The journey back from the Pressnitztalbahn led first back to the hotel in Leipzig city centre. After the hot temperatures in the workshop and the track area, there was some refreshment in the form of a cool shower. Immediately afterwards, we travelled on to Saxony-Anhalt. The final destination of the tour was to be the Spur 1 Interest Group in Naumburg an der Saale.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Michael Müller and other members of the IG. Peter Megges had already prepared a supper for visitors and members, which was very welcome after this long day. Before we devoted ourselves to the layout, Michael explained to the visitors in German and English how the interest group came about, why they withdrew from large meetings with the use of their own modules, as well as interesting details about the premises that now house the permanently installed layout.
A special highlight of the evening was test runs of the 53 0001 by BMB/Bee’s Modellbahn, which the manufacturer had brought with him upon his arrival from Asia. After a quick check by the producer, it was placed on the track and did round after round. First alone and slowly, to check whether all the track layouts could be negotiated without problems. After only a short time, carriage after carriage was coupled to the Mallet. The IG members explained to us that the gradient curve after the eastern exit of Rißnitz station demonstrates the performance capability of a locomotive. In the past, many engines from various manufacturers have had to prove their mettle here.
First, a set of twelve die-cast zinc SSym 46 wagons by BMB, all equipped with loads, was successfully tested. Seventeen mixed freight wagons were then added to this train. The locomotive mastered this run too without any problems. Then followed a set of seven long brass express train coaches, which had caused one steam steed or another to despair. The Class 53 marched briskly up the gradient curve as if it had plenty more tractive power in reserve.
To exhaust even the final reserves, all previously hauled carriages were finally coupled up. Thus, behind the tender, the train consisted of a total of 36 (!) carriages, of which 7 were brass express train carriages, 12 were SSym 46 made from die-cast zinc, and 17 were injection-moulded goods wagons. Shortly before the transition into the first straight after the gradient curve, the locomotive then began to slip slightly while in motion; upon entering it, traction was no longer sufficient on its own. Doubtless also due to the circumstance that a number of wagons at the rear of the train were still negotiating the turnout area at Rißnitz station in the diverging position. All in all, a very impressive result.
More of the layout belonging to the Spur 1 Naumburg Interest Group will be featured as a layout profile in one of the upcoming issues of our magazine.
Anyone who wants to find out more about the Gauge 1 Interest Group Naumburg can do so on the IG website. Dates and information regarding visitors' days are also provided here:
https://spur1-naumburg.blogspot.com
More videos will soon be available on the YouTube channel of IG Spur 1 Naumburg:
http://www.youtube.com/@Spur1Naumburg
Now, here are a few photos and videos of the final stage and the Class 53. With this, we bring our reports on this tour to a close, which once again was a brilliant idea! Enjoy them!
