Tuesday, January 22, 2013

the SNCF's self-propelled dome car - the autorail panoramique from 1959


Officially designated as the X4200, this class of 10 units dated from 1959, built by Renault, and were withdrawn between 1980 and 1985.  They were intended for France's most scenic lines in the south.

The elevated first class compartment was placed above the engine compartment so as to provide a 360 degree view of the scenery.  Coupling with other classes of autorail was possible.

One was preserved by the Livradois-Forez, although in a green and cream livery, not the SNCF red and cream, and there are are models available.

Transmission: diesel-electric
Prime mover: 1 x MGO Engine, 825 hp output, turbo-charged
Speed: 130 km/h
Length:26.77 metres
Weight: 55.1 tonnes
Seats:  44 1st class, 36 2nd class + 8 folding seats

No comments: