SNCF Class 241P SNCF Class 241P The SNCF 241.P is a 4-8-2 'Mountain' type express passenger steam locomotive that ran on the "Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français", (French National Railways) from 1948 until 1973. Introduced as large scale electrification of the SNCF was already underway, they were the last new class of passenger steam locomotives in France. In 1944, SNCF reviewed its predicted postwar traffic requirements and determined a requirement for a locomotive capable of hauling passenger trains of 700–800 tonnes at , and capable of climbing gradients of 1 in 125 (8‰). A prototype 4-8-2 four cylinder compound locomotive, the
SNCF Class 241P boxes. The class also suffered from leaking boiler tubes after passing over points, which necessitated structural reinforcement. The class was withdrawn progressively from service from 1965 for 241.P.1 to 1973 for 241.P.16. Their last regular work, on the Le Mans to Nantes route, ended in early 1970. The class was nicknamed the "grosses P" to distinguish them from the 141.P Class, which were called the "petites P". Four 241.Ps have been preserved: SNCF Class 241P The SNCF 241.P is a 4-8-2 'Mountain' type express passenger steam locomotive that ran on the "Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français", (French National