Bluebell Railway Goes Dutch
As a part of its 40th Anniversary Celebrations, the Bluebell Railway hosted the first ever visit to Great Britain of a Dutch Tram Engine and vintage carriages. The tram is normally based on the Hoorn to Medemblik line and was brought to Britain to publicise holidays in Holland in connection with the Stoomtram.
For one week locomotive Nr 18 "Leeghwater" built in 1921 operated special trains between Sheffield Park and Kingscote. The two vintage carriages were built in 1904 and 1915 with clerestory roofs, old fashioned gas lanterns (now electric) and varnished woodwork.
The tram preparing to depart from Kingscote on Sunday 10 September 2000
Despite her small wheels, "Leeghwater" has a good turn of speed
Interior of car 21
The clerestory roof provides the only ventilation
On arrival at Sheffield Park, the train was taken out of service in readiness for its return home. Note the special steel bridges placed between platform and vehicle.