Kato K2893 Digital

Diesel Locomotive 5405 (SNCB) 

Belgian Series 54 Diesel Locomotives

Overview:
The Series 54 (originally Type 204) was a diesel-electric locomotive introduced by the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB) in the 1950s. Designed by General Motors EMD and built by Anglo-Franco-Belge, they were part of Belgium’s first generation of diesel locomotives, alongside Series 52, 53, and 59.

Specifications:

• Configuration: Co′Co′ (C-C)
• Length: 18.85 m | Width: 2.94 m | Height: 4.237 m
• Weight: 108 tons
• Prime Mover: EMD 567C diesel engine
• Maximum Speed: 140 km/h (later reduced to 120 km/h)
• Power Output: 1700 hp (1265 kW)

Career Highlights:
Nicknamed "Gros Nez" (Big Nose) due to their silhouette, these locomotives operated primarily on main lines until 2002, later transitioning to secondary and work trains until 2009.

Legacy and Design Lineage:
Derived from the Australian Victorian Railways B Class, the Series 54 shared a design lineage with the NOHAB-built locomotives used in Denmark (DSB MY/MX), Norway (NSB Di 3), and Hungary (MÁV M61).

Final Fate:
Of the eight produced, one unit (5404) is preserved at Train World in Belgium. The others were scrapped between 2013 and 2016.