The Belgian king with mighty power
Undoubtedly, the mighty class 1 Pacific locomotives formed the high point of Belgian steam locomotive building. Between 1935 and 1938, 35 units were built as road numbers 1.001-1.035. Their very successful external shape clearly characterized their mighty power. They were used mostly pulling heavy express trains on the route Oostende – Brussels – Liège – Aachen and on the route from Brussels via Arlon to Luxembourg City with an average speed of 80 or even 100 km/h / 50 or even 63 mph. With a performance of 3,400 horsepower, an axle load of 22 metric tons, and a maximum speed of 120 km/h / 75 mph, they occupied a position of honor in international comparisons.

Prototype: Belgian State Railroad (SNCB/NMBS) class 1 express steam locomotive.  The locomotive looks as it did around 1953/54.