25.12.06 at 12:09 hrs

Weekly Report No 321, CW 51

Last week we installed the first working platforms to enable work on the mountains. Just how much these platforms have to endure can be seen in this picture.Each platform can carry 200 kg which enables two persons to work and move on it.

In this foto one sees a briefing between Gerd, Soenke, Kai, and Harry. Where have the step-on platforms have to go in order to reach even the highest peak of the layout?

The working platforms will later be hooked onto these hangers which also allows to move the platform to various positions. This immensely facilitates work on the layout and also the light technicians have a means to rech the lampholders on the ceiling.

Of course we also continue work on the Swiss villages.

Here we see Bobby as he 'seeds' gras in order to give the models a natural look.

Looking at this house, one can see how we try to copy the prototype with all intricate details. Since such models are not available commercially, we will almost exclusively build these special structures into the new Swiss section.

Apart from the modelling, the wiring also is a big issue...

Even in such a fatiguing position as Lars is in in this picture, all turnouts, signals, and occupancy decoders have to wired.

One can barely believe it but the first train already runs in the new section. Even in spite of the fact that the diagram is not yet complete, test runs were started.

Now that the dual-gauge turnout is built in, it is tested for durability directly in the layout.

Yes, it moves! Our loco-lift made by Messrs. MÜT absolves a hard continous test since the last three weeks.

During the last three weeks this loco lift was lowered and heightened some 6,000 times without any flaw. For the future 'real' traffic, it is absolutely essential that the lift is positioned exactly at the given marks.

Trains don't really like it to rumble over a heel in the track since this would ineveitably lead to a capital crash...

Well, this was the last report for the year 2006. We hope that you had the as much fun as last year. We will be back with a new report the 02nd January, 2007. The complete team of the Miniatur Wunderland thanks everybody for the successful year 2006 and and whishes many happy returns :-)
NB: Harry, thanks again for the photo :-)!