Antwerp’s Central Station still appears on lists as one of the world’s most beautiful stations. I’ve been using this station on a daily basis, but it has been a long time since I’ve made some photo’s there. The electrification of the line between Antwerp and Mol was a good reason: some diesel hauled services would be replaced by electric trains. So my plan was to shoot some diesel trains under the magnificent metal-and-glass dome. Today these units can still be seen here, but SNCB mostly couples them together for more capacity. Trains with one single railcar don’t come here anymore, I think.

Antwerp’s Central Station was completely renovated at the beginning of the century. The historic dome and building were kept, underneath 3 new levels open to passengers were created: 1 with shops, 2 with platforms. Daylight can even reach the bottom level. On the top level, under the historic dome, the train from Mol has just arrived at its final stop. The driver will switch sides and prepare for the return trip.

The train does look really small under the giant dome. The plaforms are deserted at this time. Evenings like this are precious, in their own way. I appreciate the peace and quiet, only concentrating on making the photos.