Belgian Railways Class 11
| Company type | Electric locomotive |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1980s |
| Headquarters | Brussels , Belgium |
Area served | Belgium, Netherlands (Benelux) |
| Products | Locomotives |
Class 11 belongs to a series of 144 electric locomotives developed during the 1980s, which also includes Classes 11 (12 units), 12 (12 units), 21 (60 units), and 27 (60 units). Compared to earlier Classes 22, 23, and 25, Classes 11, 12, and 21 offered nearly double the power, while Class 27 delivered more than twice that output. Drawing inspiration from the mid-1970s SNCB Class 20, this locomotive family was recognized for its dependable performance achieved through progressive enhancements. These machines were compatible with M4 and M5 passenger coaches as well as the AM 80 and AM 86 electric multiple units, representing a significant upgrade for NMBS/SNCB’s rolling stock, even though older M2 coaches remained in service for over ten years. The defining feature of Class 11 was its dual-voltage transformer combined with Dutch signalling system compatibility, enabling cross-border operations. Visually, it closely resembled Classes 12 and 21, differing mainly in paint scheme and minor design elements.
Constructed in the mid-1980s specifically for the Benelux route linking Brussels and Amsterdam, Class 11 locomotives operated in push-pull configuration, controlled remotely from driving trailers positioned at the rear of trains. These units were numbered 1181–1192 to prevent confusion with the still-active Dutch NS Class 1100 locomotives, departing from previous Dutch numbering practices. In 2009, Bombardier TRAXX locomotives leased from Angel (currently Alpha) Trains took over Benelux services. Following this transition, Class 11s were reassigned to handle peak-hour domestic traffic within Belgium until their eventual withdrawal. Their livery was coordinated to match Nederlandse Spoorwegen passenger coaches.
After approximately a quarter-century of rigorous operation at speeds reaching , this relatively small class experienced accelerated wear and frequent breakdowns, leading to service interruptions and dissatisfaction among passengers. The entire fleet was retired by late 2012 and stored at the Stockem depot near Arlon. In mid-2014, locomotive number 1203 successfully completed trials under 25 kV overhead electrification at Velim in the Czech Republic and was subsequently sold to open-access operator XTR-System Development. By early 2016, this company had acquired all remaining units of the class. A proposed acquisition of eleven SNCB Class 12 locomotives by the same operator did not materialize; those locomotives remain stored at Stockem. Locomotive 1187 has been preserved by The SNCB Historical Patrimonium. As of May 2020, most of the class had reportedly been sold for dismantling except for the preserved example.
The class was assigned to Schaarbeek depot during its operational life.
On August 11, 1999, locomotive number 1187 operated outside its usual Benelux service for the first time by hauling a special train from Brussels Midi to Arlon during a total solar eclipse event. This excursion was an exception to the SNCB-NS agreement that restricted these locomotives exclusively to Benelux routes.