Month: July 2026

FREMO, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Better VWE Track and Module Planning with GIS Images and Data

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. One of the most useful resources for planning my VWE modules is the public GIS (Geographic Information System) portal provided by the City of Verden (Aller). Instead of relying solely on Google Maps or Google Earth, I can now work with much sharper aerial imagery, with resolutions down to a scale of 1:100, together with a wide range of additional geospatial data. The high-resolution imagery makes it much easier to verify important details of the prototype that I want to capture on each module, resulting in more accurate track planning and scenery. Google Earth still … Continue reading Better VWE Track and Module Planning with GIS Images and Data

FREMO, Layout ConstructionLeave a comment

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): “Kuhweg” Looks Cool (Part 2)

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Based on feedback from experienced FREMO members, I decided to replace the cork track roadbed with 2 mm and 3 mm plywood. The cork was removed completely, and any remaining adhesive was carefully scraped away and sanded smooth before the new roadbed was installed. Both the main line and the siding were rebuilt using a 22 mm wide, 2 mm thick plywood strip glued on top of a 28 mm wide, 3 mm thick plywood strip, following the method described by N-Modellbahner. Previously, I had used cork of the same thickness but in wider strips. … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): “Kuhweg” Looks Cool (Part 2)

FREMO, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Essential MOROP NEM (European Model Railway) Standards for European N-scale (1:160)

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. When I built my first N-scale segment layout in 2014, I followed the MOROP NEM standards for European N scale (1:160). I continue to use the same approach when building my FREMO N-RE modules. Standardisation becomes even more important in FREMO, as every module must be able to connect and operate seamlessly with those built by other members. In addition to the MOROP NEM standards, each FREMO scale group also has its own standards and recommended practices that should be followed. To make these standards easier to access, I have summarised the essential MOROP NEM … Continue reading Essential MOROP NEM (European Model Railway) Standards for European N-scale (1:160)

FREMO, Layout ConstructionLeave a comment

Verden-Walsroder-Eisenbahn (VWE): Modules “Effem (Eitze)” and Kuhweg Now Free-Standing (Part 2)

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Update 26.07.26: See here for part 1. Here are the proper photos of the free-standing “Effem” and “Kuhweg” modules in my cellar. I now have enough space to assemble all five segments together, giving me a comfortable workspace for the next stages of construction. The next major milestone is laying the flex track and turnouts. Everything is ready to go—the track, turnouts and wiring are all on hand. I am only waiting for the 2 mm and 3 mm plywood sheets, which will replace the cork as the track roadbed. Now I just need to … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder-Eisenbahn (VWE): Modules “Effem (Eitze)” and Kuhweg Now Free-Standing (Part 2)

FREMO, Layout Construction1 Comment

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): “Kuhweg” Looks Cool (Part 1)

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Update 26.07.26: Based on feedback from experienced FREMO members, I no longer recommend using cork as a track roadbed. Cork can absorb moisture during the ballasting process and may warp over time. I will therefore replace the cork with balsa wood or thin plywood. See Part 2 for the revised method and the complete correction. I started by drawing the track centreline 80 mm from the side of the module to serve as a guide for laying the cork roadbed and track. This centreline is important because it ensures correct alignment with adjacent modules. In … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): “Kuhweg” Looks Cool (Part 1)

FREMO, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Track Plan on “Effem (Eitze)” and “Kuhweg” Adjusted

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. The module frame construction is now officially complete. All legs can be attached to and removed from each segment, making every module free-standing, with the exception of the newly added “Kuhweg” module. Since it only has two legs, it needs to be supported by the adjoining modules. Even so, I prefer this new arrangement. The overall length has remained more or less the same, but visually the “Kuhweg” module creates a much better transition between “Effem” and “Verden Süd”. You can clearly see the difference by comparing the two track plans below. For now, “Verden … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Track Plan on “Effem (Eitze)” and “Kuhweg” Adjusted

Rail-Life OperationsLeave a comment

Rechnergestützter Zugleitbetrieb (RgZLB) bei Pinzgauer Lokalbahn

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See below for the English version. Während unserer Sonderzugfahrt nach Zell am See entwickelte sich mein Interesse am Zugleitbetrieb in eine völlig neue Richtung. Zur Fahrt gehörte auch ein Besuch der 53 km langen, 760-mm-Schmalspurbahn Pinzgauer Lokalbahn (PLB), die von Zell am See nach Krimml verkehrt. Bereits am Bahnhof Zell am See und später im Betriebswerk Tischlerhäusl fielen mir einige Schilder auf, darunter Z Vm, Zlm Tih und Zlm Hzh. Ich fragte unseren PLB-Begleiter danach. Zufällig war er auch der Triebfahrzeugführer unseres Sonderzuges, der rund 50 Teilnehmer von Zell am See nach Tischlerhäusl gebracht hatte. Ich erzählte ihm, dass ich mit … Continue reading Rechnergestützter Zugleitbetrieb (RgZLB) bei Pinzgauer Lokalbahn

FREMO, Layout Construction1 Comment

Verden-Walsroder-Eisenbahn (VWE): Modules “Effem (Eitze)” and Kuhweg Now Free-Standing (Part 1)

traiNmaster

Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. It has been almost four weeks since my last update on the construction of my VWE modules. Quite a lot has happened during that time, both on and off the workbench. First, Bruno Mars was in Berlin. I saw him two years ago in Kuala Lumpur, but with the release of his new album Romantic, I simply had to see him again. DJ Pee Wee (aka Anderson.Paak) was one of the opening acts and also joined Bruno on stage to perform several Silk Sonic songs. Then came the 40°C heatwave that swept across Germany and … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder-Eisenbahn (VWE): Modules “Effem (Eitze)” and Kuhweg Now Free-Standing (Part 1)

Enthusiast Trip, Rail-Life Operations1 Comment

Pinzgauer Lokalbahn (PLB) in Zell am See

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Thomas and I joined more than 300 railway enthusiasts on a special excursion to Kitzbühel and Zell am See in Austria last Saturday. We’ve made at least one railway trip together every year since 2022, including visits to Dresden and the Bahnfest in Königstein (Taunus). Our journey began at 4:48 am in Frankfurt-Höchst. The special eight-coach train (five first-class TEE coaches, two second-class coaches and one TEE restaurant car) was hauled by the legendary Deutsche Bundesbahn Class 103 electric locomotive, 103 245-7, one of the icons of the 1960s to 1980s. The Class 103 was … Continue reading Pinzgauer Lokalbahn (PLB) in Zell am See