Nuremberg, Germany

Deutsche Bahn - Railroad, Telephone and Postal Service Museum

www.dbmuseum.de

The museum is located in the city center and covers 3 floors of exhibits. The railroad museum is on the first floor and has model railroad layouts and miniature models on the second floor. The actual early carriages (Konigs Ludwig II) and the ability to see them up close, even touch them and peer in the windows make it an enjoyable half day history lesson. From the ornate to the functional, the railroads of Germany have been a real part of the history and evolution of Europe.

A small steam locomotive is cut in half lengthwise to enable you to see all the working parts. Many of the exhibits are well labeled and explain content and operation.

The model layouts are extensive and more are being created. The one above portrays the devastation and the war damage. It was a unique and interesting display. Other layouts are more traditional but characteristic of the countryside and time period.

The model of the roundhouse was not open for viewing. Many other non-railroad exhibits make the museum a treat.

A display of a working rotary telephone switch with all the mechanical relays allows individuals to call each other on half a dozen different phones and watch the result on the switch as the numbers are dialed.

The museum also has a large stereoscopic "3D" viewer where 30 or so people can sit and watch a series of pictures of old Europe.