Between 1984 and 1987, the Belgian State Railways SNCB/NMBS purchased 60 samples of the HLE 27 electric multi-purpose locomotive for the 3kV DC net. The four-axle locomotives produce 4380 kW and reach a top speed of 160 km/h and initially hauled almost exclusively inter-city trains. As part of a social project, locomotive 2711 broke the world record for the longest passenger train in the world at the time in 1991 with 70 passenger cars. In 2006, all locomotives were equipped with push-pull train control, and 19 machines have a central buffer coupling. In 2023, the construction train logistics provider Certus Rail Solutions acquired three locomotives. The remaining locomotives are useful for regional trains and freight trains, but are also occasionally allowed to haul IC trains. Engineer/driver mode:
F4 - Pantograph up / down (only available in Engineer/driver mode). Engineer/driver mode switch on with CV170 = 1, Engineer/driver mode switch off with CV170 = 0) (Engineer/driver mode off „CV170 = 0“ is set to default)
The Engineer/driver mode serves as a prototypical control of the train. The realistic start up process and the current-dependent processes are activated.
***Please note! In Engineer/driver mode, the train only reacts when the pantograph is up***
Heavy load operation:
F5 - Activates heavy load operation. The acceleration now takes noticeably longer and the electric motors work harder.
Braking functions:
F12 - Brake function 1 with brake fan sound. Downhill simulation (speed reduction with CV179 and CV182 adjustable). Train significantly reduces the speed.
F17 - Brake function 2 with brake valve sound. Trains brakes to a standstill.
Radiator fan automatic:
F15 - Fan starts automatically with F1 and speed >0, but can be switched on manually when stationary. After the locomotive has come to a standstill, the fan run-on can be switched off early by pressing twice briefly.
Deactivate braking Sound:
F27 - Deactivates brake squeal Sound when the train stops. (4 different brake squeal sounds with CV165 value 0-3 selectable)