La Grande Encyclopédie des locomotives françaises - Les locomotives et locotracteurs diesel – Tome 1

The external appearance of railway rolling stock has constantly evolved over time, guided by technical imperatives, modernizations, rebuilds and the creation of variants for export. Their decoration reflects the trends of the time, the visual strategy of the companies, but also the constant changes in the railway sector: separation of activities, second-hand resales, subsidiaries, new operators...

Despite unification efforts, French rolling stock has never been so rich, varied and colorful. This diversity has inspired Thierry Leleu, who has spent thousands of hours researching and illustrating every livery, from the most emblematic to the most astonishing. Some series, like the BB 63000, are presented in 145 different versions!

This book, the first volume of a unique encyclopedia, is devoted to the 94 types of diesel locomotives, engines and locotractors that have operated on the French national network. It covers SNCF equipment, as well as that of private and foreign companies operating in France, and exported models.

José Banaudo has written a complete file for each machine, including a presentation of the series, a table of characteristics, photographs, diagrams and elevation drawings covering all known variants.

An indispensable book for enthusiasts of trains, model railways and industrial heritage.