What is your passion?

"As a volunteer at the Stoom Stichting Nederland (SSN) in Rotterdam, I spend my weekends overhauling historic steam locomotives. We take them apart down to the last bolt, overhaul everything, and rebuild them from scratch. All according to the original manuals, drawings, and using authentic tools.”

"I focus on executing and coordinating overhaul projects. Soon, I’ll start on the biggest one yet: the complete restoration of the German ‘41 105’ locomotive, built by Krupp in 1939. It’s 24 meters long, weighs 180 tons, and runs on oil rather than coal. Including the tender, it has 20 wheels and a top speed of 90 km/h."

"A full overhaul takes about five years. In parallel, the SSN keeps two other steam locomotives and ten historic coaches operational, including a dining car and a water wagon. These trains run across the Netherlands and Germany during excursions and special events."

What is the most exciting for you?

“One of the most exciting jobs is lifting the locomotive off its wheels. It takes weeks of preparation. Overhauls include all kinds of tasks, from sealing the boiler to aligning the chimney. And yes, testing the steam whistle too.”

"The Netherlands was one of the first countries in Europe to stop using steam trains entirely in 1958. From then on, Dutch Railways (NS) switched to diesel and electric traction."

"Today, a steam train may not be the most environmentally friendly way to travel, but it’s part of Europe’s cultural heritage. I’m proud to help preserve it."

What's next?

In the future, I’d love to become responsible for keeping the fire burning (a ‘stoker’), and maybe even a driver one day. That would definitely be a dream come true.”

Header image: (c) Stoom Stichting Nederland