After visiting the Klv 12 at the DFS, we travelled on to the Gerolstein depot of the Vulkan-Eifel-Bahn (veb.de) - home to various railbuses, 13 of which are currently operational. Here, the guests from the Far East were able to explore the VT and VB prototypes in detail, both on the extensive open-air site and in the depot's historic engine shed. Another Klv 12 was also on display here. The model brought along was of course also presented to Jörg Petry - the „boss“ of all VT 95s and VT 98s as well as of AKE-Eisenbahntouristik (ake-eisenbahntouristik.de) and the Vulkan-Eifel-Bahn.
There were other stops along the way, to become role models for future model projects, but also some without this occasion. Nevertheless, we will end the tour report here. It was a great idea to organise this tour. For the guests from China, it was their first visit to Germany. They were able to see at least a little of our beautiful country and our equally beautiful neighbouring country of Austria, and perhaps learn something about our mentality and way of life despite the few days. Instead of just looking at drawings and photos, they were able to experience the objects to be modelled live, inspect them, take photos and discuss them with the travel group. At least as valuable are the personal contacts that were made during the strenuous tour with its many encounters - especially among the participants, but also beyond that. The day-to-day communication via email, WhatsApp etc. and the collaboration as a whole will also benefit from a better understanding of each other. So the invitation was definitely a great idea.
A visit to Gerolstein, the home of several VT 95 and VT 98 railbuses - here with the new model in front of the original - was a must.
Thanks to the two skylights, the driver's workplace in this VT 95 is flooded with light.
Here Jörg Petry, the „master of the rail buses“ in Gerolstein (right), is presented with the hand sample for an initial inspection.
The historic locomotive shed at Gerolstein railway depot is used as a workshop. This also includes the refurbishment of rail buses.
Standing there shining: this almost finished VB 95 with luggage compartment and therefore only 35 seats in the Epoch III look.
The third Klv 12 is located in the recently completed new locomotive hall, ...
... that the tour group encountered on their tour. It is not known whether he provided any new insights for modelling.