SNCF Class X 52100

X 52100 (builder using: Autorail Decauville X ABDP2)
Preserved example, unit number X52103, shown in 2009.
Manufacturer	Société Decauville Ainé
Constructed	1945-1946
Entered service	1945-1973
Number built	10
Number preserved	1
Number scrapped	9
Fleet numbers	X 52101 to X 52110
Capacity	65 seats, 16 in first class, 46 in second class with 4 folding seats in a luggage compartment with a capacity of 1,500 tons
Operators	SNCF
Depots	Grenoble
Lines served	Ligne des Alpes, Grenoble-Veynes, Grenoble-Marseille and Grenoble-Briançon, also seen on regional lines to Digne, Geneva, Bourg Saint-Maurice and Modano.
Specifications
Car length	21.2 metres (69 ft 6+3⁄4 in) over buffers
Maximum speed	110 km/h (68 mph)
Weight	41 tonnes (40 long tons; 45 short tons)
Prime mover(s)	two 320 hp Saurer BZDSe powering two 1450 W auxiliary generators
Engine type	Diesel
Traction motors	four Oerlikon electric motors
Power output	640 hp
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)

The SNCF X 52100 class are diesel railcars that operated on the alpine lines from Grenoble, France from 1945 until 1973. They were capable of multiple unit operation with other car types, requiring an operator in each car; the lead conductor giving acceleration or deceleration orders using an audible tone.

These were the first diesel-electric railcars used by the SNCF

Routes Served

The X 52100 units were used on the mountain lines out of Grenoble.

Preserved Units

Only one example of the class remains :

• X 52103: Cité du Train, in operating condition. Saved by the SNCF, it was restored by the Oullins-Voitures workshop in 1976 and donated to Cité du Train in 1988.