The railway attic unveiled ...

Measuring instruments

You will also see many measuring instruments with very different uses. The portable ammeters, voltmeters and ohmmeters were used by the Electricity and Signalling Department. The TELOC event recorders in the locomotives recorded the speed, distance travelled and travel time in hours and minutes. The pressure gauges were used to measure the pressure in steam locomotives or workshop machines. Rail wear was precisely measured using rail profile measurement gauges.
What was the common purpose of all these measuring devices? The safe operation of the railways.

Click on the picture and find out about some of these devices.

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The information boards

Typical blue and white station nameboards inform passengers of the name of the station into which the train is entering. The platform signs help them find their way around the station. Warning signs indicate the dangers of level crossings and electric catenaries. Manufacturer’s plates were affixed by the manufacturer to identify rolling stock of his manufacture. The SNCB logo also served an identification function.

Click on the image and discover some of these information boards.

The lanterns

You will also find lots of lanterns. None of them are the same, and for good reason: each has its own particular function. Oil lamps, acetylene lamps, electric lamps, train and safety lights... they serve as a railway signal, warn the driver or highlight work on the tracks.

Click on the image and discover some of these historic lanterns.