The CP 1200 series locomotives

Built in 1961 to 1964.

CP's 1201-1225 series diesel locomotives entered service with the Caminhos de ferro Portugueses between 1961 and 1964.
In January 1959, the Management Board authorised the purchase of additional locomotives to continue replacing steam traction and bolster the fleet of rolling stock.

On 21 May of that year, the supply of 15 diesel locomotives was awarded to the French manufacturer Brissonneau et Lotz, nine of which were financed by Eurofirma - Société Européenne pour le Financement de Matériel Ferroviaire and the remaining six by the Development Plan. It was agreed with this French company that the new rolling stock would be produced at the former Sorefame facilities in Amadora.

The first unit was delivered in March 1961, with the official presentation and maiden voyage taking place that same month on the North line between Lisbon and Vila Franca de Xira. The remaining units were delivered later that year. Between 1963 and 1964, CP decided to purchase 10 more locomotives. With the delivery of all 25 units, CP's new 1201-1225 series was formed.

Their original livery was dark blue, bearing the company's coat of arms on the sides of the driver's cab. In the 1970s, under the management of Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses, the colour scheme was replaced by orange with white stripes and the new CP logo was applied.

With a maximum speed of 80 km/h, they ran on practically the entire broad gauge of the national railway network, providing services such as regional trains, freight, shunting, and suburban trains.

The first locomotives began running on the Oeste, Beira Alta, and North lines, as well as the Lousã branch line. Later, this series of locomotives was also used to pull trains on the Beira Baixa, Leste, Algarve, and Sul lines, as well as on the Moura, Tomar, and Cáceres branch lines.

The progressive electrification of the Portuguese railway network and the arrival of new diesel and electric locomotives reduced their prominence. Four decades after their introduction, the CP 1200 series was definitively withdrawn from service between the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The acquisition of this rolling stock marks an important moment in railway history, as it was the first diesel locomotive assembled in Portugal and the first of European origin to run on the national railway network.
Currently, the CP 1225 is part of the permanent exhibition at the National Railway Museum in Entroncamento.