#sncb

[i-think-pictures]

[merpmonde]

EMU made easy: the SNCB AM96

One of the more peculiar trains in Belgium is the AM96 electric multiple unit, used mainly on Intercity services. The blunt, rubber-edged nose makes it feel like some kind of afterthought on another project... and that's kind of the case. The AM96 was ordered at the same time as a batch of Intercity coaches, and the constructor, in this case Bombardier, basically went "ok, let's just build more coaches and motorise them"!

This seems particularly clear on the intermediate car: it really looks like a carriage with a pantograph shoved on top, and presumably the motors and electric equipment are slung underneath. Of course, it's probably not that simple, and there is an interesting feature at the ends: the driving cabs are slender, and can be swung aside when two units are coupled, thus creating a gangway between them. This was first demonstrated on the Danish IC3 Diesel units.

The "just motorise some carriages" has been used since, namely on some latest-generation Dostos in Germany. I do have pictures of the BR 445 Twindexx Vario, but I don't have access to them right now. Another time.

[dashalbrundezimmer]

central station // liège

architect: santiago calatrava

completion: 2009

colorful roof design: daniel buren "comme tombées du ciel, les couleurs in situ et en mouvement" 2022

the place to arrive and depart from in liège is definitely the new central station. it was designed by the famous architect santiago calatrava and the building is definitely a masterpiece. at the time of taking the photos, the roof was still covered with the vinyl foils of the artwork 'comme tombées du ciel, les couleurs in situ et en mouvement' by daniel buren. unfortunately, the installation only lasted until the summer of this year. sadly, the installation only lasted until the summer of this year, so I can't say whether they've been removed, but in my opinion, they could have stayed, and I think many residents feel the same.

der ort des ankommens und des abschieds in liège ist definitiv der neue hauptbahnhof. der entwurf stammt vom bekannten architekten santiago calatrava und das bauwerk ist definitiv ein meisterwerk. zur zeit der aufnahmen war das dach noch mit den vinylfolien des kunstwerkes "comme tombées du ciel, les couleurs in situ et en mouvement" von daniel buren beklebt. die daraus resultierenden lichtsituationen sind grandios. leider lief die installation nur bis sommer diesen jahres und ich kann nicht sagen, ob sie schon entfernt wurden. von mir aus hätten sie aber bleiben können, und ich denke viele einwohner und besucher sehen es ebenso.

[nseexe]

[jesuseverythingistaken]

this is how it feels to find Sam more attractive than Colby

[nmbs-sncb-official]

Inspired by my buddy trying to yell over a dieseltrain while on the phone

[fictionalred]

Station hopping a lot during the holidays, but the fog tonight makes it Extra

[general-hugss]

Battle of the low countries’ m-class double deckers! Which one wins your heart?

M-class double decker showdown!

NMBS-SNCB Alstom m7

NS Bombardier VIRM m1

Voting ended onOct 30, 2023

@nmbs-sncb-official