Sabena Trains

[Comet]

What were the Sabena trains? http://www.belrail.be/F/fiches/emu/inde ... page=image on some photos on here it says "ex-Sabena". What does that relate to? Did rail services run on behalf of Sabena?

[sn26567]

There was indeed a time when the SNCB/NMBS was running trains from Brussels Central Station (where Sabena had an Air Terminal where it was possible to check baggage) non-stop to Brussels Airport on behalf of Sabena. These trains had a distinctive blue colour and a special seating (larger seats for air passengers), but were accessible to other passengers as well (against a higher fare than the usual SNCB/NMBS trains).

[Comet]

Thanks Andre. Such a pity there is nothing like that now, it would be much easier than struggling onto the train if you have loads of luggage.

[Bralo20]

Exterior (updated exterior with airport titles):



Exterior by delivery:



Interior:

[Bralo20]

Did some additional research and apparently the trains were ordered by SABENA, which also owned the trains. NMBS/SNCB operated the trains on behalf of SABENA. When they were delivered they were numbered 851, 852, 853, 854, 855 and 856. Originally these trains had only first class on board. Later SABENA sold the trains to the NMBS/SNCB which renumbered the trains to 595, 596, 597, 598, 599 and 600. Today these trains are still operational, however they are repainted and feature a "new" interior.

[Comet]

Are they the ones which still had blue seats in? (Sorry but the pic of the interior doesn't show up) I've been looking through some of my pics taken inside those types of trains and some have green seats and some have blue ones.

A shame that they had to ruin those old trains. I prefer the red ones, at least I know they will have that old fashioned interior, which is more fun than those repainted things with the new seats.