Loewenherz Railway Park Bad Niedrigsrode

Official signet of Bahnpark Löwenherz in Bad Niedrigsrode (de), Loewenherz Railway Park in Bad Niedrigsrode (en)

Welcome to Loewenherz Railway Park in Bad Niedrigsrode (fiction) at MIST-61. The name of the park and location comes from my last name “Low” (in German “niedrig”) It is a huge railway-themed park with permanent and revolving exhibitions for the whole family, of course for little and big railway fans too.

The Loewenherz Railway Park consists of 2 modules – Module 1a Plinth + Viewing Platform and Module 1b 2 Plinths + Park railway station stop.

Visualisation of Loewenherz Railway Park Bad Niedrigsrode by Jimmy Low (subject to change)

History

The Loewenherz Railway Park (or Bahnpark Löwenherz (BaLö) in German) is located in the beautiful and idyllic valley of Bad Niedrigsrode in Germany. During its heydays, Bad Niedrigsrode was an important transit point for long-distance travellers between north-east and south-west of Germany.

Today, ICE and regional trains still make stops at the Bf Bad Niedrigsrode station as Bad Niedrigsrode is one of the top spa-towns in Germany. Fresh mountain air, crystal clear water from the Nied mountain range flows through the city center and healing thermal spas on the outskirts make Bad Niedrigsrode an ideal vacation spot for all ages and interests all year round.

The idea for a railway-themed park was mooted in the late 1970s as steam locomotives were being phased out in favor of diesel and electric trains. Former city mayor Low, who was an ardent railway fan and photographer, proposed the setting up of a railway-themed park covering some 95 hectares, adjacent a world-famous thermal spa resort. Phased-out locomotives especially steam locomotives find a well-cared home in the park. Occasionally, locomotives and wagons on loan from other museums in Germany and overseas find a temporary spot in the park as revolving or special exhibitions.

In honor of the former mayor, the park was named “Bahnpark Loewenherz Bad Niedrigsrode” (en: Loewenherz Railway Park Bad Niedrigsrode) and was officially opened to the public on 25th June 1982.

Idea for a Module Theme

I have a few HO- and N-scale models that are sitting neatly on my book shelves. I thought of building 2 MIST-61 modules with the theme “Railway Park” , which will allow me to show my collections and for anyone to place their models on the plinths.

There is a wheelchair-friendly train-spotting platform near the main entrance to the railway park (on the visitor side of the module). Access to the rest of the park is via a pedestrian underpass.

A miniature park railway (in Z-scale) will circle the park and bring visitors to various locations. Part of this park railway track is shown on Module 1a and 1b. There is a station stop for a park railway on Module 1b.

Permanent and Revolving Exhibits

A series of exhibitions are planned:

  • Special exhibition “Railways at War” in June 2022. Märklin-initiated “Ukraine Hilfe (Help Ukraine) passenger car will be exhibited in June 2022.
  • Special exhibition “World Speed Record – Steam Locomotives” in planning.

Märklin donation car for peace in Europe. Type Bpmz 293.2 open seating car, 2nd class. Wagon company number 73 80 20-95 202-2 (Foto: Gebr. Märklin & Cie (c))

Dimensions

  • Total (L/W/H): 2160mm / 450mm / 150mm (total); 1080mm / 450mm / 150mm (each module)
  • Viewing Platform (L/W/H): 300mm / 30mm / 25mm with steps on either sides; lighted
  • 2-level Ramp (L/W/H): 280mm / 20mm / 12.5mm; 4.5% gradient to middle level, 260mm / 20mm / 25mm; 4.8% gradient to upper level
  • Pedestrian Tunnel (L/W/H): 290mm / 50mm / 40mm; lighted
  • Plinths (L/W/H): 300-320mm / 40-42mm / 13mm; track length 290-310mm (Roco flex track)

Subject to changes.

Quick References on The Making of Loewenherz Railway Park