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 Y 8000 SNCF Fret livery. The locomotives also are certified for use in Italy, limited to shunting work: Y 8120 has been operated by SNCF subsidiary "CapTrain Italia". After 1989 production shifted to a mechanically identical Y 8400 type, which incorporated a radio control system for shunting. SNCF Class Y 8000 The SNCF Class Y 8000 is a class of diesel shunter built between 1977 and 1990. The locomotives were developed by SNCF for shunting duties. Initial construction was by Locotracteurs Gaston Moyse until that company ceased business, then by Fauvet Girel. Y 8000 machines were used to replace older shunting engines,