"Miniature Wonderland" in Feb. 04 MR -- Most incredible layout ever??

[Anonymous]

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]

[fec153]

i'm drooling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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).

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ACL Fan

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...

[JDCoop]

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.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JDCoop

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..)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ACL Fan

My experience is that Northlandz does NOT appeal to model railroaders. It is geared toward the average person who thinks trains are "cute." .....

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]

[Seamonster]

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

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ACL Fan

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).

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.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Now this what you call a model railroad computer control system...

http://www.miniatur-wunderland.de/fotos/album/entwicklung/2003-43/013.jpg


looks like something from NASA...!

[Anonymous]

haven't got it yet.

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JDCoop

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.

Interestingly enough the European mags feature more animation projects than the NA mags.

As far as "funny looking engines" just think of your reaction the first time you saw a Camelback steamer or for that matter a BL2.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RhB_HJ

QUOTE: Originally posted by JDCoop

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.

Interestingly enough the European mags feature more animation projects than the NA mags.

As far as "funny looking engines" just think of your reaction the first time you saw a Camelback steamer or for that matter a BL2.

exactly what "european mags" are you talking about?
thx

[RhB_HJ]

MIBA, Eisenbahn-Magazin, Eisenbahn Amateur, Loki, Gartenbahn Profi to name the ones to come to mind right now.

[vsmith]

Furlow's layout was better....








Whats the old saying about fire and gasoline? He He He!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Seamonster

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

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!!!!!!

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

Furlow's layout was better....


Whats the old saying about fire and gasoline? He He He!!!

[:)][:)][;)][:)]

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)]

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have experience with the Faller system and how realistic it looks?

[krump]

after seeing that article, I QUIT !!! anyone for needlepoint?

wow, incredible, I'm drooling too...

[Anonymous]

Are there any free videos of this layout? Not to be a cheapskate, but I just want to see the vehicles move on a short clip. Is anyone planning on marketing these here in the states? (the videos, or the system of vehicle movement!)

It is AMAZING what they have accomplished, and I would gladly donate money to their layout.

I mean think about it, we buy books, videos, and Mags all the time! I would love to have this to show my wife and family why they lost real estate to my dream!

[Anonymous]

I thought it was awesome! How did they get all those cars to move by themselves? It was also cool the way the lights light up at night.

[Anonymous]

They did it by some sort of computer system. I hope in a few years we can do that on our layouts!!!

[Anonymous]

Yeah, Dougal! That'd be pretty cool! Next thing you know they'll have miniature planes that fly by themselves over the layout, and boats that move (if you have real water on your layout). I hope it won't be to complicated though, if DCC seemed confusing for me, I can't imagine how confusing that'd be![:D][:D][(-D][swg][swg][#wstupid]

[Anonymous]

Hi folks !
I'm a team member of the Miniature Wonderland layout and first of all like to thank you guys for the compliments (and the criticism, too).

As far as the moving cars go, however, I'm afraid, I have to disapoint you a bit: According to our CEOs, there won't be articles on the cars in the near future due to some administrative matters...

The principle is very easy and readily available from Messrs. Faller, since we use their Car System as a basis for our cars: a magnet under the front axle of each car guides it along a steel wire that is concealed in the street pavement. Each car is fitted with a motor, gear, and rechargeable battery; so no mysteries there. The magic comes on when our cars switch on their headlights or the "drivers" hit the brakes <:-))>. We also developed a nice piece of computer software to control the cars.

As far as the american part of our layout goes, we are about 30% ready and are still going on detailling it, as well as installing all the little gimmicks as sound and special effects. We certainly don't meet modelers' s standards but that's not our intention: since we run a show layout, compromises have to found between the striving modeler and the guest who wants to see "action" (and pays for that).

So far for today and if you got any questions : keep them coming!

Erhard
(Team Miniatur Wunderland)

[Anonymous]

I did some searching on the Faller Car System in Google. WOW!

OO and HO available. Including automatic loading onto flat cars!!!!

It is obvious that the Wonderland people have done a lot of modification to the system for all of the lighting, etc... But this has got to be one of the best kept secrets out there.

The system has been around since 1980. If I had found this sooner, I might have stayed in HO!

Here are some of the links:
http://www.reynaulds.com/faller/car_system.html
http://www.walford-arches.org.uk/print-faller.htm

and a "how to guide"
http://www.germanaircooled.com/mall/845.asp