During your visit at Steam train Maldegem-Eeklo you will discover two types of tracks: the normal and the narrow gauge. But do you know the difference between the two? And how can you experience these two types in Maldegem?
Normal gauge
The normal gauge is the most used track in Belgium because our national trains ride on this type of tracks.
The width of the normal gauge is 1435 millimeters (originally 4 feet). The narrow gauge is considered as the standard railroad track in Europe.
The length of the track between Maldegem and Eeklo measures at about 10 km.
Available traction forms
At Steam train Maldegem-Eeklo we offer the following traction forms on the normal gauge:
- Steam train (carriages pulled by a steam locomotive)
- Diesel train (carriages pulled by a diesel locomotive)
- Diesel railcar (railway carriage with two cabins)
A few examples from our collection:
Narrow gauge
The narrow gauge has different track widths. At Steam train Maldegem-Eeklo it measures 600 millimeters.
This type of track was mostly used because of the following reasons: it was cheaper, the trains could make sharper turns and made it possible to us smaller material. A good example of the narrow gauge is the usage of it in the mining business.
The length of the track that runs from Maldegem direction Donk is 1,2 km.
Available traction forms
At Steam train Maldegem-Eeklo we offer the following traction forms on the narrow gauge:
- Steam train (carriages pulled by a steam locomotive)
- Diesel train (carriages pulled by a diesel locomotive)
A few examples from our collection:
