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Scheldeland in Steam 2026: A Weekend Full of Steam, History, and Model Railroads
Scheldeland in Steam 2026: A Weekend Full of Steam, History, and Model Railroads
PUURS / BAASRODE – During the weekend of July 4 and 5 , the region was once again completely captivated by Scheldeland in Steam. The annual event once again drew hundreds of visitors who came to enjoy historic trains, classic vehicles, model railroads, and numerous demonstrations. TrainNews was there and spent the day exploring the event to soak up the atmosphere and speak with various visitors and volunteers.
Traveling on Historic Steam and Diesel Trains
Traveling on Historic Steam and Diesel Trains
One of the event’s biggest crowd-draws was undoubtedly the historic train rides between Puurs and Baasrode. Visitors could choose between rides on authentic steam locomotives and historic diesel locomotives—a unique experience you don’t get to have every day.
The TrainNews editorial team also boarded the train several times to experience it for themselves and interview a few visitors along the way.
"Last year, we promised to come back"
"Last year, we promised to come back"
Along the railroad tracks, we met a grandmother who had come down to Scheldeland in Stoom again with her granddaughter.
"Last year, my granddaughter came to stay with us, and we went to the event together," she says enthusiastically. "Right after it was over, she said, ‘We’re coming back next year.’ And look, here we are again."
According to them, it is above all the friendly atmosphere that makes the event special.
"We don't live too far from here, and we've always had a soft spot for steam trains. It's still impressive to see and hear them up close."
Not just trains
Not just trains
In addition to the railroad, there was plenty more to see. Dozens of historic vehicles were on display on the grounds, including classic passenger cars, old trucks, farm machinery, and authentic tractors.
The volunteers from Nostalbus were there as well. With their historic buses, they transported visitors back and forth between the event’s various locations, including the shipyards.
From Steam to Diesel
From Steam to Diesel
Railway enthusiasts were in for a real treat. They could admire both steam and diesel locomotives up close.
The following locomotives, among others, were present:
NMBS HLD 53
SNCB HLE 13
DB 65
Tubize Steam Locomotive
Each locomotive tells a piece of railroad history and therefore attracted a lot of attention from young and old alike.
among young and old.
Volunteers Keep Our Heritage Alive
Volunteers Keep Our Heritage Alive
During our visit, we spoke with a proud volunteer who, together with his wife, has been helping with the restoration of a unique locomotive for many years.
This is a locomotive that was originally built by Cockerill and came from the Belgian army. The locomotive was loaned to the Dendermonde-Puurs Steam Trainon the condition that it would be fully restored.
"We've been working on this for several years now," he says. "When we started, the floor was completely rusted through. The support beams, which were originally about fifteen centimeters thick, were barely four centimeters thick in some places. You could almost call it a trampoline."
Today, the project is nearing completion.
"A few more windows still need to be installed, and some minor finishing touches need to be made. After that, the restoration will be virtually complete."
The story shows how much time, skill, and passion volunteers invest in preserving historic railroad equipment for future generations.
Model Railroading in Puurs
Model Railroading in Puurs
After our train ride, we continued on to Puurs, where several halls were entirely dedicated to model railroads.
Numerous clubs and private modelers exhibited their model railroads there, each with its own theme and unique details.
At MTD we were briefed on their latest projects.
The club exhibited two private model railroads and one club model railroad in N scale.
According to the members, this was the perfect time to showcase their latest projects to the public.
"The biggest difference from the past is our completely renovated shadow station," they say. "As a result, train traffic runs much more realistically and reliably."
An Introduction to the Impressive Model Railroads “Winter in Bündnerland” and “Rhätische Bahn Stugl”
An Introduction to the Impressive Model Railroads “Winter in Bündnerland” and “Rhätische Bahn Stugl”
During our visit, we also met Migel Pijl and his wife, the builders of two remarkable model railroads: “Winter in Bündnerland” and “Rhätische Bahn Stugl”.
The two layouts were built with great attention to detail and beautifully bring the atmosphere of the Swiss Alps to life in miniature form. Especially the winter setting of Winter in Bündnerland creates a realistic and atmospheric look.
The builders told us that the Swiss track project was designed on N scale, which provides a compact yet highly detailed representation of the mountain landscape and the railroad lines.
You can find more information and footage of these impressive courses in our full-length video.
A Close-Up Look at Historic Locomotives
A Close-Up Look at Historic Locomotives
Various railroad organizations were also present on the grounds, exhibiting historic rolling stock.
Among others, the following locomotives could be admired up close:
NMBS HLE 1350
DB 6508
NMBS HLD 5512
Volunteers provided detailed explanations about the history, technology, and operation of the locomotives.
40 Years of the Dendermonde-Puurs Steam Train
40 Years of the Dendermonde-Puurs Steam Train
This year wasn't just about the 100th anniversary of the NMBS. It was also the Dendermonde-Puurs Steam Train celebrated a special milestone: 40 years of operation.
The association looks back with pride on four decades during which thousands of visitors were able to explore historic railroad equipment.
Nevertheless, challenges remain. Some of the historic locomotives and passenger cars are still on display outdoors today. For this reason, the association hopes to expand further in the future so that more rolling stock can be stored under cover and restored.
A successful edition
A successful edition
"Scheldeland in Stoom" once again proved why it is one of Flanders’ largest railroad events. Historic train rides, impressive locomotives, model railroads, vintage vehicles, and the dedication of dozens of volunteers made for a weekend full of excitement for young and old alike.
TrainNews is already looking forward to the next edition.
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