X 3800

Preserved example, unit number X4042, shown in 2009.

The SNCF Class X 3800 are diesel multiple units with an elevated off-center control cabin. ^[1] They were nicknamed “Picasso” due the off-center cabin which was reminiscent of the paintings by Pablo Picasso featuring faces where the eyes and nose were completely offset. ^[2]

Technical Details

The X-3800 featured a mechanical transmission with a truck-type clutch and gearbox. The units had a 20m long carbody that rested on two axles, weighing in at 34 tonnes. They were run at speeds of up to 110km/h (with 120 km/h possible). They could be run alone, with other DMU’s or with a combination of DMU’s and other cars. Units were built with two types of diesel engines; a Renault 517 diesel powered units 3801 to 3835 and a Saurer BZDS diesel powered units 3836 to 3856. The units were designed to be robust and simple (but were noisy), often parked outside in the winter. The operator had a straight-on view of the engine and there were no electrical controls, only mechanical levers and switches directly connecting to the diesel motor. The units were widely used from the 1950s to the 1980s on secondary lines, often of poorer quality than the main lines of the period, ^[3] at a lower cost than comparable steam trains of the era. The units were reliable and offered passengers a wide-open view of the rail line.^[4] The diesel engines produced 300 hp and were water-cooled. The X 3800 burned 50-55 L of diesel fuel per 100km, giving the unit a range of about 700km. The car bodies were of welded construction. ^[5]

The X 3800 were built from 1950 to 1961. 251 units were built, given unit numbers X 3801 to X 4051 by the SNCF. Each X 3800 could hold 62 passengers, ^[6] with smoking and non-smoking compartments and a baggage area located on the same side as the driver's cabin. ^[5]

References

1. Caron, François; Bachet, Olivier (1999). Le patrimoine de la SNCF et des chemins de fer français, Volume 2 [Heritage of the SNCF and of French Railways, Volume 2] (in French). Flohic. ISBN 2842340698.
2. Papazian, André. Encyclopédie du train, volume 1, locomotives & automotrices [Encyclopedia of the train, Volume 1, locomotives and railcars] (in French). éditions E.T.A.I.
3. "Michelines et Autorails, L’autorail X-3800 dit Picasso". Editions Atlas (in French). 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
4. Michel Joindot. "Les autorails- L'X3890 : autorail "Picasso" baptisé "Ville de Loudéac"". CFCB - Chemins de Fer du Centre-Bretagne (Central Brittany Railroads) (in French). Retrieved March 4, 2016.
5. "Autorail X3800, dit “Picasso”". vendee-vapeur.fr (in French). Association Chemin de Fer de la Vendée. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
6. "X 3800 "Picasso"". Autorails.com (in French). 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2016.