Steamtrain Hoorn Medemblik
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The Stoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik is a heritage railway in the Netherlands. It runs from Hoorn to Medemblik, a distance of about 20km.
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[edit] Original
The original connection was run by Locaalspoorwegmaatschappij Hollands Noorderkwartier (1884 - 1935). The line was opened op November 3, 1887. The connection follows a curving path, to reduce the amount of land that had to be confiscated. The train used steam traction, with diesel traction being introduced in 1929.
The line was closed for passenger service from January 1, 1936 until May 29, 1940.
On January 5, 1941 the line was permanently closed for passenger service, just as the railway station in Medemblik.
[edit] The line
| Distance (km) | Station name |
| Hoorn | |
| 2 | Westerblokker |
| 4 | Zwaag |
| 5 | Zwaagdijk |
| 6 | Wognum- Nibbixwoud |
| 7 | Wijzend |
| 9 | Benningbroek- Sijbekarspel |
| 10 | Abbekerk- Lambertschaag |
| 14 | Midwoud- Oostwoud |
| 16 | Twisk |
| 18 | Opperdoes |
| 19 | Opperdoes Oosteinde |
| 20 | Medemblik |
Station with names in italics have been restored.
[edit] Heritage railway
Nowadays the railways is in use as a tourist attraction. The masterpiece in the collection is the former Nederlandse Spoorwegen locomotive 7742 Bello, the Netherlands' only preserved light steam engine. Other steamlocomotives in running order include three tramway engines, two of which are enclosed tram engines (steam dummies). Six steam tram carriages are in regular service, as well as several steam tram goods wagons.
The costumes and presentation of the cars is done like they were in 1926.
The station is twinned with Bluebell Railway in England. The ride between Hoorn and Medemblik often is combined by tourists with a trip from Medemblik to Enkhuizen by boat.
