Efteling visitors experience first ride on electric steam train

This morning, locomotive Aagje, puffing and characteristically rattling as ever, and amid great interest, completed her first trip with Efteling visitors. For a year, the locomotive was in England for an almost unnoticeable metamorphosis, where it received an electric engine, a modification not previously done on such a historic locomotive. Now that Aagje is no longer coal-fired, the train ride has become more sustainable, which is in line with the park’s desire to be climate-neutral by 2030. The aim was to preserve the typical, romantic look that Aagje was given by designer Anton Pieck in 1969.

Ready for the future

‘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,’ Chief Executive Officer Fons Jurgens explains:  ‘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.’

About the Efteling Steam Train Company

The Efteling Steam Train Company is founded in 1969. This company covers all steam locomotives, stations, platforms and routes in the Efteling theme park. The steam locomotive Aagje, from the Arnhem brickworks IJsseloord, with a 60cm gauge track is embellished with extra brass work and the carriages are built by Efteling itself, to Anton Pieck's designs. He also drew the (two) stations. From 1984, the track is a circular ride of three and a half kilometres. Four locomotives have transported visitors through Efteling: Aagje (1911), Moortje (1907), Neefje (1914 – retired and a photo object since 2001) and Trijntje (1991).