Belgian Railways Class 12
| Company type | Electric locomotive |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway transport |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Belgium |
| Products | Dual-voltage electric locomotives (25 kV AC / 3 kV DC) |
SNCB's Class 12 locomotives were designed as dual-voltage electric units, capable of operating under both 25,000 V 50 Hz AC and 3,000 V DC systems, primarily for international routes extending into France. These locomotives were developed from the single-voltage Class 21 model and form part of a broader series of 144 electric locomotives produced during the 1980s.
Locomotive family
The series encompassed Classes 11 (12 units), 12 (12 units), 21 (60 units), and 27 (60 units). Classes 11, 12, and 21 delivered nearly twice the power output compared to earlier Classes 22, 23, and 25, while Class 27 offered more than double the power of locomotives from the 1950s. Drawing significant inspiration from the mid-1970s Class 20², this family benefited from successive enhancements that enhanced operational dependability. These locomotives were introduced alongside M4 and M5 passenger coaches as well as the AM 80 and AM 86 EMUs, representing a substantial modernization effort for SNCB despite older M2 coaches remaining in service for over ten years. The main distinction between Class 12 and Class 21 lies in Class 12’s incorporation of a transformer that enables functionality under both Belgian DC and French AC electrification systems, along with compatibility with French signalling and train protection devices. Visually, they are almost indistinguishable aside from minor external variations.
Class 12 locomotives were intended for both freight and passenger transport between Antwerp (via Gent) and Liège (via Namur) within Belgium, extending to Lille in France. Initially, their operation was predominantly with M4 coaches throughout Belgium, occasionally serving other domestic routes without utilizing their full 25,000 V capability. By 1999, the arrival of SNCB Class AM96 EMUs led to the withdrawal of Class 12 from passenger duties; however, they continued to serve freight operations for an additional thirteen years. Subsequently, these locomotives hauled freight traffic between the port of Zeebrugge and Lille through Brugge and Mouscron. The class was retired in 2012 and succeeded by the more powerful dual-voltage Class 13 locomotives, which had become available after being relieved from most passenger services. All units were then stored at the Stokkem depot near Arlon.
In 2013, locomotive number 1203 was dispatched to the Czech Republic for operational trials. Following successful testing under 25,000 V overhead lines at Velim by mid-2014, it was sold to open access operator XTR-System Development, which secured an option to acquire the entire Class 12 fleet. This option was exercised in March 2016 when the remaining locomotives departed Belgium for their new owner. XTR-System also planned to purchase all twelve SNCB Class 11 units simultaneously; however, this transaction did not materialize, leaving those units stored at Stockem. Prior to exportation, all Class 12 locomotives underwent asbestos removal procedures. Additionally, XTR-System has shown interest in acquiring some of the retiring SNCB Class 21 locomotives.
On March 6, 2016, the locomotives arrived in Česká Třebová before proceeding to ČMŽO facilities in Přerov for refurbishment tailored to operation on the SŽDC network. Upon completion of these overhauls, they received authorization to operate across nearly all electrified Czech rail lines except for the Tábor-Bechyně and Znojmo-Retz routes.
By July 2016, at least one locomotive had been repainted with CZ Loko’s corporate colors and refurbished for freight service. Modifications included limiting its maximum speed, removing head-end power systems for train heating, and installing an electrodynamic brake system without energy recovery capabilities.