CC 65500

SNCF's 35 CC 65000 diesel-electric locomotives make up an emblematic series designed to serve the Grande Ceinture in Paris. The first unit entered service on July 10, 1955 at the La Plaine depot, marking a major step in the transition of the French rail fleet from steam to diesel traction.

Powered by a 2,000 hp Sulzer engine, slow but extremely noisy (710 rpm), these locomotives are distinguished by their massive silhouette and instantly recognizable noise, earning them several popular nicknames: Babazou, Dakota, Doryphore... Their sound and visual personality make them machines deeply rooted in the railway imagination.

From the mid-1970s until they were withdrawn from service in 2005, CC 65000s became indispensable at the head of work trains on major sites, notably those linked to the construction of French high-speed lines. Their power and robustness make them perfectly suited to these demanding missions.

In the early 1980s, five of these locomotives were purchased by private rail contractors, extending their careers by some thirty years. Today, two locomotives have been preserved: CC 65506 (CMCF) and CC 65512 (APPMF), testifying to the heritage and essential role played by this series in the development of the French rail network.

A captivating subject for enthusiasts of diesel rolling stock, SNCF railway history and rolling heritage.