22 SEPTEMBER
The quartz sand has been loaded. Instructor Geert Thys will accompany us because I mustn't distract the engine driver's attention from all sorts of signs and signals. We start in locomotive number 7790 (diesel). At Balen we move to a second locomotive which is coupled to the first. Locomotive number 7869 will provide the extra power that is needed to transport over 1500 tons of sand. The coupling takes a while because the brakes are checked out again. On the way to Antwerp the engine-driver eats his packed lunch. It's the end of his shift and he takes the 21 wagons of sand to a shunting yard in the Antwerp docks. We walk past the wagons to the engine drivers' post. Geert Thys points out the big metal brakes on every wheel. I take some photos. We wait for a locomotive to transport the sand to Luxemburg.