5 questions to Reinier Lourens, Accountmanager Boels Rental.
What can you tell us about the project?
In the miniature world of Madurodam, an amusement park in The Netherlands, it took more than 1.5 years to transform and restore a Douglas DC-3 aircraft. This aircraft now forms the focal point for Madurodam’s newest attraction “Flying Dutchman”, in which visitors can take a flight through time and space.
What is special about the project?
It is the first time in history that Madurodam has built an attraction on a scale of 1:1. The aeroplane in which the attraction is located is 18 metres long and 30 metres wide. Converting it into an attraction required specific knowledge, skills and suitable equipment for each activity. Boels was the right partner for this. We had the necessary specialisms and suitable equipment. In addition, we were able to deliver quickly and to help and advise our customer on location. This was a great added value for our customers.
What was Boels’ role in this project?
During the renovation, Boels provided support and advice on equipment. A diverse range of equipment was supplied, including articulated telescopic boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, compressors, lifting & hoisting solutions, aluminium scaffolding, walkways, power supplies and climate solutions. By using this total package, the DC-3 aircraft could be transformed into one of the last iconic silver aircrafts of the past.
In addition to all the equipment, Boels also provided training. Which ones were these?
In order that the client could safely carry out the renovation of this project, Boels Training provided two training sessions. These were ‘Working safely with an aerial work platform’ and ‘Working safely with aluminium scaffolding’. Boels had up-to-date knowledge of both the product specifications and the legal regulations. Our training courses were up to date and tailored to the products that we rented out to our customers.
When does the attraction open?
The first (test) flights of the Flying Dutchman took place in June 2020. These were successfully performed and the attraction was subsequently opened to the public in July 2020!