SNCF Introduces CC 7000 Electric Locomotives

On June 29, 1950, SNCF placed the first CC 7000 class electric locomotives into revenue service on the Paris-Lyon line. These 2,400 kW machines, built by Alsthom, featured advanced bogie design and regenerative braking, hauling heavy passenger and freight trains at speeds up to 140 km/h. They addressed postwar reconstruction needs by replacing steam on electrified routes. The locomotives proved highly reliable, influencing subsequent French high-speed rail technology and exporting design principles globally. Their introduction accelerated France's shift to all-electric main lines.