Belgium: Class 12

Railway companies: SNCB NMBS - Belgium National Railway Company

Display technical details

In service:

from 1986

Era:

IV - VI

Built by:

Gauge:

Standard gauge (1'435 mm)

Wheel arrangement:

Bo'Bo'

Electric systems:

25 kV AC / 50 Hz
3 kV DC

Current collectors:

Pantograph - Asymmetrical

Length over buffers (mm):

18'650 mm

Width (mm):

2'910 mm

Height (mm | over lowered pantograph):

4'220 mm

Tare weight (t):

85 t

Power output (x'xxx kW / x'xxx hp):

3'130 kW
4'197 hp

Tractive effort (kN / lbf | starting / continuous):

234 kN
53'000 lbf

Wheel diameter (x'xxx,xx | mm | new / worn):

1'250 mm

Maximum speed (km/h):

160 km/h

Display registration numbers

1201
1202
1203
1204
1205
1206
1207
1208
1209
1210
1211
1212

1986

Class 12 locomotives were dual-voltage electric locomotives designed for cross-border service between Belgium and France. Built in the 1980s as part of a family of 144 electric locomotives, Class 12 shared its design with the single-voltage Class 21 but was equipped with a transformer to handle both 3,000 V DC (used in Belgium) and 25,000 V AC (for operations in France). These locomotives also featured French signaling and train protection systems, enabling them to seamlessly operate on both sides of the border.

Role and Service

Initially, Class 12 locomotives were used for both passenger and freight services, particularly between Antwerp, Liège, and Lille. They frequently hauled M4 coaching stock but were occasionally seen on domestic routes where their dual-voltage capability was not required. By 1999, the arrival of the AM 96 multiple units displaced Class 12 from passenger service, and they transitioned to freight operations, primarily moving goods between Zeebrugge and Lille.

Withdrawal and International Service

Class 12 locomotives were retired in 2012, as the more powerful dual-voltage Class 13 locomotives became available for freight duties. After withdrawal, they were stored at the Stockem depot. In 2016, the entire Class 12 fleet was sold to Czech operator XTR-System Development, with locomotive 1203 undergoing successful testing in the Czech Republic before the rest of the class was exported.

Once in the Czech Republic, the locomotives were overhauled for freight service, including modifications such as reducing their maximum speed to 120 km/h (75 mph) and removing their train heating systems. They were also equipped with electrodynamic braking systems. At least one Class 12 was repainted in the livery of CZ Loko following its overhaul.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Railways_Class_12