Belgian Railways Class 21
| Company type | Electric locomotive |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway transport |
| Founded | 1980s |
Area served | Belgium, Poland (imported) |
| Products | Electric locomotives |
SNCB Class 21 belongs to a series of 144 electric locomotives produced during the 1980s, which also includes Classes 11 (12 units), 12 (12 units), and 27 (60 units), alongside the 60 units of Class 21. Compared to earlier types such as Classes 22, 23, and 25, Classes 11, 12, and 21 offered nearly double the power output, with Class 27 surpassing them further. This locomotive family drew design inspiration from the mid-1970s SNCB Class 20 and was introduced concurrently with the M4 and M5 coaching stock as well as AM80/AM86 electric multiple units, representing a major step forward in SNCB's fleet modernization.
While Class 21 locomotives deliver less power than their Class 27 counterparts, they are fully interoperable and frequently utilized for both passenger and freight operations, often in conjunction with M4 and M5 coaches. In May 1989, unit 2109 received a turquoise livery for hauling the Technorame train—a regional government-backed high-technology exhibition—before reverting to its standard appearance for regular duties.
In 1993, unit 2130 was transformed into an experimental platform for the development of the future Class 13. Renumbered as Class 19 (1901), it was fitted with triphase traction motors and dual-voltage capability (3000 V DC and 25,000 V AC), including French safety systems to facilitate cross-border travel. After testing concluded in 2001, the locomotive was restored to its original specifications.
Unit 2119 was involved in the serious Buizingen accident on Line 96 near Halle in 2010.
The process of withdrawal began in early 2014 following the introduction of newer Siemens-built Class 18 and Class 19 locomotives, prompting SNCB to reduce excess electric traction stock. By December 2014, most units numbered from 2101 to 2130 had been retired; many were dismantled for spare parts and underwent asbestos removal prior to scrapping. Classes 21 and 27 share numerous interchangeable components; notably, Class 21 locomotives serve as a source of essential spare parts such as traction motor blowers for the higher-powered Class 27 fleet.
In 2022, several Class 21 locomotives were acquired by Seville Rail Rent and imported into Poland to replace the aging EU07 series; however, as of mid-2024, none have yet entered operational service there.