This is the first time I’ve ever seen this layout!?!? Does anyone know if it’s been covered in MR before??
[#wstupid]
I had always thought that if I could make only one pilgrimage in my lifetime to see a spectacular layout, it would be either the musuem in San Diego or Northlandz (in NJ I believe). After seeing this setup, however, I think I’d go to Hamburg, Germany before I’d go to either of those!! [;)] Holy crap!!
This setup is incredible. I mean I guess it all depends on what floats your boat, but you have to admit this layout is something to be behold. Myself, I really like the hi-tech direction that the hobby is taking with the DCC, computer automation, electroluminiscent lighting, etc. I love the “oohh’s” and the “awwhh’s” of animation, so I guess that is why I was so taken aback by this layout. The pics in MR really don’t do it enough justice. They could have easily filled 20 pages with great pictures.
You really need to go to http://www.miniatur-wunderland.de to get the full effect! They have hundreds of pics posted, and even some videos (in their online store they also sell 75-min. DVD’s of the layout, which I plan to purchase, if I can figure out whether they ship to the US…)[?]
One thing I really love about this setup is its use of the moving vehicles. They used a modified Faller system. All the cars are illuminated and the blinkers even work.
They now have a US section that features many things, including an incredible reproduction of Las Vegas with trams.
Sorry if I’m babbling but this layout is just incredible!! Or is it just me? [:D]
Got the February issue and was quite surprised. Nicely done! The animation (the cars especially) is a plus–and they don’t appear to detract from the real stars of the show–the trains! I’d still want to see Northlandz first though, given it’s proximity. Closer yet is the new train exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago.
Fabulous layout. If you buy the DVD’s be sure that they are in an American format. The one’s used in Europe are not interchangeable with those used in America. It would really be cool if someone in America did a comparable layout with American prototype.
My experience is that Northlandz does NOT appeal to model railroaders. It is geared toward the average person who thinks trains are “cute.” Stock Athearn cars and locos, no real detailing on the layout, simplistic scenery, etc., etc. It’s not great modelling, it’s just a LOT of RTR stuff.
MSI’s layout is better, as is the San Diego museum’s layout. Much more realistic (although MSI uses stock locos and rolling stock, too).
Thanks for the heads up. yeah, now that you mention it, I guess the pics I’ve seen of northlandz are somewhat non-prototypical. It’s probably just a place I’d visit if I happened to be in NJ…
I would like to see articles on the automobiles. I don’t know if I’d ever do something like that but I do find it fascinating. I would also like to see more information on their lighting that they use for daytime, dusk, night, and morning (which colors they use, placement of the lights, control, etc…) When I first opened the pages I wasn’t overly excited about a “foreign” layout with their “funny looking” engines, but I keep telling myself good modeling is good modeling. I’m sure our engines are “funny looking” to them. Anyway, the layout does have aspects that I’d like to see expanded upon.
I agree. I’ve never been crazy about european stuff either. I guess I just love what all they’ve done with the lighting and animation. I’d love to use these techniques on my own large layout someday. I’d like to know how this guy got these cars to basically act like the real thing! I know he used a modified Faller system somehow engineered for even “smarter” operation (i.e turn signals, police cars that actually pull people over, etc etc…)
Maybe so, but in my experience there’s always something worth seeing in any model RR or toy train display, and that a model railroader would enjoy.
If near NJ, I would go see Northlandz just to see Bruce Williams’ fanciful huge balsa bridges, if nothing else.[:0][:0]
BTW…I believe most of the Northlandz locomotives were Mantua.
New Jersey manufacturers such as Mantua, Atlas & MRC were semi-sponsors.
regards
Mike[:D]
Words fail me! I won’t even try! [:O] I can’t help thinking about the incredible amount of money that went into that layout, though.
Even though a layout like that is beyond our wildest dreams, there are a lot of techniques used there that could be used or adapted for us ordinary mortals to use in our layouts–animation, automobile lighting, etc., etc. Could the builders be persuaded to share their expertise with us on a simplified basis? It would make a good series of construction articles. How about it, MR?
…Bob
I respectfully disagree with you on this one, ACL. There may be much RTR stuff @ Northlandz, but I think any layout regardless of size or realism that can capture the attention and interest of someone thinking about getting into the hobby on a more in-depth basis is a good thing. We’ll probably never realize the number of people who have seen Northlandz in person and were inspired to head to a hobby shop to buy something, or even get pointers on getting started. That my friend is a very good thing indeed.[:)]
They want to make money so they invest more than 4 Million Euro in the center!!! The layout is open each day and the fee´s are not real cheap, they are okay!
Cars: There is in one German Firestation a RADIO CONTROLED H0 Firepumper !!! Great joke!
When someone is in Germany, he must visit this layout!!!
Sure Vic, sure! In a quaint, cluttered and decrepit way it certainly is.
OTOH it looks like the German crew is building a model instead of a caricature.
Then again looking at the Pueblo village for the US part, it is possible that they have seen some of Malcom’s handy work .[;)][}:)][}:)][:D][:o)]