If you notice my previous photos, you will see that the pedestrian tunnel is missing its ceiling. It was my intenton that this piece will be removable as I wanted to add lighting later and able to take it out … Continue reading Removable Pedestrian Tunnel Ceiling
In the Märklin Insider Group MIST-61, two passionate RailAdventure enthusiasts are actively involved. They own the complete collection of 3-rail models in 1:87 scale (H0 gauge) and came up with the fantastic idea of building a RailAdventure module. Last night, Peter and I presented the concept and construction plan for our MIST-61 x RailAdventure-Zughotel module at the group meeting. Peter, the master planner of MIST-61, created a highly accurate track layout based on an aerial image of the Zughotel in Braunschweig from Google Maps. After several rounds of discussion, we adjusted the track plan so that all modules would fit … Continue reading A Major Milestone: Final Concept and Construction Plan for MIST-61 x RailAdventure-Zughotel Module
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
Another exciting year will soon pass and another fresh year begins. I thought I take this opportunity to reflect on my H0 model railroading journey in year 2023 and a bit further back since 2022 when I first started, and … Continue reading germaN87AC Year 2023 in Review
I am happy to announce the release of the Märklin/Trix Timesaver setup and play manual in 5 languages. It took me and my team of volunteer translators 1 month to write and translate the adaptation of John Allen’s famous Timesaver switching puzzle for Märklin and Trix track systems. I published my initial idea for a Märklin Timesaver early January 2022 and called volunteers to translate them in German, French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. 4 responded immediately and we coordinated our works during evenings and weekends as well as from different time zones. My German translator Stefan Hervel lived in New … Continue reading Märklin/Trix Timesaver Setup and Play Manual in 5 Languages (DE/EN/ES/IT/NL)
I flipped through the Märklin Full Line catalog and could not find any C-track scissors crossing. Using SCARM software, I drew the four configurations for standard C-tracks and one for compact (slimmer) C-track turnout. Standard C-track Turnouts (24611 / 24612) Slim / Compact C-track Turnouts (24711 / 24712) Take note that you need to cut side of the embankments on the colored pieces 24064. Märklin recommends using 24071 in combination with these slim turnouts 24711/24712. Unfortunately, using the 24071 will cause a gap that could not be filled by other smaller straight pieces. Here is an example how different combinations … Continue reading Märklin/Trix Scissor Crossings
Update 06.04.22: I am pleased to announce the release of Märklin/Trix Timesaver Setup and Play manuals in 5 languages DE/EN/ES/IT/NL. Update 16.02.22: The launch has been delayed due to some ongoing clarifications. A new date will be announced. I did not expect that I will publish a Märklin/Trix Timesaver manuals in such a short period. The name “Timesaver” is not foreign to me as I have John Allen’s Nov. 1972 Model Railroader article of the same name for more than 10 years now. Back and even earlier, I was a US N-scale modeler, focusing on BNSF Galvestone Subdivision which I … Continue reading Countdown to Märklin/Trix Timesaver Manuals Launch
Model railway is not a cheap hobby but it does not take away the child in each of us who wants to see our layout grow to run more trains and in different direction too, instead of going in circle. After all, railway existed to carry people and goods from point A to point B and so on. I have two track extension plans, each capitalizing on the existing pieces of tracks and add a few more. Continue reading With Every Starter Set Comes The Next Expansion(s)
Whatever you want to call it – floor (dt. Boden), carpet (dt. Teppich) or parquet (dt. Parkett) layout, it provides an alternative to a typical “above ground level” layout – be it modular or non-modular, permanent or mobile. You basically set it up on the floor, run your trains and pack up at the end of the day. The track configuration can vary each time. The advent of snap tracks such as Märklin/Trix C-tracks, Roco geoLine, Roco-Line with bedding. Fleischmann Profi-Tracks, Atlas True-Tracks, Bachmann Trains E-Z tracks. Kato Unitrack, etc. AND wireless app-based throttles made it possible to setup such layout without … Continue reading Parkettbahn: An Alternative to Above-Ground Layouts
For those who know me, know that I am an N-scale and DCC modeler for many years. Moving to Märklin H0 and AC system may sound like I have “jumped ship” (figuratively). That is definitely not the case. When I decide to acquire my first German steam locomotive (I have a LNER Class A4 Mallard 4468 in OO-scale from Hornby), it was a conscious decision that it will be HO-scale (pronounced in German H0 (Ha-Null)) AND a Märklin. I am not giving up my dream to restart my N-scale layout germaN:160 “Somewhere in Germany”. My blog germaN:160 serves as my … Continue reading germaN:87AC has Sister Site germaN:160
germaN:87AC :: Steam Experience Across Germany 