the SNCB's 'little brushes'

The translation of the nickname "petits brossels" given to the class 551 autorails, although it actually comes from the Brossel builder; this was a manufacturer of trucks, buses and railcars in Brussels which was active under this name from 1924 to 1968 when it was bought by Leyland and the name dropped.

This railcar was built in 1939, withdrawn in 1965 and preserved as a museum vehicle.  

Length: 11.33 metres

Weight: 21.4 tonnes 

Motor: 6 cylinders, 4 gears, 125 hp

Maximum speed: 58 km/h
Seats: 47 for 3rd class: 10 rows in a 3+2 arrangement; one row with only one seat rather than two

More pics of the class here