Efteling Premier NEW Electric Steam Trains.
Efteling have officially premiered their first NEW electric steam train. Last week on May 07th Aagje made her way back around the tracks after being completely re-imagined.
The iconic engine’s return to the tracks at Efteling signaled the conclusion of it’s year long metamorphosis from steam engine to electric bringing the transport ride inline with the park’s vision of being climate neutral by 2030.
Aagje underwent a major transformation after traveling to England where her original steam parts were stripped and replaced with a brand new electric engine – a modification never before attempted on such a historic locomotive.
The aim was to preserve the locomotive’s romantic look first designed by Anton Pieck in 1969 while still bringing her in line with the new environmentally friendly route Efteling wish to take.
Speaking about Aagje’s recent transformation, Chief Executive Officer Fons Jurgens explains;
“This adaptation is necessary to meet our climate target, but we also wanted to secure the nostalgic look and driving experience of the steam train for the future”
“Furthermore, we preserved all parts for the sake of the historical value of the train. Since Aagje’s steam boiler had to be replaced, this locomotive was the first to be given another tender that pushes the locomotive and pulls the train. She is still operated with the original levers and the mechanical maintenance, such as lubrication and polishing, remains the same. To maintain the nostalgic experience, show effects such as steam and the sound of the steam whistle have been added. Aagje, who retired in 1969 from a brick factory and has been riding in Efteling ever since, is now starting a new chapter in her story, and is ready for the future.”
To the casual onlooker Aagje still looks just as impressive as ever with the locomotive’s new steam and sound effects all leading those who visit the park to believe no actual changes have infact taken place.
The Efteling Steam Train Company – the company behind the park’s onsite steam locomotive operations was first founded in 1969, covering all locomotives, routes and stations within the park.
Aagje from the Arnhem brickworks IJsseloord runs on 60 cm gauge track and is embellished with extra brass work and is accompanied by carriages built by Efteling themselves to Anton Pieck’s original design.
Anton Pieck also created the concepts for the park’s two stations which would feature on the track which is a circular ride of three and a half kilometres in distance.
Efteling Steam Train Company have also operated a total of FOUR locomotives to date too; Aagje (1911), Moortje (1907), Neefje (1914 – retired and a photo object since 2001) and Trijntje (1991).
So, next time you find yourself at Efteling why not take a ride aboard the park’s iconic steam railway and see if you can tell the difference between old Aagje and new Aagje!