Hages hydraulic glass elevator at Rathaus railway station in Stolberg

Despite only having a single platform that is accessible from street level by stairs or a ramp, there are two elevators at Rathaus station. This is due to a short expressway next to the single track. Coming from the other side of this expressway, a pedestrian bridge provides access to the station as well as the city center. At the end opposite the station, the bridge leads to a small side street that is located next to the expressway, but a few feet higher up. Consequently, the travel distance at this end of the bridge is very short, while it is significantly longer at the station-side end of the bridge. That is the reason for the slightly different drive systems of the elevators at either end of the bridge, with the station-side elevator necessitating a telescoping hydraulic system, which is not needed for the other elevator. At the time of filming, the latter had an issue where the door on bridge level would only open halfway, although it probably would have fully opened if given a slight push. Rathaus station is located on a branch line that connects Stolberg central station on the Aachen-Düren(-Cologne) mainline (see *link coming soon*) to the historic city center. From the station, a short and somewhat scenic walk leads up to the Stolberg castle. At one point, the path leads up some stairs through the facade of a building and almost looks like a private entrance, despite actually being a public and officially signposted walkway. Technical specifications: Street side elevator: Brand: Hages Capacity: 630kg / ~1390lbs / 8 people Type: hydraulic (holeless single-stage) Year built: 1996 Travel distance: 2 stops Station side elevator: Brand: Hages Capacity: 630kg / ~1390lbs / 8 people Type: hydraulic (holeless three-stage) Year built: 1996 Travel distance: 2 stops