Voorlem

Voorlem
Voorlem
Platforms	6
Services	Passenger
Abbreviation	Vlm
Connections
	Voorlerberg, Wezinge, Beurs, Voorlem Oost

Voorlem is the biggest of three stations in Voorlem, situated between Voorlerberg and Beurs. It is one of the largest and complex stations in the game, featuring its sole turntable. Much like its real life counterpart, Haarlem station, it has received numerous rebuilds.

Station Layout

Main Building

The station complex comprises two buildings, the ornate main entrance as well as another entrance building south of the station; said building is, however, not accessible. The buildings exhibit a high degree of symmetry in their design, with the main building having a high, steeply pitched roof which is typical within Dutch architecture. Included are towering pillars and spires which surround the main entrance, and help add a sense of grandeur. Not only that, but they also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the building.

Track

There are a total of six lanes which pass through the station itself, in addition are two lanes which terminate at the station's South end. The station also boasts a goods yard, with a turntable included. Five lanes of track pass through here.

Routes

Service/Train Type	Route
General Goods	Zand op 't Zee-Seest
General Goods	Zand op 't Zee-Dokmuiden
Passenger	Zand op 't Zee-Hazeldrecht via Dokmuiden
Passenger	Zand op 't Zee-Hazeldrecht via Hoogburg
Passenger	Zand op 't Zee-Voorlem
Passenger	Zand op 't Zee-Hazeldrecht via Kesteren
Passenger	Zand op 't Zee-IJssel aan Zee
Passenger	Voorlem-Kesteren
Passenger	Dokmuiden-Dokmuiden
Passenger	Voorlem-IJssel aan Zee
Passenger	Hazeldrecht-Ensdrecht

Historical Basis

Haarlem Station being Voorlem's basis would be opened on September 20th 1839, being one of three stations on the Amsterdam - Haarlem line. The same line was the first of the HIJSM and the first Dutch railway, being the Amsterdam - Halfweg - Haarlem line. The original station wasn't anything particularly special, as it was a temporary station building set outside of Haarlem's city center. Said temporary station which sat outside of the Amsterdamse Poort would be moved elsewhere in following years, as it would be replaced by a new station after being moved to its permanent location.

In 1842, the line running between Amsterdam to Haarlem was extended to Leiden, with the initial line having been constructed with broad gauge track of 1945 mm (6 feet and 4.57 inches), it would later be narrowed to standard gauge in 1865.

The station which would be built in 1842, was designed by the architect Fredrick Willem Conrad (1800 - 1869), which incorporated a Greek neo-classicstic style. The same building would be renovated twenty five years after having been built in 1867, which was undertaken by P.J. Mouthaan (1824 - 1899). The station would be given an extra floor which would span across the entire width of the building, with new extension buildings being built on either side of the original.

The station would subsequently receive another overhaul, with the new building being constructed between the years 1906 - 1908, with the building taking design elements of the Art Nouveau style which became popular in Europe in 1896. It is the only station in the Netherlands to use said style for its architecture which is attributed to its designer, Dirk Antonie Nicolaas Margadant (Feb. 22. 1849 - Oct. 26. 1915).

Margadants design completely changed the look of the station, however it would also serve a practical use, with the station's platforms being elevated as to not conflict with road traffic. In 1952, Koenraad van der Gaast (Aug. 10. 1923 - Feb. 7. 1993) would expand the station, with a new entrance building with a similar style of Margandants Art Nouveau design on the Northern side of railway line being built.

Trivia

Situated on both ends of the glass station arch is the wheel of progress with the wings of Mercury, the Roman god of trade and travel. It's an international symbol of progress and railways. The NS used the iconography often.
Outside the station, flags from several countries are present; Belgium, Canada, Denmark, The Netherlands, The UK, The USA, and Sweden. These represent the nationalities of the Streamlined team.
On the street, east of the station entrance, stands a statue of Dirk Antonie Nicolaas Margadant. The inscription states "Architect for the Hollandsche IJzeren Spoorweg-Maatschappij".
The station of Voorlem is based on the the station of Haarlem's third building. The first building was also the first railway station in the Netherlands.
Being based on Haarlem's third building, it is possible that previous iterations of the station had more platforms, hence why six platforms are able to be used by passengers, the numbering scheme goes from 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, rather than 1-6.
Voorlem station was the oldest building in Streamlined before its rebuild in 2020, as Hoogburg was already rebuilt by Jiskpirate in 2019.
The station is the home to the famous sausage rolls stand, Sossigs.
To see the history, go to Voorlem Station page.
Voorlem is the longest station in the game, with its platforms being nearly 400m end-to-end.