Virtual Railfan Tour - Miniatur Wunderland - Behind the Scenes

 

This was lunch on my first trip. We started at 0830 and literally didn't have time to stop as there was so much to see. We left saddened by thinking about the things we had not seen or absorbed thoroughly.

We invariably buy our entry in advance getting in as early as possible, (around 0800).  Even so it is difficult to be satisfied with just one day and on recent trips we have spent two full days here.  It is also possible to book a Behind the Scenes Tour, in English. It lasts for an hour and the guides are happy to answer our questions.

The tours start from the central control area

The tour allows us to see the exhibit from a different perspective. Some of the walkways are narrow and not very high. The kids have a distinct advantage here.

The shorter people have an advantage

Truck recharging point. Picture thanks to Martin Cobb

The trucks on the roadway system are battery powered.  When the system senses the battery needs recharging the vehicle is automatically routed to this charging system. The vehicle is routed into an open station where the wing mirrors make contact with the system to charge the battery. When charging is finished the vehicle is routed back onto the road system.

There is an impressive helix where we took a look at a magnetic coupling system.

"No dust is no solution" A large number of rail cleaning trains are run continuously


There is a large area set aside for model railway equipment repair and testing.

There was a plan to control the vessels using a mini GPS system but every time we were there the ships have been controlled manually by radio.



The behind the scenes tours give one an opportunity to view areas not readily seen by the regular public.






Preview of a new exhibit not yet ready for the public.

This excellent video was made during a Behind the Scenes Tour

Taking two full days here gives an opportunity for a coffee break

Even so a lager is required after a full hard day of model railroading.

Click here to see Paul's pictures and video taken behind the scenes

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