SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The loop next to the caves visitors’ center and the village’s main square.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The loop opened in 1989 and replaced the old stub-end terminal in the middle of the main village street nearby, which was the former interurban transfer station between the main Rochefort - Willen interurban line and the Grottes de Han shuttle.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
All trailers used on the line are the early 1990s replicas of the 1895 Tiflis type originals. All trailers are operated as permanently coupled 3-car units.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The only section of mixed traffic street running.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
Forges Usines & Fonderies Haine-St-Pierre motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
Two trains of motor+traler+trailer+trailer are usually out on the line during the high season, when the headway is 30 min., even though only one train operates on the line at any given moment. The third train is shown stored around the corner from the terminal loop.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor
The last run of the day is operated by a single motor car. The section of the line via the southern edge of the village, through the village park, was opened in 1989. It replaced the original segment through village streets via Rue des Grottes.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor
Tram passes near the exit from the caves without stopping. Visitors are carried one-way, in the outbound direction only, to the caves only. Return customers walk back to the village (see people in the background). The switchwork in the foreground precedes the Depot.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Tiflis type trailer; SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor
The single motor car passes the only original trailer of 1895 Tiflis type left on the property, pictured stored outside the Depot. This trailer was the first to be equipped with air brakes. It is not used in regular service.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
Outside of the village the line runs entirely within the hillside woods, working up a considerable slope.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The tram passes the road to the wild animals’ park - another tourist attraction within the caves’ area.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The tram arrives at the caves’ entrance.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor
The motor car leaves its trailers behind and continues on into the stub-end
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor
The motor car switches ends at the stub-end.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The motor car bypasses its trailers.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor
The motor car switches ends once again, and returns for its trailers.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The tram is ready for departure back toward Han-sur-Lesse. All inbound trips are done without passengers, as visitors make their way back via the caves.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor + 3 Tiflis type trailers
The tram leaves for Han-sur-Lesse.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor
The controls of the diesel motor car ART90. All cars but one (except AR145) are equipped with manual transmissions.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor
Car ART90 is the oldest operable car on the property, built 18.09.1933 on the chassis of the 1890 trailer. The interior remained unchanged ever since.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Bruxelles-Cureghem motor
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
Tiflis type trailer
The name “Tiflis” originated from the Georgian capital city, where the very first order of such trailers was destined for (but never made it to the destination).
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
Forges Usines & Fonderies Haine-St-Pierre motor
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
Baume & Marpent Haine-St-Pierre motor
The only (mechanically) rebuilt motor car on the property, and the only car that is equipped with the automatic transmission, acquired in the process. This car also has lower ceiling and externally mounted destination signs. This is the longest to continuously serve in Han-sur-Lesse (since 15.10.1935).
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )
SNCV Gand-Destelbergen motor
Car ART89 was built 18.09.1933 on the chassis of the trailer from the 1920s.
( 06.05.2009 , Yury Maller )