Poster BB 26000

The BB 26000 is a series of SNCF electric locomotives nicknamed "Sybic", a contraction of "Synchrone" and "Bicourant". Together with their smaller siblings, the BB 36000, they are now the SNCF's most powerful locomotives.

Following the delivery of the last BB 22200 locomotives in 1986, the SNCF is about to receive a new series of universal dual-current locomotives, i.e. those capable of hauling both fast passenger trains at 200 km/h and heavy freight trains.

These machines therefore need to have a high level of power available at both 1.5 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz.

The type of motor chosen was the same as that used for the TGV Atlantique high-speed trains developed at the same time: the synchronous motor.

The 26001 left the factory at the beginning of 1988 and was delivered on April 1, 1988.

The 26002 (May 6), 26003 (May 10), 26004 (July 1) and 26005 (September 1) followed.

There will be many years of intensive deliveries, with up to four machines per month.

The last five 26000s will be delivered in 1998, the very last (26234) being commissioned on July 23, 1998.