Jouef SNCF 241 P Steam Locomotive III (DCC-Sound) HO Gauge HJ2478S

SNCF 241 P Steam Locomotive III (DCC-Sound) 1:87 scale model produced by Jouef. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection. Features: DCC Sound Model Best suited to Epoch III Model Railways Decorated in SNCF company markings Best suited to 356mm radius curves Flywheel Fitted Close Coupler Details The SNCF Class 241P was a class of powerful French 4-8-2 “Mountain”-type steam locomotives built for the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) between 1948 and 1952. A total of 35 locomotives were constructed by Schneider et Cie at Le Creusot to haul heavy express passenger trains, capable of moving 700–800 tonne trains at up to 120 km/h. They were developed after World War II to meet post-war traffic demands and were based on an earlier prototype design with enhancements like an automatic stoker and strengthened boiler. These were the last new passenger steam locomotives built in France at a time when electrification was rapidly progressing. Initially assigned to mainlines such as Paris–Marseille, the 241P class was soon displaced by electrification and transferred around the French network, including to Nord, Est and Ouest regions. They handled heavy express trains and long formations for over a decade, often working west of Le Mans on services to Brest and Quimper. Because of rapid diesel and electric expansion and some structural issues, the class was withdrawn between the mid-1960s and early 1970s, with the last regular service around 1970–1973. The Class 241P was nicknamed the “grosses P” (big Ps) to distinguish them from the smaller 141P series. Four examples have been preserved: 241.P.9, 241.P.16, 241.P.17 and 241.P.30. Notably, 241.P.17 has been restored to operational condition and runs on heritage excursions, making it one of Europe’s most powerful steam survivors and a compelling prototype for large-scale and classic steam era model layouts.