Earlier this month, Piko Spielwaren GmbH invited guests to the STOOMTREIN Museum Maldegem-Eeklo in Belgium for the exclusive unveiling of a very special model surprise. The event highlighted a real treat for Belgian model railway enthusiasts and rail vehicle fans: the legendary BROSSEL diesel railcar 553.12!
Under radiant spring skies, retailers and press representatives gathered to learn more about PIKO’s new Belgian model and its historic prototype. The original railcar, housed at the museum, has a rich and eventful past. In the 1930s, Belgium built 112 lightweight railcars with manual transmission and a “Brossel” engine, which gave the series its nickname. One of these units, the 553.12, was built in 1941 and originally operated on the Bruges–Eeklo–Maldegem line. Starting in 1954, the “Brossels” were gradually replaced by more modern railcars, though several found new service in the Ardennes region. The 553.12 was transferred to Bertrix and ran on the Athus–Maas line.
After decades of service and passionate care by railway enthusiasts, 4903 was officially retired in 2000. Initially planned for display at the Train World Museum, it eventually returned to the Maldegem–Eeklo line and was repainted in its original blue and beige livery. The railcar remains operational today and will now be immortalised in model form by Piko. This vehicle, which played an important role in Belgian railway history over many decades, has been authentically reproduced and brings a piece of railway heritage to the model tracks.
You can view the full Piko range on our website through the button below.