After months of track planning with Peter and acquiring 75% of the needed Märklin C-tracks and turnouts, the official groundbreaking ceremony for the MIST-61 RADVE Zughotel module begins. The 3 managing directors of RailAdventure were invited for the groundbreaking in Braunschweig, which signals the construction of the 4.5 by 0.65 meter module that make up of 4 segments.

Initial Test Tracks Assembled and Spot Checks Carried Out

A compact version of the track layout were assembled to check the length and the spacing between tracks. For a 4.5 meter long module, it takes up the whole length of my living room plus extra on the enclosed balcony. Each segment will be 1.13 meter long for ease of transport and carrying.

If you noticed that I was not wearing sock on my right foot due to injury. I took off the ankle bandage 😀

There is a sufficient gap between these two tracks – the track with Dmz wagons will be in the repair shop and the one below, a staging track next to the main lines. The side wall of the repair shop should be roughly where I am pointing. You can see the layout plan as well as the screenshot from Google Map of that location.

The next location that I wanted to check is the space for signalling tower Braunschweig Hbf Ba as pointed below. Again, there is sufficent space although I am still seaching for the appropriate kit from Faller or Auhagen. I might not be able to fully model the signalling tower on the module, unless Peter and I decide to make an optional shorter module. Again, you can see the position of the tower on Google Map.

After my 3-week summer break, I will start buying the rest of the tracks, test track arrangements and confirm the length of Segment 1 and 4. These 2 segments are a challenge due to the track arrangements. They would be more or less than 113cm. I was advised to confirm the length first before buying the wood board. Segment 2 and 3 are exactly 113cm long.

I hope this will give you an idea of the module, which I hope to be ready for the Q1/2025 MIST-61 operating session in mid-February. You can follow my progress here.