How Concrete Ties are made (3)
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Which locomotives bring the prestressed concrete sleepers to the track construction site? Variety is guaranteed.
How Concrete Ties are made (2)
by Friedhelm Weidelich
After the concrete has hardened in the mold, the prestressed concrete sleeper is not yet finished. Part 2 of an exploration.
How Concrete Ties are made
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Without concrete ties, not much can be done on the railroad. But how are they made and what do they really look like? Part 1 of an exploration.
At the Swabian Alb and in Constance
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Im Teil 2 des Reiseberichts treffen wir Altes und Neues. An einem Haltepunkt sind die Epochen I und VI vereint.
Recent 1 Gauge Cars from Fine Models and Kiss
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Modern freight cars are colorful. The gray service tank cars of the DB have become yellow and red water cars. A few yellow examples for gauge 1 are still available at Kiss.
Detour traffic Berlin - Hamburg near Uelzen (2)
by Friedhelm Weidelich
In Wieren, the lines from Uelzen to Stendal and Braunschweig divide. Diversion traffic flows and sometimes comes to a standstill here because Berlin - Hamburg is partially closed.
Detour traffic Berlin - Hamburg near Uelzen
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Due to a closure of the (Berlin -) Wittenberge - Hamburg line for essential construction work, ICE and EC trains will take a detour via Stendal, Salzwedel, Uelzen and Lüneburg until December 14, 2024. A visit to Uelzen and along the America line. 48 photos.
A Look Back
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Construction work on the DB network used to be short and almost painless.
The History of Train Toilets at the DB Museum
by Friedhelm Weidelich
The DB Museum is venturing into one of the last hardly explored topics in railroad history. Next Friday, April 26, 2024, the Nuremberg museum will launch the special exhibition “Under Pressure. The history of the train toilet”. In eight themed areas with around 150 exhibits, documents and photos, the development of the train toilet from its beginnings in the 19th century to the present day is recounted. Exhibits include the chamber pot from Chancellor Otto von Bismarck's drawing room carriage, a model of a faeces transport carriage, toilets in original and miniature size, a pioneering bioreactor and many stories to make you smile.
New Gauge 1 Supplier with a Claim: spur1infoMAX
by Friedhelm Weidelich
The international online magazine spur1info is turning twelve years old these days. Now it's time for the first gauge 1 model to be announced under the new spur1infoMAX brand. The ICE 2 is being developed in close cooperation with the market leader and is naturally setting new standards in every respect.
Diorama Idea: Klusenstein
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Chance brought an old manuscript to light that contained a proposal for an H0 diorama. However, with a little more space you could also develop a varied diorama for gauge 1 that is suitable for all eras. Klusenstein is ideally suited as a layout area for short trains from 1912 to the present day.
Country Station with Potential - Part III
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Our country station offers plenty of inspiration for all Gauge 1 enthusiasts who want to build their tracks as close to the prototype as possible. 71 photos with incredible details.
Country Station with Potential - in Reality and in Gauge 1
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Sometimes it's the small stations that have a lot to offer, especially for freight traffic, and that don't require complicated track plans. If they can be used for several epochs, they are perfect for gauge 1. I found such a station in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Read more … Country Station with Potential - in Reality and in Gauge 1
A Short International Train from Switzerland
by Friedhelm Weidelich
In the popular epoch IV, short express trains were observed as well, for example between Zurich and Stuttgart. Pictures from my archive with interesting train consists from 1970 to today.
DB Class 181.2 from Märklin
by Friedhelm Weidelich
There is an interesting film about the DB class 1812 in H0 at Märklin-TV.
Review: The multi-system Locomotives of the Deutsche Bundesbahn
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Diverse traction current systems in Europe were an obstacle to cross-border trains in the 1960s. A publication just released by EK-Verlag memorializes DB's multi-system locomotives, some of which are still in service.
Read more … Review: The multi-system Locomotives of the Deutsche Bundesbahn
History of Muengsten Bridge
by Friedhelm Weidelich
The Müngsten Bridge, opened in 1897, is 107 meters high and crosses the Wupper near Solingen with two tracks in a spectacular way. A remarkably good film about Germany's highest railroad bridge is available at public service TV WDR.
Stuttgart Hbf around 1971
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Stuttgart's main station was a well-functioning terminus with interesting rolling stock in the 1970s. A look back to epoch IV. Later, Märklin also advertised model trains here.
Images of Dingler's Tadgs Hoppers
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Dingler's side unloading cars (hoppers) for gauge 1 are now available. First photos of the production models.
Current freight traffic on DB tracks, part 1
by Friedhelm Weidelich
A look at the law makes it easier to find the law, was a standard saying of professors in law seminars. Three hours on the railroad line make it easier to get an overview of the ever-changing locomotives, railroad companies and freight cars. The current railroad is more colorful and diverse than ever before. A nice contrast to the brown and gray freight trains of yesteryear.
EL 16 from Studio Chilap
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Announced in 2021 by Studio Chilap, the DR battery-powered towing vehicle is now ready for production. The handmade model for gauge 1 has special features.
DB Swing Roof Cars from Wunder in View of the Camera
by Friedhelm Weidelich
50 photos and a review of Wunder's distinctive Bundesbahn KKks and Tae(m)s 890 swing roof cars for Gauge 1.
Read more … DB Swing Roof Cars from Wunder in View of the Camera
A visit to Nuremberg (2)
by Friedhelm Weidelich
The outdoor grounds of the DB Museum in Nuremberg are home to some rarities. But the mechanical signal boxes are not to be sneezed at either.
A visit to Nuremberg
by Friedhelm Weidelich
A visit to Nuremberg is worthwhile, because the city has a lot to offer. The main attraction for railroad fans should be the DB Museum, for which you should take plenty of time.
Rural Station by Horst Göhr
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Brick and half-timbering, a small footprint and a touch of romance: Horst Göhr builds a small train station in the Altmark region of northern Saxony-Anhalt that unfortunately lost its function 21 years ago.
Handmade Sample of Spur 1 Austria's Gravita
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Angular modern locomotives have their own appeal. The hand sample of the Gravita 10 BB from Spur 1 Austria could reinforce the trend towards 1/32 scale models of currently operating locomotives. 50 photos showing all the details.
1 Gauge Fall Novelties 2022 from Märklin
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Märklin's fall novelties for Gauge 1 are big and heavy. In addition to the green Köfferli, there is also a German electric locomotive that is still in use today.
On a Sunday
by Friedhelm Weidelich
There is no shortage of interesting trains in the east of Hanover even on Sundays, where the freight bypass and the main lines to the east and north meet. The most interesting train from RailAdventure came after sunset. 36 photos, some of them spectacular, with trains and traction units of all kinds.
Anniversary locomotive from MBW
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Like the DB class 111, the class 1812 is a timelessly beautiful locomotive. MBW has now announced that it will deliver the multi-system locomotive for the 50th anniversary in 2024. It will be able to handle international trains.
New Freight Car from Dingler - the Price
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Now the price for the new Dingler hopper has been set.
New Freight Car from Dingler - first Samples
by Friedhelm Weidelich
You don't have to own the most modern locomotive to form an era-appropriate freight train with Dingler's new cars. First information and photos of the two hand samples for subscribers.
TEE Train and More
by Friedhelm Weidelich
The E 03 001 with a TEE train was announced. But it was also worthwhile to be on the road with the camera. A picture sheet with 34 current photos.
Traveling
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Where I took pictures 55 years ago, I still make photos today. Photos from there and on the road.
At the Freight Railroad Line
by Friedhelm Weidelich
We have the Vectron as a model for gauge 1, and the Traxx 2 as well. But today's rail traffic has even more to offer. A picture gallery with 48 current photos.
MBW announces DB V 60/260 Diecast Model
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Finally there is a new product announcement again. MBW intends to deliver models of the DB class V 60 and its following versions of the classes 260 ff. in 2023.
DB Class 111 for 1 Gauge from Wunder (2)
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Part 2 of the review of Wunder's class 111 gauge 1 models with 31 crisp large format photos.
DB Class 111 for 1 Gauge from Wunder (1)
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Three gauge 1 models of the DB class 111 from Wunder are shown and reviewed. Part 1 of the review contains 58 photos in large format for connoisseurs and the undecided.
Weathered Electric Locomotives
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Modern and old electric locomotives bear weathering and operating traces of varying intensity. But some traces they have in common. 45 photos with which you can judge the quality of patination on gauge 1 models.
New 1 Gauge Freight Cars from Modellbau Marcus Jaegers
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Modellbau Marcus Jaegers has two new flat cars based on German and French prototypes in its program.
Read more … New 1 Gauge Freight Cars from Modellbau Marcus Jaegers
One more Gauge 1 Novelty
by Friedhelm Weidelich
And once again there is a novelty for the gauge 1 to announce!
Universal Mini-Engine
by Friedhelm Weidelich
After numerous heavyweights, there is finally a compact vehicle on the market for Gauge 1 that is suitable for shunting in tight spaces.
Review: Herkules, Goliath & Co – Rail cranes
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Railroad cranes may be among the least known rail vehicles. This subject, reserved for specialists, has rarely been covered in magazines and books. Udo Kandler has rolled up the history of German rail cranes in his book published by EK-Verlag and compiled spectacular pictures.
Addition to the Eurosprinter gallery
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Besides the class 182 of Deutsche Bahn, there are other electric locomotives that resemble the Austrian Taurus. An addition.
Making phone calls on a German train - wait a minute!
by Friedhelm Weidelich
News agencies, TV stations and newspapers are reporting today what Deutsche Telekom and Deutsche Bahn have published as a press release: "By 2026 at the latest, there should no longer be any gaps in coverage along rail lines in long-distance and regional transport." This refers to mobile communications coverage on trains, which network operators and Deutsche Bahn have been working on since 2008 with little success. 16 years of moderated (not only transport policy) standstill in Germany thanks to the Merkel governments have turned one of the most important industrialized countries into a snail-like dawdler that foreign countries can only laugh at.
Read more … Making phone calls on a German train - wait a minute!
30 Years ICE
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Thirty years ago, on June 2, 1991, the ICE train service of the Deutsche Bundesbahn or Deutsche Bahn AG started with high-speed trains of class 401. Information and a large picture gallery with views from outside and inside.
A Saturday Afternoon at the Freight Line
by Friedhelm Weidelich
The freight line near Hanover always offers surprises. A picture gallery with 45 photos taken in storm, rain and sunshine.
The new ICE Train of Deutsche Bahn
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Yesterday, Deutsche Bahn announced an ICE order with Siemens. Because the press material said so, the journalists rushed at the radio-permeable windows and the bicycle compartments. But because an ICE 3 is not an ICE 3, hardly any media report was correct or was decorated with false pictures.
Weird Locomotive Design for Lovers
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Unusual, weird designs of locomotives, cars and multiple units are popular with model railroaders. Soon there will be a new darling of the public.
Extended travel time for compact dioramas
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Gauge 1 usually suffers from too long vehicles and too short tracks. But you can, strictly following the example of the DB Regio, extend the journey time with a trick. German TV satirical program Extra3 showed the method again yesterday.
Catenary Details
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Catenaries are very complicated to model. However, you should pay attention to details in a gauge 1 layout with overhead contact line that only become apparent at second glance.
A short Visit to Seebrugg in the Black Forest
by Friedhelm Weidelich
On the way to Mulhouse in Alsace I tried to photograph some vehicles of the Dreiseebahn in Seebrugg. The collection is interesting.
At the station you will also find relics of past times.
45 photos.
Sommerfeldt's Catenary for Gauge 1
by Friedhelm Weidelich
The new Sommerfeldt overhead contact line for gauge 1 should be somewhat simplified and inexpensive. How good are the components and how do you differ from the Wunder product range?
New Freight Car Samples from Modellbau Marcus Jaegers
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Modern locomotives need modern freight cars. MBJ Modellbau Jaegers has new colorful models under construction. Especially impressive is the detailed, 810 mm long carrier for 80 ft containers.
Read more … New Freight Car Samples from Modellbau Marcus Jaegers