Double Traction chapter #3 - accompanying blog post · 10:19pm Jul 9th, 2019
Obviously, I suggest to read the chapter first.
That said, here is Nightline's loco for the Paris-Gevrey journey.
Euro Cargo Rail EMD Class 77
Oh, and if anyone is interested: here's this chapter's soundtrack 
Nightline has a like/hate relationship with these engines. They aren't exactly accommodating to a pony considering the cab-layout and general lack of space inside.
Euro Cargo Rail EMD Class 77 cab view
The EMD Class 77 has even less space than the original version, the EMD Class 66. That's because the 77 confirms to EU emissions standards (including noise emissions) and health and safety regulations. The 66 doesn't, being the original US build, but they are allowed to stay in service until retirement.
Euro Cargo Rail EMD Class 66
Euro Cargo Rail EMD Class 66 heavy grain transport
They aren't exactly pretty, but to me they have this 'brute giant machine' aesthetic. And even with the noise reduction, the sound of the 12 cylinder motor and its 1 metre turbocharger is still impressive. The cylinder bore is 250 mm with a cylinder capacity of 11.6 litres. Lots of space to turn up the volume in.
Here's the day-version of Nightline's train:
Euro Cargo Rail EMD Class 77 en route to Gevrey hub.
Here's a beautiful example from a non-electrified stretch of track in Germany.
Also on display is the sound the idle engine produces, including the one from the friction clutch that gives Nightline a headache.
Word of warning: the video is quite loud.
And finally, here's the loco Corinne also mentions. Nightline doesn't like it. Like, seriously.
Euro Cargo Rail Vossloh.
Furthermore, I hope the more detailed descriptions of engine characteristics and French signalling standards in the chapter aren't off-putting. I just find them useful to create ambience and I know that quite a few readers are rail nerds. 
I, for one, love the glimpse I get into another world with your stories. Don’t be scared of leaving readers behind with terms we may not be familiar with.
The vossloh look a lot like Dutch class 6400 trains. For me it would look easier for a pony to get in to. And personally like the looks a lot better. But I love the train stories you write. Keep going
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Thank you! I love getting lost in these worlds, but Insecure author is insecure.
In future I may include an author's note with a little glossary for acronyms or uncommon technical terms though (not that there are that many, but still). Sometimes I can't do without those, because they're just so damn nice. Usually English words I have to look up in a dictionary myself because I have no idea of the correct translation of some more or less obscure technical term I only know in German. Or not at all. ;)
Prime example for this chapter: stand-in deck coach carriers That's five words and a hyphen to translate Autotransportwagen. Which admittedly is a cool and delightfully lumbering word in itself. Ah, languages.
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Oh I think the Vossloh looks cool. I like this kind of design in locos in general.
And you're probably right about better equinoid accessibility.
I don't know why Nightline thinks they're awful, she hasn't told me yet. All I know is that that's how she feels about them. ;)