Experimenting with Module Building – ICE Diorama Rework

For the last 2 weeks I have not been active in this blog instead have been active in a German model railway forum, developing my track plan together with a few modelers. I will get back to that topic at a later date. In the meantime, I have visited a large handy mart Hornbach and searched almost every row and corner for something useful for my layout and diorama. I got most of the tools I needed for model railway construction as I have zero to start with. So the initial investment in tools will make a major dent in … Continue reading Experimenting with Module Building – ICE Diorama Rework

“Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – 1st Version

I have finally put my thoughts on paper. The theme of my layout is “Somewhere in Germany” (“Irgendwo in Deutschland”). Over 11m double-track, I want to capture the atmosphere and the feeling of somewhere in Germany without being specific where in Germany. Let me give you a short intro of the space and my benchwork/trackplan concept. Feel free to comment. Tell me what you like and dislike about the trackplan. – I have been given an enclosed balcony 3.7m (12ft) x 1.4m (4.6ft). The layout will be “around the wall” concept with 30cm (11.8in) width on the long side and 60cm … Continue reading “Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – 1st Version

Surprised Appearance in Eisenbahn-Romantik Magazine

I received my Oct/Nov 2013 issue of the Eisenbahn-Romantik magazine and was surprised to find myself in this issue. This photo was taken at Internationale Modellbahnausstellung (IMA) in Köln-Deutz last year. Unfortunately I was wrongly identified as a Japanese railway fan …. sigh … Here are the original photo and the autograph. Continue reading Surprised Appearance in Eisenbahn-Romantik Magazine

ICE/IC: Spot the Differences

ICE (InterCity Express) and its sister IC (InterCity) would make regular appearances on my future layout. A common sight in Germany, it takes keen sight to spot the differences in various ICE classses (Baureihe in Deutsch); between ICE 1 and 2, variations in ICE 3 and even rarer sight of ICE (MET). Hope these drawings help you. ICE 1 ICE 2 ICE 3 Series 1 ICE 3 Series 2 ICE 3(M) ICE T ICE TD IC ICE (formerly MET (Metropolitan)) In 2014 we will see the new IC double-level coaches from Bombardier. Brawa will offer this model in H0- and … Continue reading ICE/IC: Spot the Differences

3 Goldie-Loks(chuppen)

3 engine sheds (Lokschuppen in Deutsch) at one location? Yes, Würzburg has 3; at least 2 are still in working condition. I guess it must be an important stop point during the steam days. There is an inland river port west of this station along the Main river. Würzburg is located in the midpoint between Frankfurt and Nürnberg (Nuremberg). 3 ICE long distance lines stop at this station – Munich-Würzburg-Hamburg, Vienna-Würzburg-Dortmund and Munich-Würzburg-Essen. The German ICE world speed record started from this Würzburg-Hamburg stretch on 1 May 1988. And who says you can’t have (open-air) engine shed for electric locos. Continue reading 3 Goldie-Loks(chuppen)

The Possibility of an Impossibility?

The model railroader within us gives us the creativity license to model what we can dream about. The layout is a product of that imagination. Irrespective of whether it could happen in reality, it is the fun in modelling and displaying our work that matters. People may say we are crazy or that it does not happen in real-life; but somewhere someone will show you that it is possible and does happen in real-life. Keep on dreaming the dream. Fotos: Screenshots from Baureihe1031 Youtube video. Continue reading The Possibility of an Impossibility?

Prayer almost answered …. Fleischmann H0-scale ICE BR407

At last, Fleischmann answered my prayer ….(almost). The 2013 catalog shows the new HO-scale construction of the DBAG ICE BR407. This basic set comes with 4 parts (with sound) with 2 versions of 2-part extensions. So, for those of you who are looking forward to have a new ICE on your layout, Fleischmann will have them in sometime this year. Fotos: Eisenbahn-Romantik Fleischmann ICE BR407 Test Report (only in Deutsch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPA7wPxyO2c For the N-scalers like myself, let’s continue to pray harder. I have ICE 2 from Fleischmann and I am happy with the craftmanship and finishing. Although I have not had a chance … Continue reading Prayer almost answered …. Fleischmann H0-scale ICE BR407

Eisenbahn-Romantik-Club

It was a quick response for my Eisenbahn-Romantik-Club (Romantic Railway Club) membership application. Applied on Sunday, received a complimentary newsletter and members’ web access today. This is my first railway club membership in Germany, although back in Malaysia I was a founding member of the KTM Railway Fan club (www.ktmrailwayfan.com) since March 2004. I look forward to their activities this year as I learn more about the German railways. Continue reading Eisenbahn-Romantik-Club

InterCity Express (ICE): The Flagship of Deutsche Bahn

The ICE (InterCity-Express) is the flagship (ie. flag carrier) of Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG). The ICE is synonymous with DB AG and is an instant brand recognition for Germany. But don’t be mistaken with other ICE especially ICE 3. The same Siemens Velaro/ICE 3 design can be found in the Netherlands (operating as HiSpeed) and Switzerland (ICE SBB). The same design is also found in China high-speed railway as CRH3C, in Spain Velaro E and in Russia Velaro RUS. For more information on ICE, visit wiki or this special issue of Eisenbahn (Railway) Journal. There are only 3 manufacturers … Continue reading InterCity Express (ICE): The Flagship of Deutsche Bahn