielstick engine, while the more powerful 68500 achieves 2,400 hp with a Sulzer engine. These locomotives were mainly used on non-electrified lines, particularly in northern and western France. Their robust design and reliability made them popular with railway workers.