Belgian Railways Class 70

Class 270 (later reclassified as Class 70) locomotives were the first diesel shunters used by NMBS/SNCB. Three were initially ordered as prototypes of diesel-electric traction. Three diesel-hydraulic Class 271 locomotives were also ordered for comparison.

Class 70
7005 (bearing original number 270005) 29 June 2002.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-Electric
BuilderBaume et Marpent/ACEC
Build date1954
Total produced6
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Driver dia.1,070 mm (42.13 in)
Length12.15 m (39 ft 10 in)
Loco weight85 tonnes
(83.7 long tons; 93.7 short tons)
Prime mover7001/2: ABC 6DXC
7003/5/6: ABC 8DUS
7004: Cockerill CO240
TransmissionElectric
Performance figures
Maximum speed50 km/h (31 mph)
Power output7001/2: 550 kW (740 hp)
7003/5/6: 515 kW (691 hp)
7004: 570 kW (760 hp)
Tractive effort196 kN (44,060 lbf)
Career
OperatorsSNCB/NMBS
Class70 (originally 270)
Numbers7001–7006
originally 270001–270006
LocaleAntwerp
Disposition5 scrapped, 1 preserved

One loco, 7005, has been preserved by PFT at Saint Ghislain; the others were scrapped after being replaced by class 77s.[1]

History

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Built by Belgian locomotive manufacturers Baume & Marpent, the 6 class 270 locomotives were initially allocated to Ronet depot, near Namur. Their electric transmission was produced by ACEC, under licence from Westinghouse. During 1992, 7004 acquired a Cockerill diesel engine to replace its original Anglo Belgian Corporation unit.[2]

After Ronet, during 1961 they were moved on to Antwerp to perform trip workings to and from places such as Boom, Mechelen, Mol and Turnhout.[3] When, at the start of 1971, NMBS/SNCB adopted their current numbering system they became Class 70.

References

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  1. ^ De Neef, David (2004-08-26). "Locomotives de manoeuvre de la série 70" (in French). Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  2. ^ De Jonghe, Henk. "PFT/TSP - 270.005". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
  3. ^ Malisoux, Charles (November 2002). "Le rond-point nu" (in French). Retrieved 2008-02-04.