Belgian Railways Class 25.5
| Industry | Railway transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Brussels , Belgium |
| Products | Locomotives, trains |
| Website | www |
SNCB Class 25.5 locomotives belonged to the cohort of SNCB electric locomotives produced during the 1950s, which also included Series 122, 123, 125, and 140, manufactured between 1953 and 1961. In total, 155 units were built: 50 from Series 122, 83 from Series 123, 16 from Series 125, and 6 from Series 140. These locomotives served both passenger and freight routes throughout Belgium until their withdrawal in 2012. They shared identical traction motors and control systems, leading to comparable power capabilities.
The Class 25 was primarily engineered for passenger transportation and differed from Class 23 through features such as roof-mounted cabling, wheelslip detection, and an enhanced starting mechanism. The roof cabling design introduced on Class 25 was subsequently retrofitted to Classes 22 and 23 during their servicing. Their exterior was characterized by a dark blue paint scheme complemented by a yellow stripe near the lower section. Distinctively, Class 25.5 units displayed chrome numbering on the nose and sides, along with chrome SNCB emblems, setting them apart from other locomotives of the era.
Class 25.5 marked the first SNCB series adapted for push-pull operation, with Class 25 following suit. In 1973, the final eight locomotives of Class 25 (numbers 2515–2522) underwent upgrades incorporating dual voltage capabilities sourced from units 2239–2250, installation of a third headlight, Dutch signalling and train protection systems, plus push-pull functionality. This transformation enabled their deployment on the Benelux intercity route connecting Brussels and Amsterdam. Upon modification, these units were redesignated as Class 25.5 (2551–2558). They were superseded on Benelux duties in 1986 by newer SNCB Class 11 locomotives paired with Dutch coaches equipped with driving trailers but continued to haul predominantly freight services within Belgium and the Netherlands until their retirement in 2009.
Following a collision in 1979, locomotive 2557 swapped identities with unit 2504; the latter received dual voltage equipment and Dutch safety systems to sustain its role in passenger operations.
Preservation efforts have secured unit 2551 under the care of the PFT-TSP railway heritage organization.