2C2 3100

These locomotives were ordered from Constructions Electriques de France (CEF), Tarbes in 1914 following the decision to electrify the Midi network at 12 kV 16⅔ Hz and to order six prototypes locomotives. Their delivery was delayed by the First World War and then by the government decision of 1920 to adopt 1,500 V direct current for new electrification schemes. It was not until 1923 that the first two prototypes began their tests. The original livery was blue.

The machines were initially designed with three Westinghouse motors arranged horizontally but were re-designed with 1,500 V Dick Kerr motors arranged vertically and, presumably, driving through bevel gears. It is unclear whether there were three or six 1,500 V motors. If there were only three, it is likely that they would have had double armatures to allow series-parallel operation.

They were the first French electric locomotives designed to reach, and even exceed, 120 km / h. For a time, they held the global blue ribbon for speed with an average of 108 km / h on the Bordeaux - Bayonne route. Later, with the increase in train weight, following the arrival of metal carriages, they were seen as underpowered and were replaced by the 2D2 locomotives of the Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans (PO).

The 2C2 3100 was reproduced in HO scale by the British manufacturer DJH / Model Loco, as a kit (white metal and brass) to be assembled and painted.

• Rigid-framed electric locomotives

• Davies, John. Chemins de fer du Midi and Chemins de fer de Paris à Orleans Locomotive List 1840–1938. Woodbridge, Queensland: Dr. John Davies. p. 57. ISBN 0-9585541-0-2.

• Luc Fournier, "Les 2C2 E3100 du Midi, ancêtres du TGV", article de la revue Rails d'Autrefois n°5, avril 2012