Digital starter set for SNCF BB 9231 passenger train, Arzens - Trix 11168 - N 1/160

The Trix 11168 digital starter set reproduces an SNCF express train in a service condition circa 1995. At N scale (1/160) , this Minitrix set includes a BB 9231 electric locomotive in the special Arzens livery and two B9c9x type 2nd class sleeping cars. It also includes the necessary components for initial digital operation: Mobile Station control unit, connection box, power supply, and track oval.

The actual equipment

The BB 9231 belongs to the SNCF's BB 9200 family of electric locomotives. These locomotives hauled passenger trains, particularly on the electrified lines of the French network. In this configuration, it hauls sleeping cars intended for passengers traveling overnight or requiring a sleeping berth.

The B9c9x carriages are second-class sleeper cars. They are characteristic of long-distance services, where overnight comfort and passenger capacity take precedence over the speed of passenger transfers at stations. The trainset shown here evokes the world of SNCF express trains, composed of electric locomotives and carriages with side aisles.

The reproduced decoration

The locomotive is decorated in the special Arzens livery. This presentation is paired with the BB 9231 reproduced by Trix and accompanies two SNCF 2nd class sleeping cars. The whole forms a coherent train representing a French passenger train from the period covered by the set.

The scale model

The BB 9231 is factory-equipped with a digital decoder and sound generator for use with mfx and DCC . Its motor with flywheel drives all four axles; traction tires complete the traction equipment. The handrails are separate components.

The headlights and end-of-train lights change depending on the direction of travel. They use warm white LEDs. The locomotive also features digitally controlled cab lighting, as well as numerous light and sound functions. Available sounds include a horn, the operating noises of an electric locomotive, the compressor, fans, sandblasting, pantographs, and coupling noise.

The locomotive features a close coupling mechanism. The two sleeping cars also have a close coupling mechanism and are pre-wired for future interior lighting. The compatible warm white LED interior lighting kit is part number 66616 .

Use on a miniature network

This set allows you to immediately put a digital SNCF train in N scale into operation. The included oval track occupies an area of 90 x 47 cm and uses curved elements with a radius of 2. The total length of the train, including buffers, reaches approximately 407 mm .

This layout is ideal for creating a French model railway dedicated to late 20th-century passenger trains. It can serve as the starting point for a recreation of a mainline station, an electric depot, or passenger routes including night trains. The included Mobile Station provides digital control of the locomotive and its functions.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Trix / Minitrix
• Reference: 11168
• Scale: N, 1/160
• Company reproduced: SNCF
• Composition: BB 9231 and two 2nd class B9c9x sleeping cars
• Period: IV
• Service history reproduced: circa 1995
• Digital control: mfx and DCC
• Sound: Built-in sound generator
• Drive system: 4 driven axles, flywheel and traction tires
• Lighting: Warm white LED front and rear lights, digital cabin lighting
• Couplings: close coupling kinematics on the locomotive and carriages
• Compatible indoor lighting: Trix 66616
• Order contents: Mobile Station, connection box and 230 V / 30 VA switching power supply
• Track included: oval with curves of radius 2
• Oval dimensions: 90 x 47 cm
• Train length: approximately 407 mm including buffers