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THE NEW DIESEL SHUNTING LOCOMOTIVES 
040-DA SERIES - OF THE SNCF

by Mr. BRUN, 
Divisional Inspector 
at the Thermal Engine Traction Studies Division of the SNCF,


Until recent months, the shunting services of SNCF's marshalling yards and major stations were provided almost exclusively by steam locomotives. 

The fleet of shunting locomotives, already quite dilapidated overall at the outbreak of hostilities, had also suffered seriously during the five years of occupation. 

Since the Liberation, one of SNCF's most pressing concerns has been to rebuild and rejuvenate this fleet.

However, the diesel engine industry had experienced considerable growth since 1930, which American networks took advantage of, given its advantages. We will recall below:

- the diesel locomotive, unlike the steam locomotive, has a high overall efficiency and only consumes fuel when working.
The diesel locomotive is freed from the constraints of frequent fuel loading, water intakes, and fire repairs during shunting service. The speed of start-up and ease of operation of the diesel locomotive are comparable to those of an electric locomotive.

- The diesel locomotive, with equal traction, is more suitable for starting and running than the steam locomotive. 

Overall, its operation proved financially profitable, to the point that its depreciation This efficiency is achieved in a few years, if its use is judicious. 

It was therefore logical to direct our procurement policy for shunting power equipment towards the diesel locomotive. Since French industry was not able to carry out, within a sufficiently short timeframe, the construction program recognized as necessary,