This year it is 175 years ago that the first railway line in the Netherlands was opened. It was a line between Amsterdam and Haarlem, with a 2 meter gauge. Today, the line still excists - but now in standard gauge, of course. To celebrate this birthday, the Dutch railway companies have organised several events. The 'Spoorparade' (Railway Parade) was the largest event and took place in and around the former railway shops in Amersfoort. These shops have been closed about ten years ago (the market for maintaining freight cars had declined), but fortunately they have preserved most of the old 19th century buildings. [video=vimeo;109689539]http://vimeo.com/109689539[/video]
Decades ago, I believe in railroad Railroad Model Craftsman Magazine, there was an article about a sail powered Netherlands narrow gauge operation. Does such a thing still exist? I've possibly asked this previously, but nothing comes up in a search right now.
I still have all of those magazines. I would look but they are downstairs in a huge pile of boxes I cannot move right now. Bulging disk in my neck.