Source: en.wikipedia.org
Class 11
Vehicle type:
Registration country:
In service:
from 1985
Era:
IV - VI
Built by:
Gauge:
Standard gauge (1'435 mm)
Wheel arrangement:
Bo'Bo'
Electric systems:
1,5 kV DC
3 kV DC
3 kV DC
Current collectors:
Pantograph - Asymmetrical
Length over buffers (mm):
18'650 mm
Tare weight (t):
85 t
Power output (x'xxx kW / x'xxx hp):
3'310 kW
4'440 hp
4'440 hp
Tractive effort (kN / lbf | starting / continuous):
234 kN
53'000 lbf
53'000 lbf
Wheel diameter (x'xxx,xx | mm | new / worn):
1'250 mm
Maximum speed (km/h):
140 km/h
1985
Class 11 locomotives were part of a large family
of 144 electric locomotives built in the 1980s for the Belgian
Railways. This family also included Class 12,
Class
21 and Class 27, with Class 11 specifically
designed for cross-border service between Belgium and the
Netherlands. These locomotives were nearly twice as powerful as
their 1950s predecessors, such as Class 22,
Class
23, and Class 25, and shared many design
similarities with Class 21, differing primarily in their
ability to operate under both 3,000 V DC in Belgium and 1,500 V DC
in the Netherlands. They were equipped with Dutch signaling and
train protection systems for seamless cross-border operations.
Service and Operation
Built to haul Benelux trains between Brussels and Amsterdam, Class 11 locomotives operated in a push-pull configuration, controlled remotely from a driving trailer when at the rear of the train. Numbered 1181 - 1192, they avoided confusion with Dutch Class 1100 locomotives that were still in service. The Class 11 units were used intensively, operating at speeds up to 140 km/h. In 2009, they were replaced by Bombardier TRAXX locomotives leased from Angel Trains (now Alpha Trains) for the Benelux service.
After being displaced from international service, Class 11 locomotives were moved to domestic peak-hour services within Belgium until their retirement in 2012. Their distinctive livery matched that of the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways) coaching stock they had worked with during their operational life.
Decline and Fate
Due to their limited numbers and intensive use, the Class 11 locomotives aged rapidly and experienced frequent failures in their later years, leading to service disruptions. After withdrawal, they were stored at the Stockem depot, near Arlon. In 2014, discussions took place to sell the fleet to XTR-System Development in the Czech Republic, but the deal only went through for a similar Class 12 locomotive, leaving the Class 11 units in storage. As of 2020, all but locomotive 1187, which is preserved by the SNCB Historical Patrimonium, were reportedly sold for scrapping.
Notable Events
On August 11, 1999, locomotive 1187 became the first Class 11 unit to operate outside of the Benelux service, hauling a special train from Brussels Midi to Arlon for spectators of a total solar eclipse. This unusual event marked a rare deviation from the class’s intended international role.
Service and Operation
Built to haul Benelux trains between Brussels and Amsterdam, Class 11 locomotives operated in a push-pull configuration, controlled remotely from a driving trailer when at the rear of the train. Numbered 1181 - 1192, they avoided confusion with Dutch Class 1100 locomotives that were still in service. The Class 11 units were used intensively, operating at speeds up to 140 km/h. In 2009, they were replaced by Bombardier TRAXX locomotives leased from Angel Trains (now Alpha Trains) for the Benelux service.
After being displaced from international service, Class 11 locomotives were moved to domestic peak-hour services within Belgium until their retirement in 2012. Their distinctive livery matched that of the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways) coaching stock they had worked with during their operational life.
Decline and Fate
Due to their limited numbers and intensive use, the Class 11 locomotives aged rapidly and experienced frequent failures in their later years, leading to service disruptions. After withdrawal, they were stored at the Stockem depot, near Arlon. In 2014, discussions took place to sell the fleet to XTR-System Development in the Czech Republic, but the deal only went through for a similar Class 12 locomotive, leaving the Class 11 units in storage. As of 2020, all but locomotive 1187, which is preserved by the SNCB Historical Patrimonium, were reportedly sold for scrapping.
Notable Events
On August 11, 1999, locomotive 1187 became the first Class 11 unit to operate outside of the Benelux service, hauling a special train from Brussels Midi to Arlon for spectators of a total solar eclipse. This unusual event marked a rare deviation from the class’s intended international role.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Railways_Class_11
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Latest update on the 8th of September 2024 at 18:35
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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