Vapor Ricon Europe has supported accessibility improvements at the Beekbergen Museum Station, a well-known heritage railway attraction in the Netherlands.
The organisation operates a historic steam train service between Apeldoorn and Dieren, offering visitors the opportunity to experience traditional steam rail travel through restored carriages and authentic rolling stock. The trains are fully operational, forming a key part of the visitor experience as they travel along the heritage line.
As part of its commitment to inclusivity, the museum identified a need to upgrade an existing lift system to improve access for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility.
The Challenge
The existing lift solution within one of the historic carriages had become outdated and no longer met the operational needs of the attraction.
A key requirement was achieving floor-to-ground travel, enabling smooth, safe access directly between ground level and the carriage interior, something not commonly available in standard European lift configurations.
In addition, the solution needed to:
- Integrate within a heritage environment without compromising the character of the carriage
- Provide reliable, safe operation for daily visitor use
- Be installed efficiently to minimise disruption to the attraction
The Solution
Vapor Ricon supplied a lift from its S-Series range, specifically selected for its ability to deliver the required floor-to-ground functionality.
The installation was completed on-site within a single day, ensuring minimal downtime for the attraction and allowing the carriage to return to service quickly.
The Result
As highlighted by the organisation, the improved access supports:
The new lift has significantly enhanced accessibility across the attraction, enabling more visitors to enjoy the historic railway experience comfortably and safely.
Visitors can now access the steam tram experience with greater independence, reinforcing the attraction’s commitment to welcoming all guests.
- Inclusive visitor experiences for wheelchair users
- Greater ease of entry and exit from the carriage
- Compliance with modern accessibility expectations within a heritage setting
Customer Feedback
John Koopman from B&S Car-Adaptations highlighted the strength of the long-standing relationship with Vapor Ricon Europe as a key reason for selection of the lift, alongside the suitability and quality of the S-Series lift for this specialist requirement.
Supporting Heritage with Modern Accessibility
This project demonstrates how Vapor Ricon Europe solutions can be successfully integrated into unique environments, balancing modern accessibility standards with the preservation of historic assets.
From transport applications to visitor attractions, Vapor Ricon Europe continues to support operators in delivering safe, reliable and inclusive access solutions.