SNCB Class 50

Infobox Locomotive
name = Class 50
powertype = Diesel


caption =
builder = Cockerill
builddate = 1969 (rebuilt from 200.001/5101)
totalproduction = 1
aarwheels = Co-Co
gauge = 1435 mm
length = 20.16 m
width = 2.91 m
height = 4.25 m
weight = 123.5 t
fueltype = Diesel
enginetype =
topspeed = 140 km/h
poweroutput = 4000 hp ≈ 2940 kW
railroad = SNCB/NMBS
railroadclass = 50
numinclass = 1
roadnumber = 5001
disposition = Reinstated to HLD 5101|

The NMBS-SNCB HLD 50 locomotive was a high-powered testbed locomotive, converted from HLD 201.001 in 1969.

History

NMBS-SNCB wanted to gain experiences with high-powered diesel locomotives, with a possible order following if the tests would prove successful. As locomotive 200.001 was due for a large revision it was decided to rebuilt this locomotive with a 4000 hp Cockerill engine. It was planned to give the locomotive the number 200.101, but as the rebuilt took some 2 years and a half, much longer then expected, it was directly given the new number 5001, in line with the large renumbering in 1971.

Apart from the new 16-cylinder engine it was also equipped with electric train heating, which replaced the steam generator.

Career

After the locomotive was converted it was first trialled and put in commercial service. During both trials and commercial service it proved to be very unreliable and was spending more time in workshops than it was running on the track.

In 1976 the trials were stopped as NMBS-SNCB decided that it didn't need a high-power diesel locomotive anymore. Upon this decision it was first stabled at Kinkempois workshops and later at the shed in Latour.

After some time the locomotive was sent to the Salzinnes workshops to be converted back into a standard class 51 locomotive. It received the engine of HLD 5176 which was damaged in an accident, but whose engine was still intact. In 1980 it was back put into service as a standard class 51 locomotive under number 5101.

References

* [http://www.belrail.be/F/fiches/diesel/index.php?type=hld50 HLD 50 at belrail.be] (French)
* [http://www.ho-modelspoorwegen-modelbouw.be/nmbsr51b.htm Fiche van de reeks 200/HLD 51 van de NMBS at ho-modelspoorwegen-modelbouw.be] (Dutch)

External links

* [http://www.belrail.be/F/fiches/diesel/index.php?type=hld50 HLD 50 at belrail.be]
* [http://www.tassignon.be/trains/galleries/Oldies_but_Goodies/5001_Waremme.htm Picture of the real HLD 5001 at tassignon.be]