Belgian Coastal Tramway
- Kusttram
Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn
Page 2: A Tram Ride from Knokke to
Adinkerke
This
page is still under construction!
This page is devoted to
postcards and photographs of the Belgian coastal tramway linking
De Panne and Knokke via Oostende, Blankenberge and Zeebrugge. The system was
not built as part of an overall plan, but evolved over many years from
numerous separate concerns. These included separate 600mm gauge horse
tramways at De Panne and Knokke.
In 1885, the organisation known
as the Vicinal was formed by royal decree 'to control the construction
and working of a national system of light railways, in association with
communes and provinces.' Its full title was Société Nationale des
Chemins de fer Vicinaux (SNCV) in French and Nationale Maatschappij van
Buurtspoorwegen (NMVB) in Flemish, henceforth referred to as the
Vicinal. Political federalism within Belgium from 1980 onwards saw the
splitting of many national institutions into separate bodies for
Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region. The SNCV/NMVB was
duly broken up in 1991 into De Lijn (for Flanders) and TEC (for
Wallonia). De Lijn inherited the tram systems in Ghent and Antwerp
as well as the coastal tramway.
The first section of Vicinal
line was the track between Oostende and Nieuwpoort, brought into service
in 1885, although the original route was further inland than the current
one. These lines were initially steam operated. The Nieuwpoort line was
soon extended to Koksijde and Veurne, a total distance of 32km. The
Vicinal leased operation of its lines to private companies, in this case
Railways Economiques de Liege - Seraing et Extansions (RELSE). RELSE
also ran a second connected line running north-east to Bredene, De Haan,
Wenduine and Blankenberge. In 1890 and unconnected line was built
linking Heist and Knokke on the coast with Brugge (Bruges).
The
first electric line was built in 1897 from Oostende to Middelkirke (Bad)
along the coast, extended to Westende in 1903. In 1905 a second line
from Oostende to De Haan to the seaward side of the original steam line.
The line through to Blankenberge was electrified in 1909, operated by
the CF Electrique d'Ostende-Blankenberghe (OB), another subsidiary of
RELSE. The OB was the extended further east to Zeebrugge and Heist,
joining the existing Heist-Knokke-Brugge line, forming a linked series
of tramways from Knokke to De Panne, although in many cases not using
the current alignment. Blankenberge-Knokke was electrified in 1911-12
although the main through route from Oostende was still steam worked.
Whilst the coastal Vicinal networks were expanding, urban
systems were also built in Oostende and, to a lesser extent, Knokke.
Both systems closed in the 1950s.
In addition to the Vicinal
tramways, three short horse-drawn lines were built:- De
Panne-Adinkerke, De Panne-St Idesbald and Koksijde Dorp to Koksijde Bad.
Another horse tram line linked Knokke beach to the Brugge-Heist tramway.
Most of these horse tramways became part of the Vicinal system and by
1914, only the De Panne-Adinkerke 600mm gauge section remained horse worked.
Much of the tramway system was damaged during the First World War, but
lines steadily reopened between 1919-1921. After the war, the De
Panne-Adinkerke 600mm gauge line remained in use until 1932 using former
military petrol tractors, steam locos and Fordson diesel tractors. It was then taken over by the Vicinal and
converted to electrified metre gauge.
Kusttram Page 1:
Rolling Stock
Kusttram Page 2: A
Tram Ride from Knokke to Adinkerke - This Page!
- Sections on this Page:-
- Knokke
-
Duinbergen
-
Heist
-
Zeebrugge
-
Blankenberge
-
Wenduine
-
De Haan
-
Bredene
-
Oostende
-
Mariakerke
-
Middelkerke
-
Westende
-
Nieuwport
-
Koksijde
-
De Panne
-
Adinkerke
-
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Trams - De Lijn
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Trams - De Lijn
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Belgian Coastal Tramway
- Kusttram
Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn
A Tram Ride from Knokke to Adinkerke
To be completed
Knokke horse tram postcards
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Horse_Knokke--001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Horse_Knokke--002.jpg)
Knokke - pre-electrification
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
Knokke - stations
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Knokke-006.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Knokke-005.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/OB_Knokke-004.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/OB_Knokke-003.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/OB_Knokke-005.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/OB_Knokke-001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Baggage_Knokke-001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Baggage_Knokke-002.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Knokke-001.jpg)
Knokke - street scenes
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Knokke-004.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Knokke-003.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Knokke-002.jpg)
Duinbergen Tramway Station
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
Heist Tramway Station
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Heist-007.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Heist-005.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Heist-001.jpg)
Heist
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Heist-004.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Heist-006.jpg)
Standard trams at Heist
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/STD_Heist-003.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/STD_Heist-001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/STD_Heist-002.jpg)
BN trams at Heist
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/BN_Heist-002.jpg)
Zeebrugge - Boulevard de Blankenberge
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
Steam tram and trailers at BlankenbergePhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
Blankenberge Tram Station - Place de Gare
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Blankenberge-003.jpg)
Blankenberge Parc Station
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Blankenberge-001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Blankenberge-002.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Blankenberge-004.jpg)
Blankenberge - Avenue Jules de Trooz
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Blankenberge-006.jpg)
OB tram at WenduinePhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
Standard tram at WenduinePhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/STD-Wenduine-001.jpg)
De Haan Station
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/De-Haan-001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/STD_DeHaan--001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/De-Haan-003.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/De-Haan-004.jpg)
De Haan Station
Photo: ©2006 Ian Boyle
Bredene
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Bredene-001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Bredene-002.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Bredene-003.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/SO_Bredene-002.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/SO_Bredene-001.jpg)
Trailers at Oostende Maritime station (opened
1935)Photo:
©2012 Simplon Collection
Mariakerke - tram towing open trailer
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
Middelkerke - toastrack tram
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
Early 4-wheel tram at Westende
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
Westende StationPhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/STD-Westende-001.jpg)
Steam trams and trailers at KoksijdePhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Steam_Koksijde-001.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Steam_Koksijde-002.jpg)
SO trams and trailers at KoksijdePhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/SO_Koksijde-002a.jpg)
600mm gauge tramway at De Panne
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/De-Panne-005.jpg)
Steam trams and trailers at De PannePhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/Steam-DePanne-002.jpg)
De Panne
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/De-Panne-004.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/De-Panne-003.jpg)
![Belgian Coastal Tramway - Vicinal (SNCV) - De Lijn - Photo: ©2012 Ian Boyle - www.simplonpc.co.uk](Tram_Kusttram/De-Panne-001.jpg)
OB tram at De Panne
Photo: ©2012 Simplon Collection
Adinkerke-De Panne steam tram postcards -
Laura or Adele
Pre-Vicinal 600mm gauge tramwayPhoto:
©2012 Simplon Collection
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