CFC/NMBS/CFV3V 5538 stands on 23 September 2023 in Treignes. The railways of Congo (Chemins de Fer du Congo) tried to buy three ex-SNCB Class 55s, but the deal fell through due to another civil war in that African country. The NMBS/SNCB was and is phasing out Class 55 rapidly and the 5538, which was to be opne of the Congolese locos, ended with the CFV3V that uses the loco on Diesel days and for some shunting duties. Since there are plans to give the loco a repaint back to original colours, anyone willing to photograph a quasi-Congolese Diesel in the Belgian Ardennes is advised not to wait for too long.

Leonardus Schrijvers 24.10.2023, 104 Calls, 0 Comments