Very cool – New Class 17 locomotives in Belgium have started trials on the Belgian network. The train (including I11 and SNCB/NMBS 1823) runs on a reserved track during the day between Silly and Ath. Gwenaël Piérart photographed the train while being parked at Ath station, and thanks to Antoine Morval we have it in action:
Earlier this year, Alstom’s Kassel facility released four new locomotives. The first machine, number 1701, arrived in Belgium in March 2025, followed by 1702 in early April. After completing dynamic testing at the VUZ Velim test center in the Czech Republic, units 1703 and 1704 were delivered to Belgium in May 2025.
These deliveries are part of a framework agreement for up to 50 Traxx locomotives, with 24 machines already ordered and scheduled to enter service by 2027.
The standout feature of this project is the impressive 200 km/h top speed of these Traxx locomotives—clearly marked on the blue section of the frame. While Alstom (formerly Bombardier) has sold thousands of Traxx units over the years, none have previously been commercially authorized for speeds beyond 160 km/h.
Related posts:
[locomotive] Alstom sent first SNCB Traxxes for tests to VUZ Velim
[locomotive] Belgium watch out – More ‘Reeks 17’
[BE / Expert] Reeks 17: SNCB orders 200 km/h multisystem TRAXX locomotives
[passenger] This December you get a choice – NS and NMBS both introduce new trains connecting Brussels and the Netherlands