One of Germany's finest and most famous and superb model railway with steam trains in HO scale

[@esg7790]

I'm blown away by all the detail .. from the trains to the scenery to the buildings .. even the grass looks real .. simply stunning!

[@Kevin15301]

Thanks for reviving my memories. I was an American MP in Germany from 1975-1977 based in Frankfurt. My job was to guard ammunition trains moving between Bremerhaven and Zeebrugge Belgium to US bases in SW Germany. Mostly on electric locomotives, but not always. Our 4 man crew would have an entire passenger car to our selves for an 8-10 day assignment. The display certainly captured the times. I did spend hundreds of hours sitting in various railway yards waiting to move to the next yard. However, I only ever saw a couple of steam trains, and I don't remember where, somewhere well off the normal route. Once, I was in a yard and it was extremely foggy. Out of the fog, came this huge steam beast. Also, there were times that when we would be on a siding and a Tee train would blow past and absolutely scare the ____ out of me. You didn't always see or hear them coming until they were on top of you. Most of all I remember how friendly and helpful the railway workers were to us. Thanks!

[@pilentum]

Hi Kevin! When you were in Germany, did you take pictures of the trains and locomotives?

[@Kevin15301]

I don't recall taking many train pictures. I did take pictures from the trains so I would imagine I took some.

[@charleschiccone3657]

The precision, flawlessness, realism, attention to detail, and beauty of this model railway is a lasting tribute to the men who created it. Thank you for letting me share the ride down the tracks. Truly outstanding.

[@ianmedium]

The way the grass has been applied adds at least 80% to the feeling your looking at real scenery, it’s incredible what a difference it makes!

[@martinroberts8469]

The skill and dedication of the constructors of these model railways is amazing! Not exactly train-spotting - but viewing these marvelous videos, I'm sure, brings out the 'young boy' (or 'girl' - not to be sexist!) in all of us, whatever our age. Thank you Pilentum!

[@pilentum]

Martin, that is absolutely right.

[@annetteelliott1494]

I find it fascinating.....

[@burleybater]

What grabs me about this presentation is that the emphasis is on the trains themselves, not necessarily all the accoutrements and non-train embellishments (buildings, villages, cities, landscaping, etc.) There is something so refreshing and clean, specific and easily identified - when the trains are the main focus and rise to the occasion. I find that this allows me to really take in, grasp, and study their reality, both historical (for the time represented) and physical - with far less distraction by other things. Overall (and I'm a big fan of model trains, having had a modest HO scale set as a kid) and also of the thousands upon thousands of model train videos on KZbin - there is something very soothing and easy on the senses, in this video. Well done!

[@kickthesky]

I love that one of the trains was hauling armored vehicles. As someone that was stationed in Germany with the United States Army and in an armor unit, we transported our vehicles across the entire country back and forth twice a year. Seeing the setting was 1975 that would be pretty accurate to see quite a bit of military traffic on the rails during the years of the cold war. I am sure it wasn't any different in East Germany at the time, either.

[@dantheman5745]

This is absolutely mesmorizing. When I was a kid, this is EXACTLY what my HO scale train set-up looked like....in my head. Sadly, it didn't actually come out looking like this. But it was still fun!

[@pilentum]

...and what's about your HO scale train set-up, today? Is it still in your head or did you build your layout?

[@dantheman5745]

@@pilentum My train set stopped working shortly after I got it. I was too young to know how to fix it, and even though I had 4 older siblings, nobody helped me figure out how to get it running again. So for most of my childhood, I played with a train set that didn't work. Then life happened and I have absolutely no idea whatever happened with my trains and buildings and all that went with them.

[@mikerice1970]

We all had that dream 👍😊

[@alanclarke3228]

Scale speed makes it so much more real! This layout is the finest! Thanks for the train ride!

[@NicolaMs007]

that speed trap was awesome, the van even had turn signals when moving off brake lights when stopping, wow that was awesome and the whole layout was awesome to watch, trully remarkable that did a fantastic job, making it all look real

For those who like trains, like me, this is fantastic and wonderful. Thank you very much.

[@franktuckwell196]

Thankgoodness for all concerned with this wonderful project, otherwise all would have been lost. Absolutely superb modelling.

[@robinred1851]

Everybody who's a railway modeler must see this in reality. I've seen several all over Europe bud this one is without doubt the top. Greetings from the Čech Republic.

[@andreavalenciatorres2001]

This model is beautiful for a detail in which many fail. Dedication to detail in the aging paint of railway cars, as well as in the aging of the structures that accompany railroad tracks. Nature grows as it would in reality exposed to the sun, the tracks reflect its use, with dark sand for its use. The colors of the buildings also reflect that reality. Those details really make the difference and make your contemplation a visual delight. Without forgetting all the infrastructure used with great success in the combination of its elements. That is of people of great sensitivity, and ability to observe the details that make everything. Congratulations to all those involved in achieving this beautiful railway model

[@jimroby2k]

This is magic. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is the best I’ve ever seen. Beautiful, and the scenery is so realistic. Thank you for providing the video with English audio. Outstanding.

[@tammowallinga5826]

Too bad the English audio does not match the standard of the outstanding workmanship on the layout.

[@robertkittredge823]

The track work is just plain stunning!! As is the entire layout and attention to detail. Especially loved the police car pulling over the speeding truck and the policeman popping up to write a ticket 😂😂😂 What a marvel of a model railroad.....BRAVO !!!

[@ronaldseto]

Although I have not had the good fortune to see this model railroad in person, but to only see it on a video, I have to say it is the most beautiful model railroad I have ever viewed. I especially view the track work as the most detailed I have ever seen. This is a testimony to the German idea of perfection in things big and small.

[@glennsaborosch4262]

This is phenomenal! I have never seen a more realistic HO, or any gauge diorama before. These guys really did their homework. Fantastic!!

[@daviddiehl197]

Best I've seen outside the US.

[@astsaft]

@@daviddiehl197 Have you visited the Miniaturwunderland in Hamburg? Maybe it is not realistic, but it's even more impressive!

[@TheDuke-vb9cq]

You've obviously have never been to Pendon (near Didcot UK) ! Pendon doesn't use commerical parts such as "HO" track. It handmakes EVERYTHING to EXACT scale. So even the track is made accurately with a gauge of 18.83mm between the rails. Indeed there is NO model railway on the planet of this size that comes close in precise detail. Not surprising as the main layout "The Vale of the White Horse " (set in the 1930's) is still not quite complete after FIFTY years of construction !!!! You can find PENDON on You tube, it is open to the public.

[@mauroniceforo282]

Wonderful layout with high level of details. I have visited it three times and it's always so fascinating. Trains move around at the correct speed and simulate the right traffic. I have seen around many layouts in Germany and abroad and this one remains my favorite!

[@sorrowandsufferin924]

If anyone is asking for the best model railway in Germany, it's either this or the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg... Absolutely gorgeous

[@pilentum]

...and what about Porsche's Traumwerk?

[@papperlapapp82]

@@pilentum No one knows

[@strontiumstargazer103]

I kept thinking that train would arrive at Oświęcim (Auschwitz) station.

[@devoncantrell3311]

I think with all fairness miniature Wunderland has every Layout beat pretty well.

[@Phototraum1]

​@@pilentum it is also great an fantastisch, it is nerby Rosenheim Bavaria

[@IIIgorS9]

With out a doubt the finest track work I have ever seen, amazing!!

[@davidshaw5979]

fantastic video very well presented, superbly narrated. Wonderful model. thanks for posting such a great layout. well done. All the very best to you. fantastisches Video sehr gut präsentiert, hervorragend erzählt. Wunderbares Modell. Vielen Dank für die Veröffentlichung eines so tollen Layouts. gut gemacht. Alles Gute für Sie.

[@whitedovetail]

I cannot get over the beauty and accuracy of all of the landscape. The grass and weeds that are close to the tracks are exact. Great video!!

[@Ablackring]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Did I mention BEAUTIFUL. I would love to ride on that train, if I were smaller.

[@HamsterWheelGaming]

I'm not even a huge fan of model trains, I'm just fascinated by how much time and effort went into making it so super realistic. Must have taken hundreds, maybe thousands of hours of hard work

[@robertkittredge823]

Hamsterwheel more like hundreds of THOUSANDS hours !!!

[@clockdva20]

Model Railway in Germany is a passion , there is a real love for all things train related . I have found that out since I have lived in Hamburg Germany . Lots of specialists shops for all things model train related and tons of books covering all aspects of the German rail network though the ages and video related. Stuff to . In news agents you will find a wall of magazines for model trains and real world trains . You find model train clubs all over the place , their a very good HO layout to be found inside the Hamburg History Musium modelled on the Station and lines around Harburg , Hamburg in the 70's but a lot smaller than this layout but still very impressive . On the other end of the scale there is the mind blowing Minitürwonderland the world biggest model Train layout smaller scale , that can not really be discribe without seeing it in person . These people are real enthusiasts who spend a lot of money on creating these fantastic scale layouts down to the smallest detail . Thanks for the video.

[@christiankleinfeld7635]

Über die Qualität dieser Anlage muss man nicht mehr viel sagen. Ich finde aber auch: es ist ein gut gemachter Film mit interessanten Informationen aus dem Off und endlich mal gute und passende Hintergrund-Musik. Der Macher ist offensichtlich ein Jazz-Fan. Am Anfang sieht man auch irgendwo eine Doppelgitarre. Weiter so !

[@harrye1626]

Wunderbar. Geschichtsbewusstsein plus enormes handwerkliches Geschick - mit einem fantastischen Ergebnis. Fühle mich in meine Kindheit zurückversetzt.

[@lilfil13]

Loved the part with the traffic cop popping out. Absolutely great modelbahn!

[@katsboy22]

When watching real trains you can kind of see the weight of the cars and the load being moved, the appeared lightness of the cars is the only thing for me that keeps this and all model trains from being immersing, that and the building of course . If these guys can't overcome that perception no one can. Excellent Work.

[@pmacedo6778]

Amazing! A beautiful way to spend 52 minutes! It is indeed a historical document of an era! Thank you very much!

[@raaghavgr1990]

The sheer scale of this model railway is astounding!

[@reineh3477]

Wow. I like the trains moving slow to make it more realistic and all the details. Everything looks so real

[@trueophannim4509]

I've been to Entertainment Junction in West Chester, Ohio, and the museum in Cincinnati, Ohio, but this is the best! The music is awesome as well!!! Thank you!

[@tovarischD]

Absolutely the most beautiful thing I've seen. It's like that train ride you always wanted to go on.

[@lifeisshortsomoveon1405]

Pure Happiness at every turn. This is such a wonderful layout well done. added to my bucket list.

[@deadlock1981]

"It's an artificial word", let me tell you something; all words are. Love the video and love visiting this place

[@yorkshirefazer]

thankyou for not cutting out the "beneath the scenery" shots. gives a good view of how things are build :)

[@patrickmurphy6775]

A beautiful layout. So nice to see it filmed without the public walking around it and creating background noise. Great job!

[@trevorgarner5803]

Absolutely superb in entirety, I only hope that one day that I have the pleasure to say that I have visited this fabulous layout, thank you for sharing this magnificent layout.

[@pilentum]

Trevor, thanks for watching!

[@bodoh.g.k5302]

Erstaunlich wirklichkeitsgetreue Anlage. Man kann wohl kaum erahnen, wie viel Arbeit das alles gekostet hat. Handwerklich fantastisch ausgeführt bis ins Detail. Ich erkenne die Deutsche Bundesbahn aus den 1970 sehr gut heraus. Vielen Dank an PILENTUM für das tolle Video.

[@pilentum]

Danke für das Lob!

[@behappyynot]

Fabulous video, never thought of scale speeds before, what a difference it makes, loved the incredible attention to detail on and off the track

[@charlesdavis7087]

Fantastic and wonderful. The only things I didn't like were the white walls and the music. Thanks for sharing.

[@Predikant]

Just an incomparable masterpiece, much like the video and commentary that captures it.

[@user-not-foe]

This is a real chef d'oeuvre! Thank you guys for quality and dedication!

[@jayblack6004]

Thank you very much for such dedication to details to which those of us who model this period on the other side of the Atlantic have scant access.

[@jasonoreilly2795]

My better half comes from Dippoldiswalde. Theres a lovely outdoor train model display running. Behind my fav store, Kaufland

[@eqeqeqe9547]

As a kid I always wanted a train set detailed like this! I would love to have one with landscapes and trees even today.

[@pilentum]

I guess, you are no longer a kid today. But what's stopping you from fulfilling your childhood dream, now?

[@ignacelakra6777]

Yes you are right 👍 I will

[@mariolondyn50]

One of some very very realistic model railway . Locomotives, wagons, rail infrastructure details and even trees, bushes, grass, meadows , farmland and factories . Respect .

[@Barbac62]

My Compliments to the People Who work behind the Scenes to keep this Railroad running.

[@streamofconsciousness5826]

What a fine and superb Title, I hope it makes you and your trains Famous. Very nice work. Takes me right back to 8 years old when my friends Father had a nice setup, it was big enough to have a little mountain and tunnel. I can smell it right now look at yours.

[@larrydee8859]

Excellent modelling masterpiece!!! Just Beautifully realistic, modeling engineering, and train operation!!! Great Work!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@gregorythomas333]

I love the realism of this model...even the chickens are moving and pecking the ground :)

[@Metal_89]

visiting germany has been on my bucketlist for years and years. now i have yet another reason to want to visit. hopefully one day i can afford to make the trip.

[@pilentum]

Yes, I would also like to visit some of the great model train exhibits in the US. But the travel costs are extremely high. But follow your idea to make a trip to Germany. Not today, not tomorrow, but someday.

[@craig5631]

I was fortunate enough to be able visit Miniatur Wunderland a few years back and was impressed beyond belief. I hope to return and visit this and others someday. If you are able to visit Portland, Oregon in the future--don't miss a visit to the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club (www.columbiagorgemodelrailroadclub.com/)--beautiful layout depicting the this area.

[@m110cruiser5]

Just perfect and this quiet mood of the landscape is amazing ! Gratulation an die Erbauer !

[@pilentum]

Thank you!

[@lowtech5530]

By far the best I've seen to date.

[@ModelRailwaysAndDioramas]

Absolutely stunning display! The Modellbundesbahn is truly a masterpiece of model railway craftsmanship. The historical accuracy and attention to detail in recreating the Ottbergen railway station and its surroundings as they were in 1975 are remarkable. It’s fascinating to hear about Karl Fischer’s passion and how his childhood memories inspired this incredible project. The dedication of 35,000 man-hours and the meticulous construction really shine through in the quality of the layout. The video footage is excellent, especially the cab rides which give a unique perspective on the layout. Can’t wait to visit this amazing exhibition in person next time I’m in Germany. Thanks for sharing this inspiring creation!

[@johnhirtle4300]

Fabulous! Makes me proud of my German heritage! Grass, trees and farm fields are really amazing!

[@xman6717]

I whole heartedly agree, with the heritage statement. I am thinking the same👍

[@m.m.898]

I was born near Ottbergen in 1963 and still know the train stations from my own experience. Only the Wehrden (Weser) train station is not 100% true to the original in terms of track layout and the train-station building. I also remember very clearly that at the level crossing in Bad Driburg (towards Ottbergen) a barrier was actually broken and was hanging in the air about 20cm above the railing. However, I think that it was the front barrier, on the signal box side, and not the rear one like in the model railway. It is very emotional for me to see this video and the train stations in their original condition. What's left of the (neutered) Ottbergen train station today hurts every train fan's heart. Thanks for filming...

[@ronnronn55]

I like that you run the trains slow enough that they look like real trains with a real load to pull. Also the directional lighting really enhances the realism of the scenery. Thanks. Would it be possible to put a camera from the point of view of a steam engine driver's window? Ronn

[@pilentum]

Unfortunately, I do not have such an extremely small camera.

[@libbyharrington7943]

Simply spectacular, words not enough. Thrilling to watch and appreciate the minute detail and perfection.

[@whawaii]

This is a perfect presentation of this wonderful historical project.

[@whawaii]

@Sen Se - Growing up in W. D-Land in the 70s, I remember the Class 44 coming by our house every once in a while. This setup is "genau" as I remember the DB back then.

[@smokencoffee7680]

This is an awesome presentation of a Model Railroad that is both a piece of history, and also a great hobby.

[@RobbieSongwriter]

Beautifully filmed. A brief shot of the track plan would have been a nice addition. Very much like the "moment in time" idea. Too many layouts try to incorporate equipment from too wide a time span, or too much real estate to get an authentic feel. Bravo, to the people that put this together. Thank you.

[@pilentum]

I am not sure, but on the website of the "Modellbundesbahn" there is a track plan as a PDF document.

[@tulyar1043]

Thank you for posting. I had been led to believe that this model railway had been dismantled. Now you have set the record straight. Well done. Now it can be enjoyed by everyone.

[@pilentum]

The model railway was closed in August 2017, and was reopened in May 2018.

[@robbleeker4777]

When I was little I loved playing my train set...I always imagined to have something like this...Trees, buildings etc.... You made my dream come true... How large is this whole build.. (true dimensions)

[@pilentum]

I guess, the size of the whole model railway layout is approx. 6 meters in the width and approx. 17 meters in the length.

[@robbleeker4777]

WOW... That is an impressive table you got there... Of course, a table this size would had never ever fitted in my bed room :-).....It looks like the display is in some kind of barn or warehouse

[@Mark_Dyer1]

Thank you for your wonderful posts. I have enjoyed many of them. Vielen hertzlichen dank!

[@mebrurekokturk2756]

A real visual festival free of charge ; deepest thanks 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💛💙💚💜💖Can Köktürk .

[@williamsantangelo]

Most excellent layout photography and narrative Thank You Billy Santangelo L.I. N.Y.USA

[@waggywaagg719]

This is simply amazing. Hands down. I wish I had a room and skill to build something like this

[@defiant18]

i love how the brick wall of the building blends with the theme of the track.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

This is outstanding and the narration is essential to get the best out of it, well done :)

[@karstenlehmann13595]

Wa mir an der Anlage so gut gefällt, ist, dass sie sich auf Dampf und Diesel beschränkt haben. Sehr stimmig insgesamt! 👍

[@ExtraLeben]

We germans are obsessed with Model Railways XD .. awesome layout :) its not far from my new home .. need to check the accuracy :D :P .. But i wonder, who gives a thumbs down on such a great video ?

[@misttymylo8304]

Could someone tell me what typ of camera was used to video this layout ?

[@bernarddemski5317]

Watching from Syracuse NY. Wow!!!! What an amazing job. Thank you so much for sharing !! WOW !!!!

[@bdd5748]

German huh. This is like the Mercedes-Benz of model railroading would love to be there in person to witness Railway. Fantastic work.

[@thomasromano9321]

a little Boz Skaggs music never hurts to accompany some great footage of terrific model railroading!

[@gro618]

Super makieta. Perfekcyjna modelarska robota. Film bardzo dobrze pokazuje, precyzję odwzorowania realnej rzeczywistości. Momentami wkracza się autentyczny świat kolei. Jestem pełen podziwu dla budowniczych tej makiety . Wielkie gratulacje i wielkie brawa.

[@pilentum]

Dziękuję za ten komentarz ... z pozdrowieniami dla Polski!

[@001davem]

This is the kind of stuff that inspired me to start model railroading. Gorgeous layout!

[@elnabjelland-hughes8172]

Beautiful layout 😁💕 Fantastic video thank you for sharing.😁💕

[@pilentum]

Thank you.

[@nairobi203]

Absolutely fantastic. One of the best videos of this kind I have seen so far. As soon as Corona is over, I definitely will pay this place a visit.

[@inthelionsden4772]

Love these videos. I just wish you'd show an overview/wide angle of the whole layouts. No idea what it looks like!!

[@bewseybill3691]

Fantastic model railway. The attention to detail, is second to non. Thanks for the English narrative. You really didn't the English subtitles.

[@kathyragsdale332]

What is this train worth

[@jackperson3626]

Thanks!

[@pilentum]

Thank you very much, Jack!

[@tonysshadow]

Absolutely amazing detail. especially the landscaping....every bush,tree and even weeds. I dont think I could see any two items that were the same.

[@AlbertaDMode]

Just OUTSTANDING attention to detail! Absolutely mind-blowing!

[@RozzmanLists]

A truely beautiful layout. And a fantastic inspiration for any EEP expert.

[@brianlove6506]

Bravo on both the details and the presentation. Only now do I realize just how fast the trains are when I view other fine displays. Indeed, they are often too fast.

[@markschumacher5728]

Incredible landscapes, incredible everything!

[@SeabreezeStation]

Great video. For the cab ride shots, I prefer seeing the locomotive windscreen and pillars in view. A driver sitting/standing there even better. Makes it feel like your actually in the drivers seat.

[@qqleq]

The pronunciation of the Germenglish is sooooo funny, love it!

[@pilentum]

I am practicing :-)

[@johnjennison2118]

It's a lot better than my Eng German!

[@jackmorrison7379]

I had no problem understanding the channel host. Bravo to him for attempting to speak English, and done well overall. It was much better than the average non-German speaks that country's language.

[@algoy001]

Where is the sense in it to make this in english?

[@mrebholz]

algoy001 Outreach. There are many more people interested in this than German speaking.

[@rohanshivadekar]

Excellent. The detailing is very good. The angles on the curves are noticeable which is very very minute work.

[@cricketbat09]

An incredible model railway. Such fine detail.

[@davidhewson8605]

Mesmerizing . Even proper chairs for guests to sit . I visited Germany late 60s early 70s , Mannheim and Heidelburg areas . Treated well by my German friends . Skitze one of the first words I learned , as was versicherung ! . ❤🎉 Danke und krussgot . Dave

[@etagsibuna]

Probably the most accurate modeled railway I've seen. Trains running at correct scale speed does make a huge difference. Only thing that could be better would be correct signal aspects.

[@pilentum]

The faulty signals were caused by the move. From August 2017 to June 2018, the model railway team of the "Modellbundesbahn" was busy moving from the old location to the new location. Unfortunately, damage has happened, which will be repaired in the next few weeks.

[@etagsibuna]

Sorry to hear that. I imagine getting the correct aspects on both vorsignale and hauptsignale was very hard work originally.

[@Jonathantuba]

Looks very well done. I went to Germany at this period in the 1970’s as a teenager to see the last steam locomotives, so this brings back memories from my youth. I will visit when next in that part of Germany.

[@ajo3085]

Even allowing for the fact that I am not a fan of steam or European railways, that just might be the finest layout I've yet seen. The attention to detail and realism is breath taking.

[@ottmarsimon9817]

Sehr schöne Anlage!

[@arbjful]

Absolutely incredible detailing here....this is a labour of love....

[@PiotrMiecznikowski]

Absolutely insane. I had to pause a few times to take a better look at the details and it borders on ridiculous. Each tree, house, lawn and other items are perfect. Even the tracks have that familiar discoloration from old fashioned toilets. What a great build. Is this something you can visit?

[@pilentum]

Yes, you can visit. Just search the Internet for MODELLBUNDESBAHN.

[@PiotrMiecznikowski]

@@pilentum Thank you very much. I could watch this all day. It's almost hypnotic. 😍 It's going on my "visit before I die" list.

[@ferdinandkoenig11]

Thank you so much! Danke schön, wundervolles Video!

[@VanRijn4K]

Ein Wunder ! Danke schön für dieses Video.

[@viorelgrigore6139]

Excellent.Bravo a toute l’équipe.Meilleurs salutations de France.

[@trainfan-ks5hk]

I agree with Herbert thank you for sharing this video. Cheers from America

[@rebecaguedes2914]

Eu...

[@rebecaguedes2914]

Udgbxnuhrv

[@rebecaguedes2914]

Chucrute