Piko 97540 Expert SNCF CC 65000 Diesel Locomotive VI HO Gauge

Expert SNCF CC 65000 Diesel Locomotive VI 1:87 scale model produced by Piko. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection. Features: Analogue DC Model Best suited to Epoch VI Model Railways This model mainly operates in France This model is decorated in SNCF company markings This model is best suited to 358mm radius curves Details The SNCF Class CC 65000 is an early mainline diesel-electric locomotive that played a key role in France’s transition away from steam in the post-war period. Built by Alsthom, CAFL and SACM between 1957 and 1958, a total of 20 locomotives were delivered and initially numbered 060.DB.1 to 060.DB.20, later renumbered CC 65001–CC 65020. Designed with a Co'Co' wheel arrangement, twin V12 diesel engines and a continuous output of about 970 kW, the CC 65000 was versatile enough to haul both express passenger trains and freight services. It was particularly prominent on routes such as Nantes–Tours, Tours–Bordeaux and Bordeaux–La Rochelle–Nantes, where it replaced steam traction and helped modernise French diesel operations. Nicknamed “Sous-marin” (Submarine) and sometimes “Juke-box” by railway crews, the CC 65000 could run at up to 130 km/h with passenger trains, and its rugged construction made it suitable for heavy freight work too. As electrification spread and more modern diesels took over, CC 65000 locomotives were gradually withdrawn between 1981 and 1988. Two examples — CC 65001 and CC 65005 — have been preserved in museums and heritage collections.