The French EPSF has announced that the Belgian locomotives of the Siemens ES64U4 type are approved for commercial services on 25kV AC-lines in France. There are two restrictions: the overhead wiring must be of the 85 Type and only the locomotives of sub type F2.2 are approved. So we assume only locomotives with 18 series numbers are involved (1801-1896). Of this batch, 1807 and 1862 are not available as they are software testbed locos.

Did you know: SNCB has started the first round of main overhauls (R1) on the 18s. Locomotive 1808, 1814 and 1836 are among the first that have returned to revenue service with 2017 revisons dates.

Four 18 series locomotives of the Belgian railways (no. 1814/1831/1846/1881) now have recruitment vinyls, saying: 'De spoorwegen werven aan / Les chemins de fer engagent'. The vinyls will remain on the locos for the next 6 months. Now with an image, thanks to Jean-Michel Vanderseypen.

The Belgian railways (SNCB/NMBS) have 24 Siemens electrics that were delivered with a auto coupler on one side. With these, they should run with M6 double deck trains. These machines got a separate number series: 1901-1924. These locomotives are in service, but their coupler has not been used yet, it is not officially approved for service.

But things are moving. Wallorail brings an update on a new software version being installed on the machines (F), that will now be validated. SNCB HLE 18-19

Impression of SNCB/NMBS no. 1807 and 1862 performing homologation runs in France, taken last week. The test rides take place on the route Caen - Cherbourg route. - DD

As of 04.02.2015 these two locomotives will be used for the next chapter in the homologation process of these electrics in France. Test rides will be made at the Caen - Cherbourg route and continue until March. - Wallorail/ID/KAR SNCB HLE 18-19

The complete numbers:
91 80 6193 902-4 D-PCW
91 80 6193 822-4 D-PCW
91 80 6193 820-8 D-PCW
91 51 5170 020-9 PL-DBSRP
91 88 0180 610-3 B-B
91 88 0180 770-5 B-B
91 80 6189 001-1 D-DB DB Schenker 189 Siemens Vectron locos used for test and promotion SNCB HLE 18-19

Only four are still missing: no. 1901 and 1902 are still in Wegberg-Wildenrath. 1861 and 1877 arrived at the VUZ Velim test center on 04.10.2013. - WT/ID/WT SNCB HLE 18-19

The machines on which Siemens reportedly has completed the retrofit: 1801-1814, 1816-1824, 1826-1846, 1849-1856, 1858-1860, 1862-1864, 1866-1874, 1903, 1904, 1906, 1920. Totalling to 71 units. - ID

< check the Trainspo.com gallery

They were amongst the last locomotives (no. 1906, 1911, 1913, 1916, 1920, 1923 and 1924) that still had had to complete their final run before being officially delivered to the NMBS/SNCB. When completed, 116 units will be available for revenue services. Locomotives 1861, 1877, 1901 and 1902 are still missing, as they are still regarded as test bed locomotives, as far as we know. Meanwhile the retrofitting of these locomotive in Munich still goes on. - ID

Update: two more images: 1923 and 1913, 1914 and 1916

SNCB HLE 18-19

This means that ten 19 series locomotives have not been seen in revenue service yet: 1901, 1902, 1906, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1916, 1920, 1923, and 1924. Six of these shiny new machines are parked in Liege-Kinkempois depot.

BTW, also unit 1861 and 1877 are not accepted yet, as they are being used for evaluating software upgrades. - HdJ/ID

In 2012, 21 units were transported to Germany: 1805, 1860, 1806, 1818, 1822, 1829, 1836-37, 1839, 1838, 1850, 1840, 1851-52, 1854, 1841, 1855, 1906, 1920, 1858 and 1859.

On January 4th 2013, the transports ot Germany continued, and for a while the units went in numerical order: 1842, 1856, 1862-63, 1866-73, 1864, 1874, 1903, 1904, 1801, 1853 and 1802.

For 2013, 19 units went, so that makes 40 in total, still 80 to go! - CS/ID

Of HLE 19, the 24 units with one automatic coupler, AFAWK 12 are available for revenue service, as long as their special coupler is not used. The remaining twelve units are awaiting delivery/acceptance, with 1901 and 1902 still at Wildenrath. - ID SNCB HLE 18-19

EuroSprinter for sale! (black vs. white)
For anyone still interested: Siemens still has three 189 series locomotives for sale: E 189 845, 822 and 823. All three were present during the day, parked next to a black one: ES 64 F4-995.

PCW Thunderbirds are go!

In Wegberg, Siemens has several locomotives used for shunting. The have PCW numbers. PCW 6 is a red Vossloh G800BB, PCW 7 is the EuroRunner and the EuroSprinter godfather is now PCW 8. The question however still remains, will PCW 8 ever run again? For two years now, the machine is parked in Wegberg, have some sort of damage... PCW 7 presented itself in two different sizes. However, the model was a silver scale locomotive, with small inkjet-printed paper logos and graphics.

Everybody Vectron!

A long waiting queue was there all day. Everybody wanted to climb into Vectron 193 922, parked outside. We did not go in, but made some nice close-ups of the exterior and some impressions. Again a tip for everyone looking for works numbers (193 924 = SMP 21697) of Siemens locomotives: go to cab no.1, check the frame right above the right buffer. Good luck!

Hide and seek
Some locomotives did not like all the attention. One had to know what to look for to find them. All in the back of the halls we could see 193 901 (the only Vectron now with the old, Belgian front bow) and Rail One's 474 102. Hidden in the bush outside, two Traxx locomotives were spotted; 186 121 (edit) in Fyra-colors and IGT 246 011 still celebrating German's 150th railways anniversary. Behind ES 64 F4-453 we could identify ES 64 F4-409 and Nordcargo 474 201. - DvdR

SNCB 19 vs Vectron and the auto-coupler
Around fifteen HLE 19 series locomotives were seen in Wegberg. The 1909, 1906 and 1913 were in front of the public. We took the opportunity to make some good close-ups of 1906 and its Schwab-coupler system, that what makes the HLE19 different from its normal HLE18 sisters. Also note the special steel, futuristic construction behind it.

And in the mean while in Mönchengladbach...
And in the mean while in Mönchengladbach... ES 64 F4-406 with CFI-logos is ready to go back to Italy. - TW MRCE ES64F4 RailOne ES64F4 Siemens ER20-2007 Siemens Vectron locos used for test and promotion SNCB HLE 18-19 Stock locomotives type ES 64 F4 the EuroSprinter

The automatic couplers of the HLE 19 subseries is not approved yet. These machines now arrive in Belgium, but can not be used for the intended services. - wallorail.be SNCB HLE 18-19

Of the HLE 18 series, 96 units are on order. At least 86 of them are now in revenue service, working all kinds of passenger trains. Unit. 1891 (first seen on 11.06) and 1895 (19.06) are the latest additions to the fleet of SNCB/NMBS.

The ones that are still missing:
1841: status unknown
1861: in Kinkempois depot (08.06)
1877: Schaarsbeek (17.06)
1888: used for the L2 test train on 12.06, in Kinkempois (16.06)
1889: used for the L2 test train on 12.06, in Kinkempois (16.06)
1890: in acceptance procedure, in Kinkempois (13.06)
1892: used for the L2 test train on 06.06, in Kinkempois (16.06)
1893: in acceptance procedure, in Kinkempois (13.06)
1894: in acceptance procedure, in Kinkempois (13.06)
1896: in acceptance procedure, in Kinkempois (16.06)

All 24 locomotives of the HLE19 subtype, are still awaiting final acceptance. - ID SNCB HLE 18-19

Nice to see the 2711 outside Belgium. In the near future, the new 18 series should also be available for services to the German and Dutch stations just over the Belgium border, e.g. Roosendaal and Maastricht (NL) and Aachen (DE). Next to that the 18 series will be fully homologated for Luxenbourg and France (25kV AC network only). SNCB HLE 18-19

In the mean time Siemens 21285 - PCW7 is busy crossing Germany, picking up 18 series locomotives from their parking spaces around Munich. They have to visit Wegberg-Wildenrath for final adjustments before going to Belgium. Amongst them are also units coming right of the production line (For example: 12.11.2011: 1859/1858/1889/1891/1856 and on 19.11.2011: 1894/1893/1892/1877/1842). - DSO

wallorail.be shows us the latest units during their Belgium 'maiden run'.

And finally, at the test track of Velim, the 1901 and 1902 are making their rounds with a driving coach: picture SNCB HLE 18-19

The HLE 18 multi-system locomotive from the Siemens Eurosprinter family has just received homologation for Belgium. The HLE 18 is manufactured at the Siemens plant in Munich-Allach for the state-owned railway operator "Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges/ Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen" (SNCB/NMBS). Delivery of the initial batch of vehicles has already commenced. 25 units have been handed over to the customer to date; the remaining 95 are scheduled for delivery by October 2012. SNCB ordered the first 60 locomotives in 2006 and another 60 at InnoTrans, the International Trade Fair for Transport Technology, in 2008.

All 120 locomotives are designed for passenger transportation. 96 units are of type HLE 18 and the last 24 will be HLE 19; in contrast to the HLE 18, the latter will be equipped with automatic central buffer coupling on one side. The new locomotives will partly substitute existing rolling stock or be used to create additional capacity in the Belgian railway network. Siemens is planning to apply for homologation for the rail networks of the neighboring countries France and Luxembourg in order to ensure that the units can also be used for cross-border service. In addition, approvals for the railway lines to Maastricht, Roosendaal and Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) will be sought. SNCB HLE 18-19

After recently commencing services on the Oostende - Eupen and Binche - Louvain-la-Neuve-Université routes, new locomotives will begin to appear on the Genk - Gent, Quiévrain - Liège and Quévy - Brussels Airport services in the Autumn. The gradual commissioning of the new Type 18 locomotives represents a comprehensive upgrade of the rolling stock and a significant decrease in the average age of the NMBS/SNCB locomotives. The investment of nearly €440M will greatly improve the quality of our train service.

After an prolonged certification period on the Belgian network, the Type 18 locomotives have obtained their final approval to run. Now this approval has been granted, introduction of the remainder of the fleet can commence. NMBS/SNCB have used nine locomotives for this approval process which has included verification runs, trials in service and static training.

Two locomotives are now expected to be delivered per week until the middle of 2012. Also the training of personnel in the various depots and workshops throughout the NMBS/SNCB network will be on going during this time.

Improvements On The Network In 2011: In addition to operating some trains between Oostende - Eupen and Binche - Louvain-La-Neuve-Université, the new Type 18 locomotives will begin to work on the following this Autumn:

- From 12th September 2011 on some IC-K services between Genk - Gent-Sint-Pieters;
- From 26th September 2011 there will be two additional locomotives used on IC A services between Oostende - Eupen. Also Type 18 locomotives will also commence weekend services;
- Four additional locomotives are to be deployed from 17th October 2011 on IC R services between Binche - Louvain-La-Neuve-Université;
- In early November services on IC-F services between Quiévrain - Liege and IR trains between Quévy - Brussels National Airport will begin to migrate to Type 18 locomotives.

Upgrading The Locomotive Fleet: With the arrival of the Type 18 locomotives a comprehensive upgrade of the rolling stock has commenced. The average age of the Belgian Locomotive fleet is 30 years old. By 2016 this will be reduced to 20 years old. Modern Locomotives are more reliable and this investment will reduce train delays and improve the service to our passengers. - ID/NMBS-SNCB SNCB HLE 18-19

Note the extra trapezium-shaped boxes under the coupling systems, most likely their to absorb energy when such a locomotive crashes, compensating the absence of normal buffers.

edit: MUX is not a coupling system, it is system to operate a locomotive from another cab with only one cable. Very useful for push and pull services of course. The couplings are normal GF automatic couplings. Thanks for the correction.

SNCB HLE 18-19

Some important mile stones this week: Since last week, 01.08.2011, the first eight locomotives are being used for revenue services, without back-up. On 05.08.2011, the 1901 and 1902 were transporated from Munich to Neuss, by RailAdventure and its Re4/4. Both machines are currently parked in Neuss Gbf. Tomorrow, most likely, they will enter Wegberg-Wildenrath for trials or finetuning. If you have any images of them, please let us know!

Images of 1901 and 1902 passing through Regensburg Hbf last week. - HGBTF/DSO SNCB HLE 18-19

First temporary approval by the Belgian authorities was given to eight locomotives on 28.04.2011, which was extended on 07.07.2011. Under this last approval up to nine units can be used for revenue service until 30.09.2011. Before all this was possible, Siemens had to adjust the software system on the locomotives regulating the ventilation of the engines and the electromagnetic compatibility with the Belgian network. When the locomotives meet all the demands, full homologation will be possible and serie delivery will start. A delivery pace of eight units per month is planned. With around ninety units already completed, this should be no problem.

Between 29.06.2011 and now, nine locomotives have successfully completed a 1000 km with empty trains. A demand by the NMBS/SNCB before they use any engine for regular services. They should be ready now to take over the extended package of services as mentioned. Which units are involved exactly is still unknown. Units that have been mentioned in the various post and spots are 1801-04 and 1807-10. - HGBTF/Wallorail.be SNCB HLE 18-19

Wallorail.be keeps us informed about the SNCB 18 series hauling regular services. Today, the 1801 and 1803 are both hauling InterCity trains from and to Oostende. (The images show unit 1803 parked in Welkenraedt after its services from last week). SNCB HLE 18-19

PS the latest updates on this topic are welcome, mail to railcolor@gmail.com SNCB HLE 18-19

Today, MRCE Dispolok 127 001 picked up 183 601, coming from Nurnberg. MRCE ES64F4 PKP IC 5370 SNCB HLE 18-19 the EuroSprinter

Zelpage.cz also brings a report on the SNCB 1801, which has arrived at the Velim test center. The article is only available in the Czech language, but the images are interesting anyway. SNCB HLE 18-19

Again now two new orders can be added to this impressive list, for 128 million Euro another 72 M6 coaches are planned, and, most important for this site, also 60 additional EuroSprinter electrics are on the wish list now, worth 222 million Euro. They will delievered in relatively short term; from June 2010 untill April 2012.

The delivery of the second batch will follow right after the completion of the first 60 engines. These were ordered back in 2006 and delivery of scheduled for 2009-2010. The first engine was presented last September on the Innotrans railway fair in Berlin. SNCB HLE 18-19

Again now two new orders can be added to this impressive list, for 128 million Euro another 72 M6 coaches are planned, and, most important for this site, also 60 additional EuroSprinter electrics are on the wish list now, worth 222 million Euro. They will delievered on relatively short term; from June 2010 untill April 2012.

The delivery of the second batch will follow right after the completion of the first 60 engines. These were ordered back in 2006 and delivery of scheduled for 2009-2010. The first engine was presented last September on the Innotrans railway fair in Berlin.

- nieuwsblad.be/standaard.be/lalibre.be/lanouvellegazette.be/Martin22 SNCB HLE 18-19

The 18 series has only two pantographs, one for DC and one for AC catenary. It's bogie design is similar to that of the Austrian Taurus locomotives, but with improved and more compact convertors. Weight was an important issue during the development of the Belgian 18 series. The new body design and cab units developed by Siemens to meet the latest crash safety regulations (EN 15 227) put one some extra weight (1,5 t) to the EuroSprinter concept. Combine this with the high speed bogies (which are heavier than bogies for 140 kph freight traffic for example) and the multi-system equipment of the locomotive, and it could get too heavy. Siemens therefore decided to reduce the weight of the transformator, by leaving out the possibility to run under 15kV AC catenary, and by configurating it for a lower duration power output of 6.000 kW (25kV AC) and 2.500kW (1,5 kV DC). SNCB HLE 18-19

Last month Siemens started with the construction of the 57 serie locomotives. The first three 'prototypes' are under assembly or in the paint shop. On Innotrans 2008 the SNCB 18 will make its debute. Between January 2009 and the end of 2010, all 60 machines will be delivered to Belgium. Maximum duration power is 5000kW, they are compatible with 1,5kV and 3kV DC and 25 kV catenary systems and the topspeed is 200 kph. They will be used for passenger transport only and be homologated for Belgium, Luxembourg and France. Additionally they will be able to run to Roosendaal and Maastricht in the Netherlands and Aachen in Germany. Optionally the 18 series can get full homologation for the Netherlands. They will replace the SNCB 13 series that will be transferred to freight transport.

There is an option for 60 extra locomotives, that maybe get an additional 15kV AC installation, making it possible to run to Germany. SNCB HLE 18-19