Pusserstallen (The cleaning shed) is one of the few remaining buildings from the Tunsberg-Eidsfoss railway (1901-1938). This is where the locomotives were examined and the tubes and boiler of the steam engine were cleaned out. The locomotive needed cleaning after each trip, and the process was repeated in Tunsberg. Due to limited traction and many stops, the trip to Tunsberg took approximately two and a half hours. In front of the cleaning shed, we see the remains of the turntable, where the locomotives were turned manually.
Below: A film about the cleaning shed (Pusserstallen) by Christian Erik Nordby
The railway was extremely valuable for the industry and the farmers, who both got access to bigger markets. The iron industry could get in a higher tonnage of raw materials, mainly scrap metals and fuel, and transport out a higher tonnage of products. This meant that the company could specialize in heavier products, such as farm machines. Eidsfos Verk produced the freight wagons themselves, and continued to do so after the foundry closed in 1961. The production of railway cars continued at Sundland in Drammen until 1968.
Other buildings near the Cleaning Shed
The Waterworks (2005)
Built in 2005 when Eikern became the water source for Vestfold. Owned and operated by EVIKS – Eikeren Waterworks Intermunicipal Company. Outside stands a sculpture and fountain created by the Eidsfoss-based artist Harald Oredam.
On the waterworks’ grounds stood the last remains of Eidsfoss Station, which was demolished in 1961. The building itself is inspired by this and partly resembles the shape of railway carriages. Part of the platform edge still remains at the front of the waterworks.
The ‘new’ school (1893)
This building took over when the old school at Hauane became too small. The school at Eidsfoss remained in operation until 1958.
The picture at the top of this page shows how Eidsfoss railway station looked like around 1910.
It included a hotel that for many years was run by the stationmaster’s wife, Zefra Natterstad. She was the mother of Rakel Severiin, who was raised here at the station and later became one of Norway’s first female ministers.
Photographer unknown. Hand colored by Bjørn Vangen.
