SNCF 2D2-5546 “Waterman”
E 543 “Femme enceinte”
collection Jean-Pierre Vergez-Larrouy
As early as 1926, the Paris-Orléans ordered two electric 2-D-2 express locomotives with 4,000 hp each which were numbered E 501 and E 502. Each of the four driving axles had one sprung traction motor that transmitted its power via a Buchli drive on one side of the locomotive. They operated under 1,500 Volts DC and had a rheostatic brake. They had a top speed of 130 km/h that was later increased to 140 km/h.
Series production of 35 locomotives only started in 1933 and in 1943, 15 more were built. The production locomotives had different nose designs which can be seen in the photos and were dubbed either “Waterman” or “Femme enceinte” (pregnant woman). In 1950 their performance was surpassed by the 2D2 9100, but they were only retired between 1978 and 1980.