Source: lb.wikipedia.org
Class 23
Also known as:
Type 123
Vehicle type:
Registration country:
In service:
from 1955
Era:
III - V
Built by:
Gauge:
Standard gauge (1'435 mm)
Wheel arrangement:
Bo'Bo'
Electric systems:
3 kV DC
Current collectors:
Pantograph - Symmetrical
Length over buffers (mm):
18'000 mm
Tare weight (t):
92 t
Power output (x'xxx kW / x'xxx hp):
1'740 kW
2'333 hp
2'333 hp
Tractive effort (kN / lbf | starting / continuous):
196 kN
44'000 lbf
44'000 lbf
Maximum speed (km/h):
130 km/h
1955
Class 23 locomotives were part of Belgium’s 1950s
generation of electric locomotives, introduced as Type
123 and later renumbered under the 1971 system. Built
between 1953 and 1961, these locomotives were designed for both
passenger and freight services. They shared their core electrical
equipment with other classes of the era, such as Class 22
and Class 25, using the same traction motors and
control systems.
Class 23 locomotives were equipped with regenerative braking and had increased weight to improve tractive effort, making them well-suited for pulling heavy freight, particularly on the Brussels-Luxembourg line. One key difference from their counterparts, Class 22, was the placement of ventilation grilles. The Class 23 locomotives had grilles mounted lower on the sides, reducing issues with water ingestion that had affected earlier models.
Several Class 23 locomotives were modified over their service life. For instance, 2302 was experimentally fitted with ventilation grilles like those on later Class 11, Class 12, Class 21 and Class 27. Another notable unit, 2383 (formerly 123.083 and 124.001), was used as a testbed for high-speed trials and became known as “The Banker of Liège” for its role in assisting trains up the steep incline at Liège-Guillemins station.
The Class 23 locomotives were gradually retired, with the last units being withdrawn in 2012 following the arrival of new Class 18 locomotives. Some units continued to be used for banking duties before being replaced by Class 77 diesels. The final preserved unit, 2383, remains part of SNCB’s historical collection.
Class 23 locomotives were equipped with regenerative braking and had increased weight to improve tractive effort, making them well-suited for pulling heavy freight, particularly on the Brussels-Luxembourg line. One key difference from their counterparts, Class 22, was the placement of ventilation grilles. The Class 23 locomotives had grilles mounted lower on the sides, reducing issues with water ingestion that had affected earlier models.
Several Class 23 locomotives were modified over their service life. For instance, 2302 was experimentally fitted with ventilation grilles like those on later Class 11, Class 12, Class 21 and Class 27. Another notable unit, 2383 (formerly 123.083 and 124.001), was used as a testbed for high-speed trials and became known as “The Banker of Liège” for its role in assisting trains up the steep incline at Liège-Guillemins station.
The Class 23 locomotives were gradually retired, with the last units being withdrawn in 2012 following the arrival of new Class 18 locomotives. Some units continued to be used for banking duties before being replaced by Class 77 diesels. The final preserved unit, 2383, remains part of SNCB’s historical collection.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Railways_Class_23
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Latest update on the 8th of September 2024 at 20:04
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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