The SNCF 4-240A class and SNCF 5-240P class was a group of 37 (12 + 25) 4-8-0steam locomotives designed by André Chapelon, and regarded by some, as one of his best designs.
They started life as Chemin de Fer de Paris à Orléans (Paris-Orleans Railway) 4500 class 4-6-2s before being rebuilt. The new boiler with the long, narrow Belpaire firebox came from the Nord "Super Pacifics". With all the pipes, domes, and pumps, these were double-chimneyed, husky looking locomotives of very different appearance than the Pacifics.