The third weekend of September is traditionally dedicated to the largest steam spectacle in the northern Netherlands: Stadskanaal onder Stoom (Stadskanaal under Steam).
Traces of reconstruction
This weekend will be dedicated to Traces of Reconstruction. This year marks 80 years since Europe was liberated after the Second World War. The war and the subsequent reconstruction had a considerable impact on our region, and without railways in the Netherlands, the reconstruction would have looked very different. This year’s guest rolling stock is directly related to this:
- Steam locomotive NS 7853 is a Swiss locomotive, of the same type as those purchased second-hand from the Swiss railways after the war for reconstruction;
- Diesel locomotive WD 33 (NS 162) came ashore on the beach in Normandy in 1944 and entered service with the NTM shortly after liberation, and then with the NS in the north;
- Diesel locomotive 2225 was built in 1955 as part of the Marshall Plan, based on an American design.
- Our own East German locomotives, the 52 8060 and 52 8082, also played an important role in the reconstruction of (East) Germany and subsequently served for more than 40 years in peacetime.
Enjoy steam trains, historic boats and various other steam engines at and around Stadskanaal station! On both days (20 and 21 September), there will be an extensive timetable between Stadskanaal and Veendam and Stadskanaal and Nieuw-Buinen. On both days, there will be a model railway fair in the carriage shed, with various traders and a large model railway layout.
So come along on Saturday 20 or Sunday 21 September. For young and old alike!