Railcars

Activity: Collection
Age: All ages

To inspect the track, track inspectors used draisines, also known as track bicycles or lorries. These allowed track staff to easily reach the spot where there was a problem with, for example, the rails or a signal. They were also used to transport materials and small tools. Because they were relatively light, it was easy to lift them off the tracks when a train was approaching. Handcars are no longer used: nowadays, the track is inspected by trains equipped with cameras.

Four different types

Four different draisines are on display on the museum ceiling. The Simplex rail bike is the lightest; it weighs barely more than two bicycles. It was manufactured by the Dutch bicycle manufacturer Simplex. Until the Second World War, they were found throughout the country. With the hand-wheel draisine, two people use cranks to turn the chain that drives the rear wheels. The inspectors do not need to exert themselves physically; they sit on the bench at the front with a view of the track. The motor draisine or railcar has a small petrol engine that provides the propulsion. This allowed the inspectors to travel faster and cover greater distances. This Simplex M.G. was in service around 1910 with the Noord-Brabantsch-Duitsche Spoorweg-Maatschappij (NBDS). It is the only surviving vehicle from that company. The Velocipede Car is a wooden draisine that can be ridden by two people sitting opposite each other. Together, they moved a handle back and forth with their hands to drive the rear wheel. This No. 3 Velocipede Car was built around 1890, making it one of the oldest known examples of this type in the world.

See draisines here