Belgian heritage line opens main line link to passenger trains

THE Stoomcentrum Maldegem (Maldegem to Eeklo) preserved railway near Bruges and Ghent opened its long planned connection to the main line network with its 2022

Gala event held from April 29-May 1. The connection has been in place for stock movements but until now the Stoomcentrum trains could not run into the main station in Eeklo used by connecting SNCB operated trains to Ghent.

The recent gala also saw several preserved locos visit the line, ex-Belgian Railways (SNCB/ NMBS) diesels Nos. 6041 and 5404, plus 1962 vintage multi-voltage electric No. 1503 in its original light blue livery, which are now part of the Belgian national collection managed by the Train World Museum in Brussels. The Class 60 and the electric were purely for static display, but No. 5404 was used to work passenger trains.

KEVIN HOGGETT A Stoomcentrum train in the platform at Eeklo on April 30 with British-built Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 75196 (ex-WD 196 Errol Lonsdale). On the left is SNCB DMU No. 4168 with a service to Ghent.

KEVIN HOGGETT Preserved NoHAB built diesel No. 5404 seen just north of Eeklo with a Stoomcentrum passenger service on April 30.