BB 26000

The BB 26000 is a dual voltage electric locomotive built by GEC Alsthom between 1988-1998 for the French National Railways Network (SNCF). Commonly known as the Sybics, they are capable of a top speed of 200 km/h. 
== Design / Development ==
Built to fulfill both passenger and freight duties; the original specifications for the BB 26000 Class included the ability to pull a train of 16 Corail passenger cars at 200 km/h (124 MPH) speeds on an 0.25% gradient, as well as tackling gradients as steep as 0.88% at 80 km/h with a 2,050-ton freight train in tow.
Similar to the contemporary TGV Atlantique, the class utilizes three-phase synchronous type traction motors with an output of 7,510 HP, but with two three-phase stator windings offset by 30 degrees, in which the drive from these motors to the wheels is transmitted via a floating ring vibration isolation element (anneau dansant in French) and hollow shaft drive. 
Prior to production, Alsthom had produced two prototype examples, BB 20011 and 20012, between 1985-1986 as a test bed for the dual voltage traction system, microprocessor control systems and auxiliary motors incorporated in the finished design. 
== History / Operations ==
The SNCF originally ordered for a total of 264 examples to be built, the last thirty being of a new triple voltage design produced between 1996-2001 with the capability of operating on 3 kV DC, thus being reclassified as BB 36000. 
In June 2000, locomotive #26084 became the victim of an accident near Chasse-sur-Rhone as a result of sabotage, and has been out of service since. 
As for the remainder of the class, all still remain in operation throughout most of the French rail network. 
== Liveries ==
As delivered, the BB 26000's originally sported a non-conventional orange and gray livery. Over the years, however, the class itself has been seen in many unique liveries, including Fret SNCF green, multiservice red and gray, TER Alsace, and En voyage purple and silver. 
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Category:SNCF trains
Category:Built in 1989