Author: traiNmaster

After spending 35 years in Malaysia, I have decided to spend the other 35 years outside Malaysia. First stop, Germany!
Layout Planning & Construction, RailAdventureLeave a comment

Groundbreaking for MIST-61 RADVE Zughotel Module

traiNmaster

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 … Continue reading Groundbreaking for MIST-61 RADVE Zughotel Module

Product ReviewLeave a comment

Review: Märklin & Piko BR 218 497-6 DB FZI Cottbus Special Livery

traiNmaster

In Autumn 2021, Märklin and Piko announced the result of their joint project to produce Class (Baureihe) 218 497-6 DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung Cottbus in special livery. On one half of the diesel locomotive carries the Piko logo on a black blackground to symbolise the steam era and on the other half carries the Märklin logo on a white background to symbolise the modern Intercity livery. This special livery signifies the connection of DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung (DB Heavy Mainteinance) legacy as a repair shop for steam locomotives as well as its future as the latest ICE maintenance depot. Foto: Piko.de / Andreas Sitrl … Continue reading Review: Märklin & Piko BR 218 497-6 DB FZI Cottbus Special Livery

Product ReviewLeave a comment

Review: AK Real Colors Markers – A Game Changer in Painting

traiNmaster

What’s New? AK Interactive released their new REAL COLORS acrylic markers in July 2024. Todate, REAL COLORS paints are available as lacquer-based and in small jar format and now also in dropper bottle format. These initial 34 markers are acrylic-based, thus, no lacquer odour that you normally find with such markers e.g. whiteboard markers. What make these AK acrylic markers different from other acrylic markers? According to AK’s dossier and on the box below, it has matt finish, fast dry and waterproof. I tried Faber-Castell color markers (unfortunately they did not say if theirs are acrylic markers) on plastic and … Continue reading Review: AK Real Colors Markers – A Game Changer in Painting

Product Review, RailAdventureLeave a comment

Review: Dieselhydraulic Shunter BR 365 221-1 (Updated with Videos)

traiNmaster

My RailAdventure tractions continue to grow with the latest addition, a dieselhydraulic shunter BR 365 (formerly DB class V60). I am looking forward to putting it to work on the future MIST-61 RADVE Zughotel module. This model is from Piko and comes in 3 versions: 52970 (DC), 52971 (DCC Sound) and 52972 (AC Sound). The AC version is one of the first to carry the fits mfx® seal. According to Piko’s website and 2024 catalogs: Beginning this year (2024) all new PIKO AC sound models with PluX22 decoders will carry this seal. This Märklin seal can only be applied to digital decoders that … Continue reading Review: Dieselhydraulic Shunter BR 365 221-1 (Updated with Videos)

Loewenherz Railway ParkLeave a comment

Module 1a Receives Finishing Touches

traiNmaster

Small steps but bigger progress. Finally, I made some finishing touches on Module 1a (bottom half), which includes the ramp for the park railway and third exhibition plinth. The cobblestone pavement extends until the staircase, so that visitors may use those staircase to access to the exhibit and other part of the railway park. However, this does not prevent visitors from using the ramp if they want to walk on it. The park railway will of course have priortity and will travel up to slower speed 10km/h. I have covered the ramp with bird sand (dt. Vogelsand) and also between … Continue reading Module 1a Receives Finishing Touches