NMBS/SNCB Classical twin EMUs (also referred by their construction year – AM39 for "Automotrice 1939" up to AM79 for the last units from 1979; or MS39 to MS79 for the Dutch-language equivalent "Motorstel") were electric multiple unit trains operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB). They were the standard equipment for local trains under the Belgian standard 3000 Volts DC overhead lines, until they gradually replaced by the Class 08 Desiro Mainline EMU's starting from the early 21st century.
Classical EMUs were originally painted in dark green, with small yellow stripes surrounding the front lights. As those were considered insufficiently visible, the front door was also painted in yellow and the stripes were enlarged.
A subset of 22 EMUs was built with stainless steel body instead of (regular) carbon steel. This remains a one shot trial as the next generations were built with carbon steel bodies.
Another subset of 6 EMUs, built in 1970, were specifically adapted for airport service, with more space between seats and a huge luggage compartment. Although they were operated by railways staff, access was restricted to travellers holding valid SABENA airline tickets with a dedicated platform provided at Brussels Central Station. A blue paint scheme was also chosen to identify those EMUs. These units were retired in 2013.
In 1984, the Belgian Railways introduced a new transportation plan based on fixed-interval timetables (and the closure of many secondary passenger lines) called "Plan IC-IR." A new paint scheme was applied, based on a burgundy red color with a large white line surrounding the entire coaches or EMUs below the windows.
In 1999, classical EMUs built in the seventies were extensively refurbished, the program included comfort upgrade (interior replacement, sound system, closed circuit toilets) and repainting in the light gray livery with blue and red lines under the windows. Few units were still in the older green delivery when refurbished. The last 40 to be refurbished units received extra features (LED information displays, multi-service compartments for bicycles or standing passengers) for suburban "CityRail" (predecessor of the Brussels S Train) services.
Withdrawal
The first withdrawals of the classical EMUs took place at the end of the 1970s.
In 2013, a hundred non-refurbished units were scrapped, after many of the Desiro Mainline Class 08 entered into revenue service.
The last unit was retired in a farewell run held on 14 December 2024. Unit 660, which was part of the farewell run, will be preserved at Train World in Schaerbeek.https://www.trainworld.be/fr/voyage-d-adieu-aux-automotrices-classiques
Technical specifications
These EMUs are driven by four 185 kW 1500 Volts DC motors. Units built before 1970 were driven by a camshaft controller. After 1970, Thyristor drive were used instead.
ClassImageFleet numbersNumberTop speedPower outputLengthMass/Weight (in tons)CapacityWithdrawnNotesMS39001-0088840 kW143 30 1st113 2nd1978High-platform only unitsMS460091830 kW164 24 1st140 2nd1978Prototype and pseudo-highspeedunit capable of reaching 140 km/h. High-platform only unitMS50010-03425620 kW170 32 1st138 2nd1995Almost identical to MS53. High Platform UnitsMS51501Later 0501161 42 1st119 2nd1978Later renumbered to 050, the original 050 was renumbered 062. High-platform only unitMS53035-04915170 32 1st138 2nd1995Almost identical to MS50. High-platform only unitsMS54050-12879185 31 1st154 2nd1995050 was renumbered to 062 after the first 062 caught fire. 15 units were converted to mail trains for Belgian Post in 1988. 106 was used as a test train for TBL in 2004MS55502-53938181 45 1st136 2nd1995MS56129-15022185 31 1st 154 2nd2000Stainless steel body, units were not paintedMS62 MS63MS65151-210211-250251-270604020735 kW180 28 1st152 2nd2013151 was renumbered to 050 in the 90's due to test with asynchronous motors.MS66MS70JHMS70TH601-640641-664665-676402412770 kW2024From 665 on units were equipped with thyristors. In 2006–2008 all MS70TH sets, except 672, were refurbished to MSCRMS70 Airport801-806Later 595-6006118 32 1st86 2nd2013Specially built for services to Brussels Airport-Zaventem, with extra luggage space.MS73MS74MS78MS79677-706707-730731-756757-78230242626178 28 1st150 2nd2024In 2006–2008 677 to 683 and 707 to 730, except 709 and 716, were refurbished to MSCRMSCR'CityRail'960-99940Modernised MS70TH, MS73 and MS74. Retired in 2024.
References
External links
Belgian EMUs