Railcar SNCF X 3810 "Picasso" Ep III North-West Region Analogue O Chrezo 3800-03

Also known by their serial number X3800 or their nickname "Picasso", 251 of these railcars were built and used in commercial service from 1950 to 1988. Present on all the SNCF's regions and in the childhood memories of many of us, they form a logical bridge between the steam era and the TGV era. To the delight of enthusiasts, their simple design and reliability have enabled some twenty examples to be preserved by various associations that still operate them today.

The main characteristics of the CHREZO model are as follows:
 

•     Scale 1/43.5
•     Length over the buffers: 502 mm (1 cm longer than an OCEM A3B5!)
•     Inscription in curves with a radius of 1028 mm
•     Injected metal chassis
•     Injected plastic bodywork, finely detailed, recessed glazing
•     Numerous added details: handrails, horns, brake ducts, aerators, etc.
•     Faithful, detailed interior fittings for the passenger compartment, kiosk and diesel engine.
•     5-pole electric motor with flywheel, transmission to front bogie only (as in reality)
•     4-axle power supply, 1 axle with bogie
•     Analogue reversible lighting according to direction of travel
•     Constant interior lighting
•     Predisposition for optional ESU electronic equipment in the luggage compartment: DCC decoder, loudspeaker
•     Screw couplings and spring buffers
•     Various decals and markings will be finalised in September 2020.

The prototype chosen belongs to the series manufactured by Renault at Choisy-le-Roi and equipped with the 517G engine.

Reference 3800-03 - registration X 3810 - Intermediate red and cream version with class marking on the lower part (yellow circle, 1960-1975 approx.). Commissioned 20/11/1951 at Nantes, Rennes 30/9/1956, NANTES 1/6/1958, Le Mans 1/10/1961, Rennes 29/9/1968, DOUAI 1/3/1969, Longueau 8/5/1970, Bordeaux 3/6/1976, written off 6/12/1978 at Bordeaux.

Note: The depot name IN BOLD AND CAPITAL LETTERS is the name silkscreened at the factory - other assignments are supplied in the form of dry transfers, as are additional class markings to further develop the look of each model.