SNCB Class 59

Class 59

300px Restored locomotive in a rail museum in 2010.

Type and origin Power type Diesel

Specifications Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)

Career Operators SNCB/NMBS

The SNCB Class 59 is a SNCB diesel locomotive.

The locomotive features dual-ended operation with end-of-train red marker lights. The hood features cantilever doors. In the mid-1960s, they were given a green livery with yellow stripes and additional steps were added under the lights. These locomotives were used on both secondary lines where electrification was not profitable and on the main lines, until they were finally equipped with a catenary. At the end of 1953, the SNCB ordered 55 of these four axle locomotives (originally called Type 201) which were to be assembled at the John Cockerill factories in Seraing, each equipped with a Baldwin motor. They were first used on light lines of the northern plains of Sambre and the Meuse. The first units the series were delivered in December 1954. They were still being used in June 2002 to haul work trains building the high speed rail lines in France and Belgium.