Dutch fairytale theme park Efteling has revealed plans to electrify its steam trains as part of its bid to be climate neutral by 2030 and climate positive by 2032.
The steam trains will be converted from coal to electric. They will still look the same, but will be propelled by electricity, with show effects added to replicate the steam.
Via a press release, the first steam locomotive, named Aagje, arrived at the park 55 years ago. The first of the electrified steam trains will be introduced at Efteling this winter.
Efteling has hired UK-based narrow-gauge railway engineering company Alan Keef Ltd for the project.
“We are greatly looking forward to putting our many years’ of experience and passion to work on this wonderful project at Efteling,” said Patrick Keef, managing director at Alan Keef Ltd.
“It really is a special undertaking, where we can put our extensive experience in electrifying trains to good use.
“Of course, we will undertake this with a keen awareness of the historical value and uniqueness of the steam trains. And ensuring that whatever we remove is preserved for its historical value.”
In 1991, Alan Keef Ltd built the fourth and final locomotive, named Trijntje, for the Efteling Steam Train Company, which oversees all steam trains, stations, platforms and routes in the park.
Sustainability at theme parks
Theme parks across the world are working to make their rides and attractions more sustainable. Disneyland, for example, is converting its Autopia car ride from gas engines to electric.
Elsewhere, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Studio Tour is in the process of converting its fleet of 21 diesel-hydraulic engines to electric trams.
Back at Efteling, the theme park has been working on its own sustainable energy system to heat and cool buildings in the Anderrijk area using thermal energy storage.
Images courtesy of Efteling
