History
Creation of the non-profit organization
The non-profit organization Railway Heritage and Tourism ( TSP ) » was born on August 11, 1988.
Over the years, its collection has continued to grow and now includes no fewer than 5 steam locomotives, 27 diesel locomotives, 8 electric locomotives, 17 coaches, several railcars, wagons and track maintenance equipment.
Its rich collection is not limited to motor equipment but also covers other areas such as track, signaling, documentation, etc.
The particularity of the TSP is to offer historical material trips on the network as other countries do. In addition to this particularity, there is a significant number of unpublished publications.
The non-profit organization is made up of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders. Each brings their own skills and qualifications.
These volunteers work in their free time.
Why did you create the TSP ?
THE TSP follows this idea by wanting to pass on Belgian railway knowledge and heritage for future generations.
The global context has shown that Belgium suffers from a lack of recognition of its heritage and history. The absence of a museum worthy of the name and the lack of official will to work in this very specific direction have demonstrated the urgency of intervening differently.
Other associations have taken action earlier, but their actions are not sufficient to cover the vast field covered by railway heritage. The action of the TSP is therefore complementary and not competitive with these associations.
The objective of the TSP can be summed up in two essential points: preserving a collection for future generations and making it as lively as possible.
THE TSP Who is it for?
THE TSP does not only target a small group already won over to the cause.
The target group is already mentioned in the rationale of the TSP This is for the general public, not just a group of railway history enthusiasts.
This can be identified as follows:
- Families;
- People with reduced mobility;
- Schools;
- The groups;
- Couples;
- Individuals;
- The amateurs.
Why use line 128?
A tourist line is a showcase for the non-profit organization.
The idea was to have a framework specific to the association to develop its equipment as it saw fit. The collection being so rich that the TSP felt cramped in his facilities.
In addition, with a tourist line, it is easier to reach a wider audience and to highlight part of the heritage collected by the TSP .
The experience of other tourist lines in France and elsewhere demonstrates the importance of having one's own line to develop profitable activities. Without a dedicated line, the development of heritage sites is compromised.
The choice fell on Route 128 for several reasons. But it was above all its geographical location, its general condition, and its potential that were decisive.
Current situation
The Bocq railway is still under construction and the activities and choices made do not yet ensure its sustainability.
It is worth remembering that the creation of the Chemin de Fer du Bocq was not initially motivated by the desire to make it a tourist railway but rather to make it a place for the circulation of restored engines in Saint Ghislain and Schaerbeek.
Route 128 has taken on a status within the non-profit organization that it did not previously have. This situation is mainly explained by the impossibility of traveling on the network. This recent new situation has highlighted the need to redouble efforts on the line.
Over time, the Chemin de Fer du Bocq has become a national reference for railway enthusiasts through its various exhibitions, tours, discovery days and annual festivals, welcoming a number of railway rolling stock, whether steam, diesel or electric.