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Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo steam train ready for 2025 season

Posted by Timothy on

The Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo heritage steam train is preparing for the new season. It is still quiet on the track, but the workshops are buzzing with activity. All rolling stock, locomotives and coaches, are on hand and are not in use. 

“Working groups are busy preparing and providing promotion, an enhanced ‘experience’ for our visitors and of course the steam festival that traditionally opens our working year”, the organisation says. 

Orient Dining Express

The ‘Valentine’ Orient Dining Express rides were completely sold out. “We have received positive feedback from customers. Thank you to all volunteers who made this happen.”

In April there are again Orient Dining Express rides.

Steam Festival 2025: save the date

The 2025 Steam Festival will take place on 3 and 4 May. In 2025, it will be 100 years of regular travel in Belgium. 

“On the occasion of this special anniversary, we will also give the historic buses a place on our site and you will also be able to take a ride, in collaboration with Nostalbus.”

But the main actors will of course remain our locomotives: there will once again be a fine selection of equipment on display, static and on the track.

B.8

Next to the station building in Maldegem is a smaller building with B.8 on the facade: our Block 8 signal box, in which we proudly keep a piece of railway history alive.

The ES working group unites nine volunteers, each with their own specific knowledge and with attention to rejuvenation and succession. The group brought our association to a lonely height in the field of signalling within the Belgian world of historical railways.

From here, all routes, twelve light signals and four electric switches are controlled. 

“It is a gem and a realisation that is admired within Infrabel and beyond the borders and that we can be particularly proud of. It contains the only approved and homologated Siemens system that is still operating according to regulations. Are you coming to visit us? Don’t hesitate to drop by.”

Balgerhoeke Bridge

The bridge over the Schipdonkkanaal in Balgerhoeke is an essential link in our railway line between Maldegem and Eeklo. A thorough restoration is required to continue to guarantee the safety of our trains.

The association has obtained a significant subsidy from the Monumentenzorg services, but this does not cover the entire cost. 

“Your generous contribution remains welcome: info behind this link.”

Heritage and other special trams and trains in Belgium