Bundesdirecktion Kaiserslautern $Rhineland Pfalz flah\g$

BD Kaiserslautern is my N scale version of the routes through the Pfalzerwald (KBS 670) and the Alsenz valley (KBS 650). The layout is set in September of 1974, and is inspired by my recollections from that time. My father was stationed at Sembach Air Force Base from 1973-1976 and we had the great fortune to spend those years exploring Western Europe. They were exciting times for a young train enthusiast because the DB was still running steam in that area. We often traveled over to Enkenbach on Friday evenings to catch the "Friday Night Special" - a steam pulled local (my memory says a 2-10-0 Class 50, but it could have been Class 23's as well).

The layout concept has two major routes (KBS 670 and exKBS 650) that meet at a junction (Hochspeyer). KBS670 is the main line between Saarbrücken and Mannheim. It is double tracked and electrified with overhead catenary. Service includes everything from rail busses to international TEE expresses. KBS650 branches off in Hochspeyer and heads north, ultimately to Bingen on the Rhine River. In contrast to KBS 670, this line is single tracked and non-electrified. Service here includes rail bus, diesel and steam. My plan is to focus mainly on passenger operations and the operations of the junction at Hochspeyer. I have an actual DB timetable from the area for Winter 1974/75 that is the basis for my train numbers and times. The layout will be controlled with Digitrax DCC. I'll also be using Train Controller to allow for full prototypical signalling and some automatic running of trains.

A map of the modeled area can be seen here:

Map

You can see some photos from my previous layout on the website of the Central New York Chapter of European Train Enthusiasts.

I've since moved to a new home and am starting again at building the layout. My current space is 2 rooms in the basement that measure 12'x15' and 12'x11'. My current track plan is shown below (each square is 12"x12" click for larger image).

With the new layout, I've changed my focus from just a general representative model of German railways, to more specific prototype scenes. I was able to obtain copies of the DB's own track plans for several towns from modellwerk.

The towns of Hochspeyer, Neustadt and Enkenbach are designed using the actual track layout for those towns.

Hochspeyer has the actual layout, but has been flipped east to west. On the real DB, the branch to Enkenbach would split just to the east of Hochspeyer.

Neustadt hasn't been completely drawn out yet, but it also will be based on the actual track layout of the original. I'll have to leave out quite a bit of track outside the station area so it will fit, but will be including the train museum that is located across from the station.

Enkenbach has been shortened and a few tracks eliminated so it will fit better.

Other towns include Weidenthal, Neuhemsbach, Langmeil and Ludwigshafen. These are more representational than exact copies of the real towns.

Weidenthal (between Hochspeyer and Neustadt) is still in the fleshing out stage, but will probably have three tracks with platforms. I'd also like to include sidings for a linen mill and a logging area.

Ludwigshafen Hauptbahnhof is a stylized kopfbahnhof and will feature a train shed over the platforms.

The large yard to the far left will be hidden from normal sight and will be staging representing either Kaiserslautern or Mannheim depending on how you enter.

Come along as we leave Kaiserslautern eastbound for a virtual tour of the layout........

And check how things are progressing in the basement..........

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