This generation was a major modernization of the SNCB even if the older M2 coaching stock remained active for more than a decade before being replaced.

In May 1989, locomotive 2109 was repainted in turquoise to haul a matched set of wagons for the Technorame train.

This train was sponsored by the regional government of Wallonie and traveled around French-speaking Belgium displaying various high-tech items to the public for several months.

At the end of this contract it re-entered regular service on both freight and passenger trains while still wearing its special colors.

It also gained triphase traction motors and a transformer that let it work under both 3000 volts DC and 25000 volts, 50 Hz AC plus French safety equipment and operated into Lille Flandres station in France a number of times while in regular service.

Locomotive 2119 was involved in the severe collision at Buizingen, just north of Halle on Line 96, in 2010.