For many years, the Model Railway Club Alkmaar and the Modellbaufreunde Darmstadt have had friendly contacts with each other. At least 1 time a year, the Model Railway friends meet. Especially during the annual Bahnwelttagen in Darmstadt, the Alkmaarders can be found in our German sister city and provide a varied and interesting model railway with detailed execution of stations in Alkmaar or surroundings that they proudly present to visitors. So also last september. From 20 to 24 september they were in Darmstadt.
The visit of members of the Model Spoorclub Alkmaar should take place on the occasion of the annual Dampflokfest. After arrangements and hotel charges were made for the 5-day stay, word came that no permit had been granted for the event. This was partly because Deutsche Bahn has reclaimed a large part of the yard in order to realize a car wash for the ICE trains there. As a result, the museum had to remove the trainsets that have yet to be renovated. As a result, there was no possibility to continue Dampflokfest.
Antique pocket watch
Now that everyone had started the big cleaning job, the members of the MSA decided to give the Model Railway of the Darmstadt station, which was built in 2014 by the Alkmaarders after the situation of 1846, a (much-needed) refurbishment by making all parts dust-free again. A voluminous and accurate job, which was received with great gratitude. The MSA also donated an antique pocket watch to the museum, matching the new uniform exhibition.
Unfortunately, the trip with the historic steam tram scheduled for Sunday was not possible because Armin Schmitt, the stoker of this steam locomotive, was not allowed to work due to eye surgery. However, we spent a pleasant evening with him and other friends from Darmstadt.
English (UK)