Review: E-Loco NS 9902 “Oldenzaal” in Children’s Book “Tommie en Tess” Livery

Beginning of the year, Railcolor reported a collaboration between Rail Magazine, Railexperts BV, a majority-owned company of RailAdventure and Roco to produce an exclusive model ex-NS 9902 “Oldenzaal” in the special children’s book “Tommie en Tess” livery. Roco announced that … Continue reading Review: E-Loco NS 9902 “Oldenzaal” in Children’s Book “Tommie en Tess” Livery

A Major Milestone: Final Concept and Construction Plan for MIST-61 x RailAdventure-Zughotel Module

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

Review: Roco Reihe 2016 902-5 RADVE Austrian Hercules

HERCULES!, HERCULES, HERCULES! (or is that you, Arnold?!) When I first saw the RailAdventure Hercules at a siding in Dresden central railway station last year, I immediately felt in love with the appearance. No words could describe the design. I wanted to repaint an existing Hercules model into RailAdventure livery when Roco announced late last year that they will be making one. GOOD JOB, Roco! This saved me a lot of efforts. This Roco RADVE-Hercules is my 3rd locomotive model from Roco and I am very happy with the crispy printing, fine details, sound and running characteristics. Overall Impressions of … Continue reading Review: Roco Reihe 2016 902-5 RADVE Austrian Hercules

Groundbreaking for MIST-61 RADVE 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

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

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)

Fixing the Missing Front Coupling on RailAdventure HST Class 43

RailAdventure HST Class 43 power cars work in pairs, usually coupled together at headend of the consist when working as special transfers but also on either end of a passenger consist as seen recently pulling 9 ex-Cross Country (XC) MK3 coaches. Foto: Roger Salter, Taunton Trains Hornby’s RailAdventure HST Class 43 Hornby produced a beautiful twin set RailAdventure HST Class 43 as part of their “Trains for the Collectors” collection. HST 434 80 is motorised and DCC-ready while 434 84 is a dummy i.e. unmotorised. The printing on the models are sharp and clear … but with obvious error. The … Continue reading Fixing the Missing Front Coupling on RailAdventure HST Class 43

RailAdventure Fleet Fitted with Hornby Magnetic Buckeye Couplers

After a successful test, all my current and future RailAdventure rolling stock will be fitted with Hornby magnetic buckeye couplers (Art. R7398). These magnetic couplers simplify the coupling and decoupling of rolling stock with a “click” action. The first running test will be held on 24th and 25th February at Märklin Insider Stammtisch MIST-61 Q1/2024 operating session. Stay tuned for more photos and videos. Continue reading RailAdventure Fleet Fitted with Hornby Magnetic Buckeye Couplers