Important characteristics of these stations can be recognised in the plan. For example, all stations have three tracks. Track 1, the centre one, is the main road on which most trains are received. Track 2, at the station building side, is used for goods traffic. Track 3 can be used to receive a train when track 1 is occupied and, and this is also used for shunting. In addition, all stations mentioned have an engine shed used for locos staying overnight. This is necessary because some trains terminate at these stations. From several of the prototype stations once extensions were planned, only one of which materialised at Ruprechtshofen, although today (March 2001) Ruprechtshofen is in fact a terminus again. An extension was planned to the left of the station, and the right end of the layout would link up with a fiddle yard.
Some of the Fremo H0e standards were adopted in the design of the modular layout, such as a minimum radius of 70cms, and very slim 10° turnouts. This means that pointwork needed to be scratchbuilt. The first attempts were very promising, but I have yet to produce a really well working specimen. According to the Fremo standards, the track length in the station should be at least 100cms, but because the dimensions of the room do not allow this I had to compromise.
The design was meant for an early 1980s or mid 1990s service. Diesel as well as steam traction is possible in that age (the class 399 steam locos were never taken out of service officially, and could be found in daily service until the 1990s). With the limited rolling stock I owned at the time, conceivably Ybbstalbahn and Waldviertelbahn trains (green and ‘Jaffa' coaches), would meet Mariazellerbahn trains (‘Jaffa’ and brown coaches).
In the end this layout wasn't built at all, but I still like the theme. The water tower, engine shed, power station and station building were later re-used in Hollenstein.
More photos
