[locomotive] It has been almost 3 decades! Belgian loco-hauled train returns to Paris [updated]

Christophe Masse reports:

04.06.2024 heralded the return of Belgian locomotive-hauled trains to Paris Gare du Nord, 28 years after introducing TGV and Thalys. On 24.07.2024, for the Olympic Games, SNCB will launch two daily round trips between Brussels-Midi and Paris-Nord using i11 passenger coaches class HLE 18 electrics. Today was a dry run with all the Belgian and French staff and all the teams who worked on this ‘Magritte’ project. In 2025, this train will become an Ouigo Train Classique service.

NMBS/SNCB 1870 at Paris, Gare du Nord on 04.06.2024 © Christophe Masse
NMBS/SNCB 1864 at Paris, Gare du Nord on 04.06.2024 © Christophe Masse
NMBS/SNCB 1870 at Paris, Gare du Nord on 04.06.2024 © Christophe Masse

Update 06.06.2024:

 has nice shots too:

EC64 ‘Margritte’ test train in Paris Gare du Nord on 04.06.2024 © Gwenaël Piérart
HV I11 A 11836 ”Rainbow” in Paris Gare du Nord on 04.06.2024 © Gwenaël Piérart
EC64 ‘Margritte’ test train in Paris Gare du Nord on 04.06.2024 © Gwenaël Piérart

 

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