The Gils company was formed by Gérard Gilles in 1941, initially producing cast aluminium electric trams in gauge 1 (45mm) but switching to 0 gauge by 1943, the three rail track being constructed by hand, using Bakelite sleepers (ties). Production, using various materials including cast aluminium, Zamac (Mazac) tinplate and wood continued until 1965.
The above information is a very brief synopsis of the information and illustrations contained in this truly amazing site dedicated to the history of Gils, in Dutch, French and English. There is far more information (with illustrations) within the Dutch language area of the site. Well worth exploring, using an online translator for blocks of text, as necessary.
Gils electric goods/freight train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), with two 4 wheeled open wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), with two 4 wheeled open wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set with steam loco and tender, and two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set with steam loco and tender, and two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set with steam loco and tender, and two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set with steam loco and tender, and two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set with steam loco and tender, and two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0151, manufactured c1951 |
Gils electric goods/freight train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0151, manufactured c1951 |
Gils electric goods/freight train set Gils Express with two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set Gils Express with two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric goods/freight train set Gils Express with two 8 wheeled goods wagons |
Gils electric passenger train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0150, manufactured c1950 |
Gils electric passenger train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0150, manufactured c1950 |
Gils electric passenger train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0150, manufactured c1950 |
Gils electric passenger train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0150, manufactured c1950 |
Gils electric passenger train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0150, manufactured c1950 |
Gils electric passenger train set SNCFB (Belgian State Railway), loco 0150, manufactured c1950 |
Gils aluminium alloy electric passenger train set 'SilverGils' |
Gils aluminium alloy electric passenger train set 'SilverGils' |
Gils aluminium alloy electric passenger train set 'SilverGils' |
Gils aluminium alloy electric passenger train set 'SilverGils' |
Gils aluminium alloy electric passenger train set 'SilverGils' |
Gils aluminium alloy electric passenger train set 'SilverGils' |
Gils overhead electric Gils Express loco, green |
Gils overhead electric Gils Express loco, green |
Gils overhead electric Gils Express loco, red |
Gils overhead electric Gils Express loco, red |
Gils overhead electric Gils Express loco, red |
Gils electric motor, 1st Series |
Gils electric motor, 2nd Series |
Gils passenger coach Wagon Lits, red |
Gils passenger coach 2nd class, green |
Gils passenger coach 1st class, red |
Gils passenger coach 1st class, green |
Note the Gils passenger coach Wagon Lits, green |
Gils 8 wheeled tank car |
Gils 8 wheeled tank car |
Gils 4 wheeled open wagon, green |
Gils 8 wheeled open wagon, red |
Gils 8 wheeled open wagon, green |
Gils 8 wheeled low sided open wagon, green |
Four Gils 8 wheeled goods or freight wagons |
Gils electric colour light signal |
Gils electric colour light signal |
Gils electric lamp/light |
Gils electric lamp/light |
Gils Transformer/Controller |
Gils Transformer/Controller |
Gils Transformer/Controller |
Special thanks to John C for the following photos of Gils models from his personal collection
Gils electric goods/freight train set, with two 8 wheeled open wagons (boxed set) |
Gils electric goods/freight train set, with two 8 wheeled open wagons (locomotive) |
Gils electric goods/freight train set, with two 8 wheeled open wagons (high sided bogie open wagon) |
Gils electric goods/freight train set, with two 8 wheeled open wagons (low sided bogie open wagon) |
Gils 8 wheeled (bogie) Banana Van |
Gils 8 wheeled (bogie) Tank Wagon |
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