If you started playing with your father’s Märklin trains at the age of three, then you were born into railroads. Not surprisingly, 42-year-old Harald works for the Austrian railroads. In 2009 he started his current model railroad, all about the Austrian “Semmeringbahn” and is recreated in detail.
The model layout, nearly four meters long and 1.2 meters deep, spreads across a room and part of the living room. In 2009, Harald began this project. “The model railroad is currently still under construction,” he explained. We see a model railroad where the shell of the layout is ready, including a station and shadow station. “But it can just be driven,” Harald stressed.
The controls are digital, with components from LenzDigital, LDT, Qdecoder, Joka and Zimo. The computer program Railware is used to control everything. We see exclusively Austrian equipment passing in the landscape. He proudly points out Roco’s electric ÖBB 1044-501. “Bought when it had been sitting unplayed in a display case for 30 years.
Not to be missed are the signals along the track. Completely self-made after Austrian example. Just like the catenary. “I really like that,” says Harald, “imitating reality as faithfully as possible.” When asked what he doesn’t like about this hobby, he immediately said, “cleaning my models and the layout itself.” Something many model railroaders will recognize.
The “Semmering” course is part of the Unesco heritage. From the start of the railroad’s construction in 1848, the railroad was intended to blend in with its surroundings. Resulting in a railroad with long bridges and lots of greenery. So we see that reflected on Harald’s model layout.
Therefore, the models of his favorite brands Fleischmann und Jägerndorfer run over long stretches. This creates exactly what Harald strives for, a realistic railroad layout, with viaducts and bridges of realistic length. A photogenic layout.
The layout was completely drawn out in a CAD (drawing) computer program.
Accessories and model trains are often purchased online. “At the lack of physical stores nearby,” he explains. Trade shows are always a great place to check out novelties and connect with other hobbyists.
For newcomers, he has another tip: “No one is born a model railroad expert, it is mainly a matter of continuing to practice until you achieve the desired result.” How Harald does that can be followed via his Instagram account. The extension of the shadow station and fitting all the turnouts with servo drives are the next challenges he will face.
More details and progress on the Semmering track can be followed on Instagram.
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