SNCF in HO: 1990s: Lima/Jouef BB67580 with Paris-Bologne express and Jouef BB67409 with Autotrain

Описание: Here is a comparison between the Lima/Jouef and pure Jouef BB67400 models.
The Lima model was introduced in 1994, with centre mounted motor and cardan drives. It was the "high end" BB67400 model until Jouef introduced a new model in 2016. Even though it is from the 90s, it looks great and runs well, and is highly detailed- the only criticism is there is a rather large gap between the bogie suspension and the body. My loco is HJ2062 from 2008- this is BB67580 "Montpellier". It is a very useful loco, as it retained its original style silver style logo and numbers until at least 2016- it may even still be like it if it is service. My version was an incomplete display sample. I gradually acquired the spares to get it going. It still needs new number plaques, but apart from that is pretty much done.
The pure Jouef model is based on the original belt drive BB67400 Jouef introduced in 1974. From 1994, the model was spruced up with two motor bogies, nicer motors and lights. It was later simplified with one motor and used as a train set loco for Hornby International. However, it also looks quite decent to me and runs well. Although the footsteps look wrong, the secondary suspension is spot on, and the chunkiness of this stylish loco is well caught.

BB67580 is hauling a ten coach Corail rake as would have been seen in the 90s between Paris Nord and Bologne. I didn't realise they hauled trains this long, but I found video evidence. The coaches are Lima (for the open coaches- they are fairly decent models) and Roco for the corridor coaches. The brake coach is a fantastic 1980s Mougel / Cemp kit. It runs a little high- this is why there is a Roco corridor either side, as it hides the fact a bit. The Mougel /Cemp models actually match the ride height of the old Jouef scale length Corails perfectly, but are way more detailed, so it is nicer to put them with other, more detailed coaches.
Here is a similar train in real life:
   • trains à Noyelles sur Mer le 27 février 1993  

BB67409 is hauling an auto train. This consists of a Roco UIC-Y couchette, two Jouef Corail couchettes, one fantastic Cemp/Mougel kit 1st class Corail couchette, a Jouef sleeper and a Lima car transporter. On this day, everyone traveling has an early 70s Mercedes Benz, you will note!!
Here is a similar train in real life:    • trains sous la neige à Abbeville en févrie...