SNCF 232.U.1

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SNCF 232.U.1
Hugh llewelyn 232.U1 (5374741137).jpg
SNCF 232.U.1 in the Cité du Train museum in 2009
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
Builder
Serial numberC-L: 1908
Build dateMay 1949
Total produced1
Specifications
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Leading dia. 970 mm (3 ft 2 1⁄4 in)
Driver dia.2,000 mm (6 ft 6 3⁄4 in)
Trailing dia. 970 mm (3 ft 2 1⁄4 in)
Length
  • Loco: 15,705 mm (51 ft 6 1⁄4 in)
  • Loco+tender: 25.63 m (84 ft 1 in)
Adhesive weight 69 tonnes (68 long tons; 76 short tons)
Loco weight129 tonnes (127 long tons; 142 short tons)
Tender weight84.4 tonnes (83.1 long tons; 93.0 short tons)
Total weight215.4 tonnes (212.0 long tons; 237.4 short tons)
Tender typeSNCF 36.B
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity11.5 tonnes (11.3 long tons; 12.7 short tons)
Water cap36,000 litres (7,900 imp gal; 9,500 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area		5.175 m2 (55.70 sq ft)
Boiler pressure20 kg/cm2 (1.96 MPa; 284 psi)
Heating surface195.0 m2 (2,099 sq ft)
Superheater:
​
 • TypeHoulet, 33-element
 • Heating area87.4 m2 (941 sq ft)
Cylinders Four (compound)
High-pressure cylinder446 mm × 700 mm (17 1⁄2 in × 27 1⁄2 in)
Low-pressure cylinder680 mm × 700 mm (26 3⁄4 in × 27 1⁄2 in)
Performance figures
Maximum speed140 km/h (87 mph)
Power output2,430 kW (3,260 hp)
Career
OperatorsSNCF
Class 232.U
NicknamesLa Divine (Divine)
DeliveredMay 1949
RetiredOctober 1961
Restored1973–1976
Current ownerCité du Train
DispositionMuseum display

SNCF 232.U.1 is a French steam locomotive of the Hudson type.

It was built as part of a new locomotive program designed for the Chemins de Fer du Nord that was delayed by the outbreak of the Second World War. Its particular design distinguishes it in the small series of delivered machines, which makes it a unique model. Delivered in 1949, it was retired from service in 1961. It has since been restored and is now preserved at the Cité du Train in Mulhouse, where it is fired up every 20–30 minutes in a display showing how connecting rods work to propel the locomotive. [1] [2]

History

The locomotive was first built as part of an order with the Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques in 1935. Construction was delayed by the war and wouldn't continue until 1949 when the unit was completed by Corpet-Louvet, incorporating a number of upgrades. This particular locomotive worked the Paris-Lille mainline from 1949 to 1961. [3]

Designed under the supervision of Marc de Caso  [ fr ], the locomotive incorporated the latest technology available at the time, including four sets of piston valves driven by outside mounted Walschaerts valve gear, roller bearings on the axles, simplified controls and a mechanical stoker. While highly effective, the SNCF was focusing on electrification at the time; 232.U.1 would be the only example built. It worked the Paris-Lille line with seven other locomotives from the classes 232.S and 232.R. [4] 232.U.1 would be the last mainline steam locomotive built in France. [5]


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References

  1. ↑ Combe, Jean-Marc (March 2006). "Cité du Train, Former French Railway Museum in Mulhouse—A New Rail Heritage Perspective" (PDF). Japan Railway & Transport Review. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  2. ↑ "Animations - LOCOMOTIVE 232 U 1 HUDSON". Cité du Train. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Registration Number: R7247". Queensland Museum. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  4. ↑ "SNCF 232 U1 4-6-4". Southern Steam Trains. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  5. ↑ "POSTALES : FRANCIA, El gran museo del tren francés". Clarin (in Spanish). February 16, 2013. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
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