Class 270 (later reclassified as Class 70) locomotives were the first diesel shunters used by NMBS/SNCB. Three were initially ordered as prototypes of diesel-electric traction. Three diesel-hydraulic Class 271 locomotives were also ordered for comparison.

Class 70
7005 (bearing original number 270005) 29 June 2002.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-Electric Builder Baume et Marpent/ACEC Build date 1954 Total produced 6
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo′Bo′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Driver dia. 1,070 mm (42.13 in) Length 12.15 m (39 ft 10 in) Loco weight 85 tonnes (83.7 long tons; 93.7 short tons) Prime mover 7001/2: ABC 6DXC 7003/5/6: ABC 8DUS 7004: Cockerill CO240 Transmission Electric
Performance figures Maximum speed 50 km/h (31 mph) Power output 7001/2: 550 kW (740 hp) 7003/5/6: 515 kW (691 hp) 7004: 570 kW (760 hp) Tractive effort 196 kN (44,060 lbf)
Career Operators SNCB/NMBS Class 70 (originally 270) Numbers 7001–7006 originally 270001–270006 Locale Antwerp Disposition 5 scrapped, 1 preserved

One loco, 7005, has been preserved by PFT at Saint Ghislain; the others were scrapped after being replaced by class 77s.[1]

History

Built by Belgian locomotive manufacturers Baume & Marpent, the 6 class 270 locomotives were initially allocated to Ronet depot, near Namur. Their electric transmission was produced by ACEC, under licence from Westinghouse. During 1992, 7004 acquired a Cockerill diesel engine to replace its original Anglo Belgian Corporation unit.[2]

After Ronet, during 1961 they were moved on to Antwerp to perform trip workings to and from places such as Boom, Mechelen, Mol and Turnhout.[3] When, at the start of 1971, NMBS/SNCB adopted their current numbering system they became Class 70.

References

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