SNCB/NMBS National passengers car (M)

During World War I, wooden passenger cars suffered greatly. Many cars were irreparably damaged or disappeared. Furthermore, some accidents demonstrated that wooden passenger cars did not provide the safety expected by passengers.

"M" passengers car were born.

The main focus was a much better resistance in the event of an accident (notably due to the presence of deformation zones at the end of the car body). These cars introduce several innovations: covered intercommunication (bellows) and pneumatic door control.

"M" means "Métallique/Metaalachtig" (Metallic). They are used for national traffic as Intercity Trains (IC) or Local train (L).