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01.05.2025 PIKO H0 model novelty in the STOOMTREIN Museum Maldegem-Eeklo
On 1 May 2025, PIKO Spielwaren GmbH invited guests to the exclusive presentation of a special model surprise at the STOOMTREIN Museum Maldegem-Eeklo in Belgium. The focus was on a highlight for Belgian model railway enthusiasts and rail vehicle lovers: the legendary BROSSSEL 553.12 diesel multiple unit!
In bright spring weather, specialist dealers and representatives of the press gathered to find out more about the new Belgian PIKO model and its historical role model. The original railcar, which is housed in the museum, looks back on an eventful past.
In the 1930s, Belgium built 112 light railcars with manual gears and a ‘Brossel’ engine, which gave the series its nickname. One of these railcars was the 553.12, built in 1941, which initially travelled on the line from Bruges to Eeklo and Maldegem. From 1954, the ‘Brossels’ were replaced by modern railcars, but some were given new areas of operation in the Ardennes. The 553.12 ended up in Bertrix and travelled on the Athus-Maas line.
In 1971, the remaining vehicles of the ‘553.xx’ series were renumbered to the 4901-4911 series, with the 553.12 becoming the 4903. Ironically, this year also saw the end of the use of the 49 series in public passenger transport. The 4903 was transferred to the port of Antwerp and was often used for charter services due to its classic design. From Antwerp, it was also used on the Belgian-German Vennbahn railway near Aachen, Eupen and Monschau, for example./p>
After decades of operation and passionate care by railway enthusiasts, it was officially decommissioned in 2000. Originally intended for the Train World Museum, the 4903 finally returned to the Maldegem-Eeklo line and was given back its original blue and beige livery.
The railcar is still in use there today and therefore provided the perfect backdrop for the event organised by the Sonneberg model railway manufacturer.
The railcar is a variant of the BROSSEL rail buses, which have been an integral part of the PIKO H0 range for several years. With the 553.12, PIKO is expanding its portfolio with a model with a special historical reference. This vehicle, which was used for many decades in Belgian railway traffic, has been reproduced in great detail and brings a piece of railway history to the model railway tracks.
Even before the model goes on sale at the end of May, visitors will be able to take a first look at one of the first machines at the STOOMTREIN Festival on 3 and 4 May 2025. In addition to the model presentation, many other attractions await - it's well worth a visit!
