In the article we present below, we delve into the fascinating world of Étoile du Nord (train), exploring its origins, its impact on today's society and its possible future challenges. Étoile du Nord (train) has been the subject of interest and study for decades, piquing the curiosity of researchers and hobbyists alike. Throughout this writing, we will closely examine the multiple facets that make up Étoile du Nord (train), from its most relevant aspects to its implications in various areas of daily life. Through a deep and insightful analysis, we seek to provide a complete and enriching vision of Étoile du Nord (train), with the aim of giving the reader a broader and more meaningful understanding of this exciting topic.
Overview | |||||
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Service type | Express train (1924–1927) CIWL luxury train (1927–1939) Express train (1946–1957) Trans Europ Express (TEE) (1957–1984) InterCity (IC) (1984–1987) EuroCity (EC) (1987–1996) | ||||
Status | Replaced by Thalys service | ||||
Locale | France Belgium Netherlands | ||||
First service | 15 May 1924 | ||||
Last service | 1 June 1996 | ||||
Former operator(s) | Nord / SNCF NMBS/SNCB NS CIWL | ||||
Route | |||||
Termini | Paris Nord Brussels Midi/Zuid / Amsterdam CS | ||||
Service frequency | Daily | ||||
Technical | |||||
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) | ||||
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The Étoile du Nord was an international express train. It linked Paris Nord in Paris, France, with Brussels, Belgium, and, for most of its existence, also with Amsterdam CS in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Its name meant literally "Star of the North" (North Star), and alluded not only to its route heading north from Paris, but also to one of its original operators, the Chemin de Fer du Nord.
From its introduction in 1924 until 1927, the Étoile du Nord was a Rapide between Paris Nord and Brussels Midi/Zuid, and was operated by the CF du Nord and the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB). In 1927, it became a luxury train between Paris Nord and Amsterdam CS, via Brussels, and was operated by its original operators, along with the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL). There was one train per day in each direction.
In 1937, the CF du Nord became part of the SNCF. Two years later, in 1939, the Étoile du Nord was suspended upon the outbreak of World War II. In 1946, the train was revived, initially as a Rapide. In 1957, it became a first-class-only Trans Europ Express (TEE). In June 1984, it was downgraded to a two-class InterCity, but three years later, it was reclassified as one of the inaugural EuroCity trains. On 2 June 1996, it was replaced by an unnamed Thalys service.