Charlie, Absolutely spectacular !!

I think it is actually a tool for plotting a world take-over by the german government....
Ok, just kidding, That is frekin' AWESOME!!! I wish I could see it. Beautiful work.

I don't know how I missed this place when I was in Hamburg. Ironically, passenger trains no longer come to Vegas. The last one was in 1995, I think.

Miniature suicide, whore houses ok. WTF is the upside down white house about? Im gonna make drawing of buckingham palace on fire. That actually annoys me.

The upside down house looks like the tourist attractions in TN and FL called wonderworks.

http://www.wonderworksonline.com/

The carbon footprint of this whole project is probably single-handedly responsible for global warming & those responsible must be killed! Aww- what am I saying, this is cool & I hope it gives Al Gore a hemroid!

Too bad my 10 hour layover is in Frankfurt instead of Hamburg, I would love to see this! It's quite intimidating, especially for someone just beginning to put a mini-landscape together for a mini-train. I have lots to do, I see!

Astounding!

The upside-down White House is obviously a political statement. I wonder how they parodied the teensy little Treblenka with its hundreds of little cattle cars.

Hello from Germany! Thx very mutch for this wonderful article Charlie! If you want to see some more, you´ll find some very nice cabrides on our youtube-channel: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=40965FDA85B46B78

Really cool setup they have there. Would be cool to see it in person too :)
Btw, Buckingham palace is in the UK, not Germany. I don't see any intelligent connection there, as if the UK queen has any political power Hamburg or Germany.

Okay, I thought for a moment that I was listening to a Monty Python sketch.

Absolutely amazing stuff.

Check out www.Northlandz.com. In Flemington NJ, it has been around for years, with over 8 miles of track.

It looks like my plywood central needs some work.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. My layout is micro-micro comparitively. Hope I get a chance to visit this monster before I get too old to travel.

The upside down house is a very common motif throughout the world. You can find them in Japan, in the U.S. and Europe. Given that this one has palm trees, and is more a less a virtual replica of the upside down house in orlando (see: http://sworlandoblog.com/2008/03/06/dude-i-think-that-house-is-upside-down-man/) I think it's pretty unlikely a political statement is being made. Please ignore the crazy American right wing weirdos who wrote in to try and politicize everything. Dudes, (and dudettes, but I think most of you wingnuts are dudes) howzabout you just cool out and enjoy this fabulous space.

The only thing more amazing is the country itself.

WTF "eternally snow covered Sweden" Don't they do any research?

that was really cool!

WOW.Even in miniature,Europe is far ahead of us.We DO have good things going on now,so lookout.Fabulous!!

'Please ignore the crazy American right wing weirdos who wrote in to try and politicize everything. Dudes, (and dudettes, but I think most of you wingnuts are dudes) howzabout you just cool out and enjoy this fabulous space.'

Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black!

Truly Amazing! :)

"rick" is right, not everything is, or has to be political, just relax and enjoy the show. we're not going to take over the world while your back is turned.

Absolutely "fabulous"... BTW, are they really "right-wing"???...maybe "center"... maybe "leftwing"??? hahaha... who cares - some folks just have no Life of their own... Just enjoy what you see... you'll have more FUN in your Life!!!

the biggest I have ever see.

Are the cars metal or plastic? Is the roadbed plaster of paris or rubber? It is a work of the heart. I appreciate the conviction of the builders and the resulting views. May I offer a "WELL DONE".

Nope Rick, Caphill is just telling you and the rest of the right-wing nutjobs to take a chill and enjoy the display.

It can be hard going through life with reading comprehension issues, so we'll cut you some slack.

OMG! I love this! I just wish they would have had it up and running when we were stationed in Germany in the early 90's. I have got to come up with money for passports and trip for my five grandchildren, so they can see it and I can hear their ooh's and ahh's! Thank you for posting this, it really made my day!

What a fantastic exhibition it justs makes you want to get over and see it for real and experence the whole thing. I will defenitly be looking to visit another wonder of the world.

The layout is very well done and a real plus for the people who created the idea and delicate work. I hope to see it in the near future. I wonder if the airliners will actually takeoff and land? I would bet they will! Is there a full length video available for purchase?

Paul Fulks USA

marvellous. So good, I've put a link on my website to cover this impressive masterpiece. Wunderbar & congratulations to all concerned.

Jon Walton Brisbane Australia

Great but not one brewery in the whole set up.

the upside down house is actually part of a real Florida theme park...

Stop at 2:36 to see three topless sunbathers on the beach!

One more reason to visit Germany.Absolutely fantastic

I wish I was alittle tiny person and go on vacation in that world.

This is simply amazing. The last giant train set that I saw was in Chicago at the Museum of science and Industry when I was a kid. It was no where as big as this. I would love to see this in person, Especially after they complete the airport section. This makes my little 4/8 set look rather puny.

WOW...Amazing... such detail and actions... I have never seen anything like this, I have to go to Germany now.

Fantastic !!!!
I have dial-up. Do you have DVD's one can get or buy ??
Dietrich

we are interested

What a wonderland...Love the novelty and the
great "adventure" I had just watching!

How great to know about this now. We are on our way to Germany in 7 weeks. Model railroader!

Sencillamente increible y maravilloso. Felicidades a quienes intervinieron en esta creación.-6r99ur

Wow I am blown away. This was amazing to watch. What a beautiful train display. We certainly do not have anything like that here in the States.
I felt like I was going through the world on a train. Very excellent. Thank you for sharing with us .

that was good

Absolutely amazing. Would love to see it if I ever get to Germany again.

Looks fantastic - would love to see it, but don't know if I'll ever get back to Germany.

Sir,
I need more information about Miniatur Wunderland.
Please send me a brochure showing: address, dates open, times open and fees.
I do plan to visit Germany, soon.
I will share this information with my fellow model railroad club members.
Your prompt response will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
James Osbaldistone Campbell

This was wonderful. I would love to see in person.

Wow....just.....wow.

this project looks awsom. I would like to visit when in the area.

its great

truely amazing,reading the comments I am surprised that viewers are taking everything Literally,It is a work of fun, not political,and as for Sweden being the land of eternal snow- it is in the clip (why do commentators have to take offence at the makers work of genius.Love to see it in person.

Fantastic lay out, was an old steam days railroader for 24 years, B&O railroad u.s.a. Ohio

What a wonderful exhibit. I'm so amazed at the entire project and the dedication to create it. If I ever get to Germany this will be my first stop. Thanks to all of you who have and will participate in creating this exhibit. A true work of love!

I would like to visit! I have seen the HO models.

You folks did it up right.

Bill 4/4/09

Great layout, impressive amount of work and creativity involved. Congratulations to all involved! I'd love to see the day-night light effects.

For those few interested, the "Upside Down White House" is an odd tourist attraction at Wisconsin Dells, WI (USA), bearing a passing similarity to the model here. Google it if you really need to know.

If you love model trains, THIS IS THE PLACE! You must view it many times to just begin seeing all the detail.

There is a similar railroad lay out in a rather large building, located in Pennsylvania on rt 22 near Allentown. It is called "Roadside America" and is well worht the visit.

dude this thing is frickin awsome !!!! :)

Hi, for all who are interested: the official homepage of the model railway with more videos, information, etc:
http://www.miniatur-wunderland.de/
You can also choose the English language there.
Greets,
Dan

The Rev. Berges had a set up but it wasn't quite this large right Judy.Oh to be young again.

I'm very impressed!! This is simply one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! I would like to spend an entire day there and see every last detail. They didn't mention how much it cost to visit, or how much money it cost (is costing) to do this extraordinary marvel. I'm sure there were many engineers and workers building and maintaining this ongoing project. I'm VERY impressed!

This is very good and should be available on the internet for years to come to give new modelers something to make them want to build a good system.

All I can say is, wow!

How absolutely fantastic. Almost everyman's and every child's dream

I sent this to the editor of the Brooklyn N-Scale Model Train Club to put in our monthly newsletter. It's amazing what Model Train Hobbyists with imagination, determination and a lot of money can do.

Absolutely fantastic! I was especially impressed with the control room scenes which showed the depth of the project. What a "job" that would be - playing with "toy trains" all day! The EXTRAS make it all that much more compelling to watch the clip several times in order to get the Full Monty. I want to go see it in person!!!!!

What can I say but....AMAZING! Man, I'd love to see this this thing but sadly :-( I'm too old to even think of visiting Europe. I knew I should have gone to Germany years ago when I had the chance. Lots of other things to see and lots of bier to drink too.

I would hope a longer, more detailed video of this "Wonder of the World" will be released on the Net. It would be worth it to watch a 2 hour special on the Discovery or Science Channel. for those of us who will never make it in person.

Really cool, so life like and German.
Loved the crematoriums!!!!!!

What a wonderful undertaking. You all should be congratulated for your craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication. If I ever get to Germany, again, I will certainly visit Hamburg and the Wunderbar RR Dankeschoen

Although I haven't been there yet (to either one!), Northlandz in Flemington, NJ advertises over 52,000 sq. ft and 8+ miles of HO track! Don't know how many trains, locos, cars etc. they have, but it would seem they are 'physically' larger. Hope to visit them both - 'Bucket List items!

Interesting to note the "cultural" comments.
I'd agree that the upside-down "White House" is more reminicent of buildings in San Juan, PR and other places than the actual mansion on Pennsylvania Ave. As someone who grew up and was educated in Europe however, I would note the rampant anti -Americanism that permeates much of Europe (and the US for that matter). It would certainly NOT be out of character for some wannabe "pundit" to attempt a "statement", even in the context of a model RR. Nor would it take only "right-wing weirdos" to apprehend such a "statement"; being merely conscious being would probably suffice.
All that said, this IS a triumph of sorts, some of the more interesting aspects being its size (and the fact that it is planned to double!), the clever electronics, its verisimilitude, etc. Definitely a destination point on the way to the Gasthaus (Stab). Zwei Weisse, bitte.

wow wow wow my train village pales in comparison\
but it is mine after all

Fabulous !!! I was in Hamburg in 1997 for a month and somehow MISSED this exhibit. Maybe it was under construction ? I hope everyone who sees this video will appreciate the man hours, the cost and the vision of the creators !!!

1.)Passenger trains do still go to Vegas the LA run. 2.) Women of discretion is legal in some US States.
And most of all this is just plan AWESOME go Germany.......

QUOTE thestranger 03/23/09 "Miniature suicide, whore houses ok. WTF is the upside down white house about? Im gonna make drawing of buckingham palace on fire. That actually annoys me"t

WTF has Buckingham Palace (England) got to do with he upside down white house! in Hamburg, .Germany ????

A totaly believable project of perfection unmatched in scale and inginuety. Only the Germans could pull off this detail and precision. Here in America we make donuts.

A totaly believable project of perfection unmatched in scale and inginuety. Only the Germans could pull off this detail and precision. Here in America we make donuts.

I am from Germany but living in the US for many, many years. This is an unbelievable accomplishment and I have to say it makes me proud! Super-duper! Thank you!

What's that going on at 2:46?

Now- if we could only shrink real people to this Wunder size, do you realize how long a hot dog would take to consume? A meal for at least six months!

I thought that I was doing great having eight trains going at one time. LOL. There are not sufficient words to compliment the people responsible for this great accomplishment -- and they're not done yet! WOW!!!

"Houses with the bad reputation" bwahahahaahahaaaaaaaaahahahahaaha.

Our white house does not have palm trees in front of it...I am sure this was made to represent a hurricane district or such. This is absolutely beautiful and I wish I could see this place.

I've seen a lot of GREAT layouts! This may, arguably, be the best?...check out (and while away the rest of the day playing trains:

http://www.sdmrrc.org/

http://www.roadsideamericainc.com/

http://www.miniatur-wunderland.de/

http://www.northlandz.com/stats.html

That is awesome, BUUUUT it kinda makes you wonder how much this all costs in terms of today's economy? And also if it just took 1 person to design or a whole team? I also agree it is JUST FRIGGIN' AWESOME!!! Wish I knew how to build a layout like that and have the time and effort to put into it....

Fantastic! What pleasure you have provided for young and old. Such a great hobby that has been pushed to the MAX! Will have to see when I travel to Germany from the USA.
Thanks! JJ

It was AMAZING!!!!!!! I loved it! Cool! I've been modeling for only 2 years (I'm 7). Gives me some great things to work for.

As someone who has been involved in model trains his whole life I must say this is the most wonderful and well planned layout I have ever seen. I will definately save up to go to Hamburg one day to see it in real life.

To those working on this masterpiece great job and I want to personally thank you for bringing people the joy it creates to look and interact with this layout. You all are most wonderfully talented and giving. THANK YOU!

As someone who has been involved in model trains his whole life I must say this is the most wonderful and well planned layout I have ever seen. I will definately save up to go to Hamburg one day to see it in real life.

To those working on this masterpiece great job and I want to personally thank you for bringing people the joy it creates to look and interact with this layout. You all are most wonderfully talented and giving. THANK YOU!

MAKES ME WANT TO SELL MY TRAINS AND BOOK A TRIP TO HAMBURG! VERY COOL!
Such dedication to detail. So much more than just a train layout! Planes, boats, trains, trucks - this has it all and then some!!!!!Thanks for sharing!

I enjoy riding the railroad and this is great. MEL

cool...i guess

The pics. were great!! But the video didn't work.

One of the most wonderful miniature set-up's I've ever seen. Amazing and beautifully arranged!!!!
Thank-you Dick Pillsbury, Missouri,USA

THIS IS WUNDERBAR: IF I COULD ONLY WATCH IT WITHOUT STOP AND GO

Absolutely wonderful video but i am sure that it does not do the real layout justice.

Only in Germany!

Too bad they had to spoil it with red light districts and people making out. Can't anything be kept innocent anymore?

Too bad they had to spoil it with red light districts and people making out. Can't anything be kept innocent anymore?

It's amazing that they can do this. In light of the condition of the world with global warming, homless, war, poverty, and hunger, why can't we do what needs to be done to end that misery? Then we could build an automated world of how it used to be.

It's amazing that they can do this. In light of the condition of the world with global warming, homless, war, poverty, and hunger, why can't we do what needs to be done to end that misery? Then we could build an automated world of how it used to be.

It's amazing that they can do this. In light of the condition of the world with global warming, homless, war, poverty, and hunger, why can't we do what needs to be done to end that misery? Then we could build an automated world of how it used to be.

TRUELY AMAZING!!!!!!!

Michelle et al:
If you wish to change the world, BE that change. It's far more useful than criticising others who are, in fact, making the world a better and more enjoyable place.
FYI, the "carbon footprint" of the Wunderland is lost in the noise of those who come to view it. The entire energy demand for the operation is roughly equivalent to that of one to three cinema plexes (multi-screeen theatres).

Your photo gallery implementation is awful. Hire a high-school kid to make you a better one that doesn't reload the whole freaking page every time you click "next."

Shut up all you negative people!! Get A Life!! Enjoy true art and craftsmanship! This is AWESOME!!!

Estupendo, maravilloso, fabuloso, genial, impresionante, AAAA++++

This is utterly amazing! Who thought of this?
I wish that I traveled I would love to see this amazing workof art!

I think this is fabulous and shows real creativity and workmanship!! They mentioned there are ~ 200 people who work on keeping this running. I think I'll apply for a job!! :)

I hope they find out who killed the little guy in the river....... its no small crime.

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Patricia

http://lioneltrains.info

Can those in wheel chairs access the many floors and displays?

As a life-long model railroader, I can attest that this is just what they call it; a Miniature Wonderland (as in Alice?), but it is NOT a true 'Model Railroad'. Why? Because there is no focus on TRAINS. The scope is on Everything; All manner of transport, some forms of re-creating actuality, but just as much in imagineering fantasy; too many areas connected that aren't in reality. This is simply a gigantic DISPLAY for viewing, not for the interaction of humans and train operation, the way a railroad is actually run. Computers run everything around and around.... this isn't much more than the circle about the Christmas tree on a humongous scale. Model railroaders have a destination with their trains... a circle has none. It is, with no doubt, well executed and massive, but advertising it as "the world's largest model railroad" is like saying "watch hundreds of movies simultaneously on the world's largest indoor (drive-in?) movie screen in 3-D." Sadly, the average person just doesn't understand that there is a major distinction between what is an articulated display and an actual model railroad. A display is like seeing (and hearing) a concert on TV, but modeling (true scale representation) is like going to a concert and being in the audience. IE: You are directly involved, not just seeing or hearing from a prescribed or controlled distance. FYI: Biggest doesn't mean best. The finest model railroads dot the world in club rooms or private homes, but are notably (and primarily) concentrated in the good ol' USA.

Simply awesome keep it up guys.

That is more than AMAZING.... A lot of love has been put into that, not only time and money..

I think TrueModelRRer has green eyes. Just give credit where credit is due!