SNCB Class 55

The vehicles of the series 205 ( 1971: series 55) the Belgian State Railways ( NMBS / SNCB) is a series of 42 six-axle diesel locomotives, which are primarily freight trains since 1961 for use. Along with the 200 series are the vehicles of the 55, the second generation of diesel locomotives from the Belgian State Railways.

Development

The construction took place between 1961 and 1962. Like the preceding model series 202 and 203 received the number 55, the traction motors of General Motors, the car body was, however, made ​​by La Brugeoise et Nivelles. The car body is painted yellow with dark green stripes. At the beginning of the locomotives had only three signal lights, which could be connected through a color filter between peak and bottom. Even in the 1960 's, the lights were installed separately.

The mid-1970s provided the NMBS / SNCB locomotives 5001, 5540 and 5542 with high-voltage generators to allow use on passenger trains. After a three- year test phase, between 1976 and 1979 further locomotives were converted, optically these are indicated by a yellow and blue paint.

The locomotives operate mainly in Wallonia, primarily on the Athus -Meuse line and the railway Liege - Luxembourg. Six locomotives have been equipped for recovery rides on the HSL 1 to the signal system TVM 430 and a Scharfenberg coupler. Five other locomotives were equipped for cross -border use of the Iron Rhine in the Netherlands and Germany with ATB and PZB90. In addition, since the Montzenroute was was not electrified until the end of 2008, entered by the Aachen Westbahnhof from the series 205.

Beginning in the 2000s, the locomotives will be replaced by the railcar series 41 AR in person as well as the number 77 in freight transport.

Vehicle overview

The following overview outlines the vehicles, their conversions and their condition.