1985 : 20011 rebuilt from 22379[1] 1986 : 20012 rebuilt from 22380[1] 1994 : both rebuilt for TTU[2][note 1] 1995 : both rebuilt to standard BB 22200[2]
The SNCF BB 20011 and SNCF BB 20012 were electric locomotives used for testing, built by Alsthom between 1985 and 1986. The two locomotives were the synchronous dual-voltage prototypes for Class BB 26000.
In 1994 the locomotives were re-used for work on the Channel Tunnel, then converted to standard class BB 22200s in 1995.
History
SNCF BB 26000 test locomotives
In 1985 and 1986 the SNCF BB 22200 locomotives numbers 22379 and 22380 were modified[1] to test dual voltage electric traction equipment, the microprocessor control, and auxiliary variable speed induction motors. 20012 was used to test the combination of pneumatic brake system and electric brake system.[3]
Channel tunnel machines
In 1994 the units were used in the Channel Tunnel as motor engines for TTU trains.[2][note 1] (Channel tunnel freight engines)[5]
Conversion to standard locomotives
In 1995 the locomotives were converted back to standard SNCF Class BB 22200 type.[2]
Miniature models
The locomotive 20011 has been produced by Märklin[6] and Roco[7][8] in HO scale.
^ abcIsabelle Saillot. "Une histoire technologique du THALYS". isabelle-saillot.com (in French). Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. ... la SNCF avait fait modifier la BB 15055 en BB 10004 puis les BB 22379 et 22380 alors en construction, en BB 20011 (1985) et 20012 (1986)
^ abcd"SNCF withdrawn dc electric locomotives". www.railfanurope.net. Archived from the original on 2013-01-25. Retrieved 2011-01-06. Class 22200 (nrs. 379-80), delivered as prototypes BB 20011-12 with synchronous motors (for Class 26000). Rebuilt as TTU (1994), then as original 22200s (1995)
