Belgian Railways Class 25.5

SNCB Class 25.5 locomotives were part of the 1950s generation of SNCB electric locomotives that included Series 122 (later 22), 123 (later 23), 125, (later 25) and 140 (later 25 and 25.5) built between 1953 and 1961. There were 50 Series 122, 83 Series 123, 16 Series 125 and 6 Series 140 for a total of 155 locomotives. They were seen across Belgium on passenger and freight trains until they were retired in 2012. There was no difference in power between the classes as they all used the same traction motors and control equipment.

Class 25.5
NMBS/SNCB Class 25.5 loco 2558 at Antwerpen-Noorderdokken 8 March 2007.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderBN/ACEC
Build date1960-1961, modified 1973 - 1974
Total produced8
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Driver dia.1,262 mm (49.7 in)
Length18 m (59 ft 1 in)
Adhesive weight10.5 t
Loco weight85 t
Electric system/s1500 V DC, 3000 V DC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Performance figures
Maximum speed130 km/h (81 mph)
Power output1740 KW (2366 HP) continuous, 1880 kW (2557 HP) one hour
Tractive effort196 kN
Career
OperatorsSNCB/NMBS
Class25.5
Number in class8
Numbers2551-2558
Delivered1960-1961
Retired2009
Disposition2551 preserved. Others scrapped

Class 25 was intended as a passenger engine. The main differences to Class 23 were the cables on the roof and the provision of wheelslip detection plus an improved starting system. The Class 25 roof cabling was later applied to all Class 22 and 23 locos as they passed through the works. They were painted dark blue with a yellow band low on the body. Unlike the other 1950's locomotives, Class 25.5's nose and side numbers plus their SNCB logos were in chrome rather than being painted on.

The Class 25.5 was the first class on SNCB to be modified for push-pull operations followed by Class 25. In 1973 the last eight locomotives of Class 25, 2515-2522, received the dual voltage equipment from locomotives 2239-2250 and a third headlamp. They also had Dutch signalling and train protection fitted. Lastly, they were given push-pull equipment. This let them work into Holland hauling push-pull trains operating the Benelux intercity service between Brussels and Amsterdam. This sub-series was renumbered in order 2551-2558 and named Class 25.5. In 1986 they were replaced on the Benelux service by the newly built SNCB Class 11 and new coaches from the Dutch railway to include driving trailers. Class 25.5 continued in service pulling mostly freight trains in Belgium and Holland until their retirement in 2009.

2557 changed identities with 2504 following an accident in 1979. 2504 (ex-125.004) received the dual voltage equipment, third headlight and Dutch safety equipment from 2557 (ex-2521, ex 125.105, ex-140.005) to keep the number of dual voltage locos in passenger service the same.

2551 has been preserved by the PFT-TSP railway preservation group.[1][2]

References
  1. Schenkel, Jean-Pierre; Delie, Max (1988). Locomotives Éléctriques. Brussels: G. Blanchart & Cie. ISBN 2-87202-004-7.
  2. Haydock, David (2012). Benelux Railways (Sixth Edition). Sheffield, England: Platform 5 Publications. ISBN 978-1-902336-96-1.
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