Enhancing heritage luxury - Decidamp® SP500 in Belmond’s vintage trains

One key challenge in this process was managing vibration and noise levels to ensure a smooth, quiet, and luxurious ride. Belmond also needed to improve acoustic and thermal performance without compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity or historical authenticity. All materials used had to comply with strict railway industry standards for fire safety and performance. The solution needed to be easy to integrate into the existing restoration workflow for efficiency in time and labour. With a focus on passenger comfort and preserving the classic character of each carriage, Belmond sought a premium solution that would deliver the required technical performance, yet support its high standards of craftsmanship and luxury.

As part of the conversion process, Belmond needed to:

• reduce structural vibrations from train movement, which can affect ride quality and structural longevity
• improve acoustic and thermal performance without compromising the historical integrity of the vehicle
• meet stringent railway industry standards for fire safety, materials, and compliance
• integrate seamlessly into the restoration workflow, between the metalwork and painting phases

To meet these demands, Belmond partnered with Pyrotek and Decidamp® SP500 was selected - a lightweight, water-based vibration damping compound engineered and manufactured by Pyrotek specifically for transport applications.

Applied across metal components of the carriages—such as chassis, side panels, and roof structures - Decidamp® SP500 was introduced into the process after the extensive metalwork phase and before painting, ensuring seamless integration into Belmond’s restoration practices.

Key benefits of Decidamp® SP500 include:

• minimising structure-borne vibration, resulting in a smoother and quieter ride without adding extra weight
• enhancing acoustic and thermal comfort, crucial for the wellbeing of passengers on Belmond's long-distance journeys
• full compliance with railway norms and fire safety standards, including EN45545
• ease of application with a sprayable, fast-drying, non-sag formulation ideal for complex metal surfaces and large areas (see Installation Guide for additional information on Decidamp SP500 application)

The solution has now become a standardised step in Belmond’s carriage restoration process, seamlessly fitting within their strict workflow and quality requirements.

The use of Decidamp® SP500 has significantly improved ride quality and structural durability, thanks to its superior vibration damping capabilities. Interior cabins are significantly quieter, perfectly complementing the refined, luxurious atmosphere Belmond is renowned for. Decidamp's reliability has been demonstrated in real-world operations, with several carriages treated with the compound, in active operation for over a season, with consistently positive results. Decidamp® SP500 is now fully embedded in Belmond’s fleetwide
restoration standard, reflecting the trust placed in Pyrotek’s expertise to deliver comfort, compliance, and performance - without compromise.

Belmond has applied Decidamp® SP500 across its entire heritage fleet and according to Miguel Blasco, Project Director for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Division at Belmond:

“Feedback has been very positive. All of our objectives have been achieved. We are therefore continuing to apply this product to all trains and have integrated its application into our standards.”

Pyrotek has played a key role in supporting Belmond’s mission to deliver timeless elegance and modern comfort. The result is not just technical performance - but a smoother, quieter, and more refined journey for every passenger on board.