SNCB Class AM50

NMBS/SNCB AM50 (to AM79)

SNCB EMU AM 174 in Liège Guillemins Station

2nd class original interior
In service 1950–present
Manufacturer La Brugeoise et Nivelles / ACEC
Constructed 1950–1979
Formation EMC-EMS
Capacity 32F, 138S
Operator(s) NMBS/SNCB
Specifications
Car length 22.20 m (72 ft 10 in)
Maximum speed 130 km/h (81 mph)
Weight 117 t (257,900 lb)
Traction system Electric - 3000 Volts DC
Coupling system Henricot semi automatic coupler
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)

NMBS/SNCB Classical twin EMUs (also referred by their construction year - AM50 for "Automotrice 1950" up to AM79 for the last units from 1979) are electric multiple unit trains operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB). They are the standard train for internal workings under the Belgian standard 3000 Volts DC overhead lines.

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 equipped with carbon steel bodies.

Another subset of 6 EMUs were specifically adapted for airport service, with more space between seats and a huge luggage compartment. Although they were operated by SNCB staff, access was restricted to Belgian airlines travellers with a dedicated platform at Brussels Central Station. A blue painting scheme was also chosen to identify those EMUs.

In 1984, SNCB introduced a new transportation plan based on fixed-interval timetables (and the closure of most 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 involved in a refurbishing program which 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" service.

In 2013, a hundred non-refurbished units were scrapped, after many of the Desiro Mainline Class AM 08 entered into revenue service.

Technical specifications

These EMUs are driven by four 185 kW 1500 Volts DC motors. Units built before 1970 were driven by a Jeumont-Heidmann camshaft controller. After 1970, Thyristor drive were used instead.

Class Image Top speed Number Fleet numbers Built Withdrawn Notes
AM39 130 km/h (81 mph) 8 001-008 1939 19??
AM46 1 009 1946 1978
AM50 25 010-034 1950 1995
AM51 1 050
AM53 15 035-049
AM54 78 050-128 1955 1995
AM55 38 502-539 1955
AM56 22 129-130
AM62 60 151-210
AM63 40 211-250
AM65 20 251-270
AM66 140 km/h (87 mph) 40 601-640
AM70JH 24 641-664 1970
AM70TH 12 665-676 1970
AM70 Airport 6 595-600 1970
AM73 30 677-706
AM74 25 707-730
AM78 26 731-759
AM79 26 757-782

See also

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