SNCB Turns 100: Historic Train Display at Schaerbeek Station
Belgium’s national railway company, the SNCB, is marking its centenary this weekend with an unprecedented display of historic rolling stock at Schaerbeek station in Brussels. For the first time ever, the company has assembled 11 of its most emblematic locomotives and carriages into a single train, forming a convoy of nearly 300 meters that traces a century of Belgian railway evolution.
The historic train is on public display on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August from 10:00 to 17:00, with free entry and no reservation required, according to RTBF.
A Journey Through a Century of Rail
The train takes visitors on a chronological journey through Belgian railway history, from royal carriages built in 1939 to the first electric locomotives, through to the latest double-decker M7 carriages. A large portion of the carriages can be visited from the inside, allowing the public to step into different eras of the country’s rail heritage.
As VRT NWS noted, the temporary train offers a comprehensive overview of NMBS history, from the recognizable red M4 driving trailers to two luxurious royal carriages from 1939. The choice of Schaerbeek station as the first stop is significant, as it also houses Train World, the SNCB’s railway museum.
A Century of Belgian Railways
The SNCB was created by the law of 23 July 1926, replacing the Belgian State Railways, which had become financially unviable due to a cumbersome structure, political interference, and massive deficits. The new company was given a 75-year operating contract on a network of approximately 4,783 kilometers and more than 1,300 stations.
Belgium holds a unique place in railway history as the first country in continental Europe to operate a passenger railway line, inaugurated on 5 May 1835 between Brussels and Mechelen. As detailed in RTBF’s history series, the railway played a crucial role in Belgium’s industrialization and national development.
A Year of Celebrations
The historic train display is part of a year-long celebration of the SNCB’s centenary. The anniversary campaign, launched under the slogan “100 ans. Le voyage continue.” (“100 years. The journey continues.”), includes a national “Merci” campaign in stations, collector cards for travelers, specially decorated trains, commemorative postage stamps, and a new exhibition at Train World, as RTBF reported.
The centenary also coincides with a miniature train exhibition at Train World, running from 18 to 30 August, featuring over 20 model railway layouts built by enthusiasts from across Belgium. The NMBS press release describes it as a celebration of the passion for trains in a playful and spectacular way.
A National Tour
After its Brussels stop, the historic train will continue its journey across the country, stopping at Liège-Guillemins station on 12-13 September and Antwerp-Central station on 10-11 October. This national itinerary reflects the scope of the celebrations, reaching both French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities.
Looking to the Future
As the SNCB celebrates its centenary, it faces significant challenges ahead. The company is preparing for market liberalization of passenger rail services by 2032, which will end its monopoly on passenger rail. It is also investing in modernization and addressing climate change commitments, as VRT NWS noted in its coverage of the company’s history.
The centenary celebrations serve both as a commemoration of a rich railway heritage and as a platform to look toward the future of rail travel in Belgium. For visitors this weekend at Schaerbeek station, the historic train offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the evolution of a century of Belgian railway innovation.
What to Know
- Location: Schaerbeek station, Brussels
- Dates: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026
- Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
- Entry: Free, no reservation required
- Next stops: Liège-Guillemins (12-13 September), Antwerp-Central (10-11 October)