Stichting Trans Europ Express secures the future of a unique luxury train

The newly-established Dutch railway association Stichting Trans Europ Express has acquired the unique and iconic TEE train from the Netherlands Transport Museum (NTM) at Nieuw-Vennep, near Amsterdam. This acquisition secures the future of one of the most important objects from the collection of the now-closed NTM. Stichting Trans Europ Express (German: Stiftung Trans Europ Express, English: Trans Europ Express Foundation) will soon transfer the historic train to its new home, where repair and restoration work will be carried out. The goal is to restore the unit to running order and return it to the rails.

The preservation of the 1957-built Class DE IV (NS) / Class RAm (SBB) unit is important for railway heritage in the Netherlands. The striking design was created by Dutch designer Elsebeth van Blerkom. The stylish vehicle represents a high point of the Dutch railway industry in the 1950s and is an example of Dutch-Swiss collaboration in the development of the TEE network of luxury trains, which linked the most important centres in Western Europe. Stichting Trans Europ Express aims to keep this remarkable history alive. The only surviving unit of this type has an „A“ status, the highest grade of protection for Dutch mobile cultural heritage.

Arno van de Holst, Director of the Netherlands Transport Museum (NTM): "The TEE is one of the most important pieces in the NTM collection. The museum is closed, but I am very pleased that the future of the famous TEE is secured. I wish the Stichting Trans-Europ Express association every success in their efforts to restore the train and get it running again."

Quintus Vosman, Chairman of Stichting Trans Europ Express: "Stichting Trans Europ Express is taking over the historic TEE from the NTM and will move it to another location. This is an enormous undertaking. Donations totaling 50,000 EUR have been received, and the Dutch Cultural Fund is supporting the Trans Europ Express Foundation with 25,000 EUR. A further 25,000 EUR must be raised by 1 July - if we cannot meet this target the rescue will fail."

Stichting Trans Europ Express needs funds to save and restoring this historic train, and is therefore seeking financial support. Please help today by donating to:
STICHTING TRANS EUROP EXPRESS
IBAN: NL84 RABO 0109 4741 98
BIC/SWIFT: RABONL2U

The Dutch Stichting Trans Europ Express was established in February 2025 with the aim of rescuing the surviving NS Class DE IV/SBB Class RAm TEE cars from the closing Dutch Transport Museum. The foundation is currently working towards recognition as a non-profit organisation.

For more details visit www.transeuropexpress.info

Quintus Vosman