Class 21 is a member of a large family of 144 electric locomotives built in the 1980s for the Belgian national railway. This family included Class 11, Class 12, and Class 27, with Class 21 accounting for 60 of the total units. While less powerful than the Class 27, Class 21 locomotives are versatile and reliable, thanks to the trial and error that refined their design, drawing influence from the earlier Class 20 locomotives developed in the mid-1970s.

These units are designed to haul both passenger and freight trains and were commonly seen operating with M4 and M5 coaching stock. They also shared the railways with AM 80 and AM 86 electric multiple units, marking a significant modernization phase for the Belgian network, despite the older M2 coaches remaining in service for some time. Visually, the Class 21 is almost identical to its sister locomotives, with only a few minor differences.

Though slightly less powerful, Class 21 locomotives often worked interchangeably with Class 27.

Notable Events and Modifications

In May 1989, locomotive 2109 was repainted in turquoise to haul a special set of wagons for the Technorame train, an exhibition project in Wallonia promoting high-tech innovations. After the contract, 2109 returned to regular service but retained its unique livery for a short period before being repainted.
In 1993, locomotive 2130 is converted into a test bed for the future Class 13 locomotives. Renumbered as Class 19, it is equipped with triphase traction motors, a new transformer, and French safety systems, allowing it to operate in France. After completing testing, it is restored to its original configuration.
Locomotive 2119 is involved in a severe accident during the Buizingen collision in 2010, on Line 96 near Halle, which resulted in extensive damage.

Withdrawal and Legacy

Class 21 locomotives began to be withdrawn in 2014 as newer Siemens-built Class 18 and Class 19 locomotives are introduced. By the end of 2014, most units numbered between 2101 and 2130 had been retired, stripped for spare parts, and scrapped. Since Class 21 and Class 27 shared many components, the retired Class 21 locomotives are used as a parts bank to maintain the more powerful Class 27 locomotives in service, particularly due to the unavailability of traction motor blowers.

In 2022, several Class 21 locomotives are exported to Poland by Seville Rail Rent with the intent of offering them to Polish operators as replacements for the aging EU07 series locomotives. However, as of 2024, none of these locomotives have yet entered service in Poland.  

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