Model Railways all started with George Stephenson. He was a miner's son and he himself worked in the mine. He first built a colliery steam engine and then built the first railway running between Stockton-Darlington. He and his son Robert built the Rocket which pulled passenger coaches.

On 7.12.1835 the first railway called 'Adler' was driven in Germany by George Stephenson himself, between Nuremberg and Fuerth. On those days the two town were exactly a mile apart.

This must have sparked off the building of Model Railways because the oldest of the manufacturers Maerklin are 150 years. Another famous manufacturer Fleischmann is 100 years old. Although Nuremberg is famous for toys these two manufacturers are not from there. From the earlier years of the last century it was every boy's dream to have a miniature train locomotive for Christmas. Unfortunately, in those days only but a few received Christmas gifts like that.

Another well known manufacturer is Hornby.

I think the lack of money started the modelling of trains and model railways layout, by individuals. It was easier to pay for a few spare parts each time and slowly built your dream. This then lead to the real engineers who build locomotives, carriages, stations, road, lakes, mountains and whole towns. They start with metal sheeting, canvas, plywood, etc and built it slowly with high quality precision tools. These people are so fascinating and very interesting when you listen to them. First of all it has to be the exact scale, sometimes to a 10th of an millimeter, and they take great pride when they achieve it. To me it is unbelievable to achieve something like that. Then everything, especially the scenery, has to look real. They are very determined to make sure and nothing but perfection will give them satisfaction. It is really a science of its own.

Nuremberg is built on sandstone and the Zoo is unusual because enclosures are carved out of the sandstone hills and the whole area is covered with forest. Why I mentioned it because there is a replica of George Stephenson's Adler which takes you all around the zoo and it is an experience you'll never forget, especially the children.

Nuremberg also has a big railway museum because of the history of the first railway in Germany. There you'll find a 80 sq m layout with model railways of all ages. It'll get even the most disinterested person's heart beating faster.