Decapod Nord series

FRENCH COMPOUND LOCOMOTIVES' HOMEPAGE

All Decapod of La compagnie du Nord, then area 2 of the S.N.C.F. (1)

Their construction and evolution spreads on about 35 years. Although all series were all based on the same basic scheme and components the successive series incorporate each the latest improvements in the engine, accessories, and building techniques

Series :

5.001 to 5.022 1912 - 19
5.031 to 5.050 1928 - 29
5.051 to 5.100 1922 - 23
5.101 to 5.120 1930
5.1201 to 5.1230 1933 – 35
2 – 150 P 1 to 115 1940 - 50

They were enlarged versions of the famous Consolidation Nord series 4.061 - 4.340 (nicknamed “les boeufs” – the Oxes - due to their large tractive effort) designed by du Bousquet and completed by his assistant Asselin following the sudden death of du Bousquet. The Decapod were designed by Asselin alone using a different boiler derived from the one of the first series of Pacific Nord with lengthened tubes. They shared the driving axles and wheels, the bissel and many components

Major dimensions / characteristic: 4 cyl. Compound engines à la mode du Bousquet, ie hp external LP internal, two separated regulators and valve gears with the possibility to work as a 4 cylinders single with limited inlet pressure to the L.P. cylinders to keep power output equal in each group, drivers 5ft. 1 inch, boiler pressure 241.8 psi for the 5.001-5.120, 256 psi for the 5.1200 and 150 P series, total weight 99 metric tons, adhesive 88 tons or 101.3 / 91.8 for the units fitted with the ACFI feed water heater, length 43.5 feet (locomotive alone) maximum speed allowed 65 mph or 105 kph

It has been said that their ability to work heavy loads on though routes with respect to their relatively small dimensions had impressed the US troops during WWI

They were almost exclusively used to work coal trains from the collieries of the north of France to Paris and to the steel works of the Lorraine (east area). Nominal loads were of 2 400 metric tons on easy profiles and 1 800 to 2 200 metric tons on gradients working trains at average speeds from 18 to 34 mph

During test they reached easily 77.5 mph or 125 kph for the first series and up to 79.5 (128 kph) for the latest ones, 5.1200 and 150 P series which were strictly identical except for the stocker

One can notice that as all the locomotives of the Nord they had tiny and short cabs, very uncomfortable for the crews


				150P shed of Longueau, photo L.M. Vilain

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