Tramweg Maatschappij 'de Meijerij'

Our first project was inspired by a little tramway company called 'de Meijerij' named after the county where it served for almost fourty years. The little steam engine and coach became our logo.

History

The Meijerij was founded at the turn of the nineteenth century. It's main purpose was to transport passengers and goods between the cities of Eindhoven and Den Bosch and the villages that lay in between. The Tramway passed through a beautifull part of the province Noord Brabant called 'The Meijerij of Den Bosch'. On this railroad map from 1922 the highlighted part is the area we are talking about

Concessions for a light railway were granted in 1898 and in the next two years the newly founded company managed the 30 miles of track to connect the two cities. Every village inbetween was passed right through Main street, where the most important building of the town served as a station; the local tavern. 1900 to 1914 were the golden years and new branches were added extending the companies right of way to 85 miles.

After World War I the Dutch gouvernment started paving the roads. Now transport by road could go on summer and winter and with the introduction of the commercial truck, followed by busses a few years later, the competition for the Meijerij became severe. Eventually the company was sold to the newly founded BBA, a local bus company. In 1932 the tramway company ceized operation. All track was removed and loco's and cars were sold and scrapped. The only remains, if you take a closer look, are the fragments of the roadbed and some photographs. The bus company BBA dough, is still in operation.

Tram named 'St-Michielsgestel' is passing the old city harbour of Den Bosch. The bridge it crosses was built in 1892. The little loco is a Backer & Rueb. The coach is from Allan. Both are brass models, designed and built by Arjen Dijkgraaf. Diorama built by Leo.

More photographs...(click to expand)

The layout was on display at:

• 1996 RAIL, international model railway exhibition in Den bosch, Netherlands
• 1997 Model railway exhibition KAARST, Germany
• 1997 International Model railway exhibition CHATHAM, United Kingdom
• 1997 Model exhibition GENK, Belgium
• 1998 Model railway exhibition INTERMODELBAU Dortmund, Germany
• 1998 RAIL in Den Bosch, Netherlands
• 1999 Finescale exhibition Helmond, Netherlands

Adds about our layout in RR magazines:

• Rail Magazine, november 1996
• Rail Magazine, december 1997
• Eisenbahn Magazine, april 1998
• Spoorweg journaal, 3/98
• Continental Modeller, february 1999
• Maquetren, 3/99

In 2000 we sold the layout and started a new project.....

The Sodumb and Gamorra Lumber Co.