Diesel locomotive 040 DE 624 SNCF origin Ep. III - REE JM018 HO

Please note, this item is on pre-order, delivery is expected at the end of 2026.

The REE Modèles JM018 is an SNCF 040 DE 624 type diesel locomotive, reproduced in HO scale (1/87) in its original Era III livery. This version evokes a locomotive from the Southeast region, bearing the embossed "Clermont - Laroche" nameplates. It operates in analog mode on a two-rail DC network.

The actual equipment

The 040 DE 624 belongs to the family of SNCF shunting and local service diesel locomotives, later integrated into the BB 63500 series under the number BB 63624. These four-axle diesel-electric locomotives constituted an important step in the gradual replacement of steam traction in stations, marshalling yards, freight facilities and on many secondary lines.

Their primary role was to manage wagon movements within station yards, assemble freight trains, and serve private sidings. Their versatility also allowed them to haul light rail or local services. With their central cab flanked by two hoods, the 040 DE locomotives presented an instantly recognizable silhouette in the post-war French railway landscape.

The designation 040 DE corresponds to the nomenclature then used by the SNCF for its diesel-electric locomotives. The numbering reform of the early 1960s led to the adoption of the BB series registration, hence the change from 040 DE 624 to BB 63624. The period of Era III is particularly interesting for representing the beginnings of the modernization of French thermal traction, at a time when steam and diesel still coexisted on many sites.

The reproduced decoration

This miniature reproduces the original SNCF livery of the 040 DE 624. The embossed "Clermont - Laroche" nameplates place the locomotive in the Southeast region. Clermont and Laroche thus constitute the assignment designations reproduced on the model.

This Era III layout is suitable for layouts inspired by the French National Railways (SNCF) between 1946 and 1970. It allows for the display of a diesel locomotive within a railway environment where steam locomotives, passenger cars in period liveries, and freight wagons with axles or bogies still operate. The contrast between steam and diesel traction enhances the realism of a depot, junction station, or freight yard from this period.

The scale model

The REE Modèles JM018 reference is a HO scale 1/87 reproduction. It represents the SNCF 040 DE 624 locomotive in its original livery configuration announced for Era III. The raised "Clermont - Laroche" plates are a distinctive feature of this version.

This version is designed for analog operation on two-rail DC track. It is therefore intended for modelers using a traditional HO scale DC power supply. Its format makes it suitable for French layouts, depot dioramas, and shunting scenes evoking the early decades of SNCF diesel traction.

Use on a miniature network

The 040 DE 624 naturally finds its place in a freight yard, overflow yard, marshalling yard, or depot of Era III. It can be represented during shunting operations involving covered wagons, tippers, flatcars, tank wagons, or specialized wagons, without the need for long trains. Its use is particularly suited to shunting, platforming, train assembly, and servicing industrial facilities.

On a network inspired by the Southeast, the "Clermont - Laroche" designation lends a coherent regional identity to a post-war French railway scene. The model can also be placed on a secondary line or in a small through station, where shunting and local service locomotives ensured the continuity of freight traffic.

Technical specifications

• Brand: REE Models
• Reference: JM018
• Type: diesel locomotive 040 DE 624
• Company: SNCF
• Delivery: Original delivery
• Assignment details: Clermont - Laroche, South-East region
• Period depicted: Era III, from 1946 to 1970
• Scale: HO 1/87
• System: 2 DC rails
• Technology: analog
• NEM socket: PluX22
• EAN: 0637902195789