1. modelling is addictive,
2. we have so many perfect artists who we would like to keep busy,
3. it’s fantastic for the guests if they can explore something new every time they visit,
4. as a journalist you always have something new to write about …

At the beginning of the year, we decided to rent the entire 3rd floor below us. This has increased our exhibition space to 5,000 square metres. The new entrance and large restaurant have recently been completed, so that we now have plenty of space for five further construction phases up until 2008. We will start with the largest section to date: Scandinavia.

Shortly after signing the extended rental agreement, we asked our visitors to submit their wishes for the new Scandinavia section on our website. Thousands took part and an endless list of wishes was created. In the meantime, as many as possible have been incorporated into a highly complex plan. There will of course be some very beautiful landscapes. Fjords, dunes, forests and sparkling snowy landscapes will soon be created. Themes such as ore mining, holiday settlements, salmon farming, oil rigs, large weather stations, Santa Claus and lots of agriculture will be just a few of the many striking highlights of the northernmost construction section. Of course, gigantic bridges with lengths of up to 8 metres will, as always, be completely self-built.

The absolute highlight, however, will be the topic of water. Following the successful development of the cars that drive as if by magic in 2001, our development department led by Gerrit Braun has developed ships that drive as if by magic. 20 tonnes of real water will create an authentic Scandinavian atmosphere. The ships will be controlled by a computer. There will be small and large ships, tankers, cargo ships and the famous large ferries. The ships will go through realistic processes such as docking, loading and unloading, lock traffic and so on. All of this under a fantastic starry sky with over 10,000 lights.

The data (final expansion = 2008)

After final expansion Current sections
Rental space 5,000 sqm 3,500 sqm
Model area Over 1,500 sqm approx. 1,000 sqm
Construction phases 9 construction phases 5 construction phases
Track length 15,000 metres 7,000 metres
Trains over 1,000 550
Wagons 12,000 7,400
Longest train 14.51 metres long 14.51 metres long
Signals+switches 4,500 1,900
Computer 60 26
Lights approx. 200,000 120,000
Houses+bridges 5,000 2,300
Figures 100,000 60,000
Trees 150,000 60,000
Construction time > 300,000 hours 135,000 hours
Costs approx. 8,000,000 € 4,000,000 €

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