One of the unique aspects of the Miljoenenlijn is the presence of an authentic and fully operational classic signalling system. Train traffic on the Miljoenenlijn is controlled from four signal boxes, where various points, arm signals and level crossings are operated by hand. In combination with the historic trains, this provides a nostalgic experience of yesteryear. The Signalling Working Group is responsible for the operation, maintenance, renewal and expansion of the various railway safety systems.
When Dutch Railways stopped operating the Miljoenenlijn tracks in 1992, our foundation took over with the aim of operating a tourist museum steam train. Seinwezen took care of the remaining signal boxes and restored the classic safety system to its former glory over the years, trying to bring back the historical aspects as much as possible. Meanwhile, the signal box is one of the pillars of the Miljoenenlijn and also fulfils an essential and indispensable link in the safe handling of the train and shunting service at the various railway yards.
A signboard for the Million Line
However, one characteristic and very image-defining element had been high on the wish list for a long time, but it has not been possible to realise this to date. For years, there has been a fervent wish to install a so-called bordessein on the east side of track 3. This is a metal base post with a platform on top, equipped with two signal posts with a different type of signal arm. Because it is possible to leave from track 3 towards Kerkrade as well as towards Vetschau in Germany, the driver can see from the signal position of the signalling box in which direction he is headed.
Although a number of important components are already in place, the platform is missing. This is an iron construction that requires the necessary welding and construction work. The signalling working group lacks the expertise to manufacture this in-house and we are therefore very pleased with the offer from the Belgian technical school Don Bosco in Haacht to realise this for us in project form. For the technicians in training at this school, this offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience and for us it means an enormous cost saving.
Crowdfunding
A crowdfunding campaign was launched to pay for the necessary materials. In concrete terms, this means that everyone who is prepared to invest 40 euros or more in this project will be invited to a special rail bus ride on the day the signalling system is officially put into operation. Naturally, a trip to Kerkrade and then to Vetschau will be offered, so that people can see and experience the signalling in action in both positions. In addition, a draw will be held among those present to decide who will be the first to operate the signalling device.
Update 19 October 2020:
In these corona-driven times, it is extra nice to be able to come out with good news:
We are happy to report that the Holland Spoor Foundation / Roestrijden.nl is sponsoring us the amount of 2750 euros, which, together with the many private donations, means that we have completed the financing of the future bordessein.
Stichting Holland Spoor / Roestrijden.nl is a foundation dedicated to the preservation of Dutch railway heritage. The foundation tries to raise funds for this purpose by mediating in the use of historical rolling stock in maintenance assignments. The best known use of this equipment is rustriding: after completion of track works lasting several days, normal trains are not allowed to run on the tracks. First, the tracks must be ridden in order to remove rust from the rails and thus ensure that the level crossings and signals function correctly again. The use of historic rolling stock for these journeys creates a win-win situation: it brings in money for the owner of the rolling stock used, and it also provides the infrastructure manager with an easy medium for using such trains. The Holland Spoor / Rustrijden.nl Foundation uses its share of the revenue to support ongoing projects at various railway museums.
Thanks to this generous sponsorship, which we were able to receive, we can now continue our project successfully. We are, of course, enormously grateful for this!
On this occasion we would also like to thank all the individual sponsors. Without you, we would never have been able to take up this project, so a heartfelt thank you to you too!
Sponsoring still possible!
You can still help us and make a contribution to the Bordessein project via the account number NL59 ABNA 0448 2200 08 in the name of the ZLSM Foundation stating Project Bordessein. If you donate more than 40 euro and want to be invited to the inauguration ride, you can send an email to bordessein@miljoenenlijn.nl.
Alvast bedankt voor je bijdrage!
Blog
The initiators of this project regularly write to keep you informed of recent developments.
Follow the realisation of the signboard in our blog!
With thanks to:
