SNCF de fer", literally, 'path of iron', means railway). These were the: The French state originally took 51% ownership of SNCF and invested large amounts of public subsidies into the system. Today, SNCF is wholly owned by the French state. Following the 1940 Armistice and until August 1944, SNCF was requisitioned for the transport of German armed forces and armaments. The invading German troops were responsible for the destruction of nearly 350 French railway bridges and tunnels. According to differing estimates, SNCF surrendered between 125,000-213,000 wagons and 1,000-2,000 locomotives. France's railway infrastructure and rolling stocks were a target for the French
SNCF Class 141R These four locomotives are protected as "monument historique" (national heritage objects). Five locos are based in Switzerland with two in working order: Another three are stored there as spare parts after the bankruptcy of the company in charge of their restoration. The three remaining locomotives are all the property of the SNCF, and are preserved as static exhibits. SNCF Class 141R The SNCF 141 R is a class of 2-8-2 steam locomotives of the " Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français" (French State Railways). They were used all over the French rail network from 1945–1974. At the end of