SNCF 2D2 5500

[3] The locomotives operated from a 1,500 V DC catenary with two pantographs, powering four 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) motors.

The resistance applied to the engines was progressively removed and the locomotive's speed increased, then switching to series-parallel operation and finally parallel only at 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph).

Rheostatic braking was also possible, with the rotors connected in series and shunt resistances across each field winding.

[2] Thirty five units were ordered by the PO to run on its newly electrified Paris-Orleans-Toulouse/Bordeaux lines, numbers 503 to 537, delivered between 1933 and 1935.

35 of these were delivered by 1950, but after this the rigid-framed electric locomotive was replaced by a Co-Co bogie design, the CC 7100.

PO-Midi E 543, with the 'enceinte' nose
2D2 5546 and the 'Waterman' nose [ i ]
2D2 5516 at the Cité du train museum, with side panels removed to show the traction motors
Waterman ink jar