RailAdventure safely transports brand-new multiple units, locomotives, trams and unusual railway vehicles to test centres, workshops, ports and operators. Discover suitable locomotives, Loco Buggies, coupling wagons, test trains and models in H0, TT, N and G.
RailAdventure is a railway company specialising in unusual tasks for the railway industry. It does not operate conventional scheduled passenger or freight services. Instead, the company handles new, not-yet-approved, historic, damaged or technically unusual railway vehicles.
Its origins date back to 2006, when electric locomotive 1216 050 set a world speed record for conventional locomotives on the high-speed line between Ingolstadt and Nuremberg. Further projects developed from the experience gained during this record attempt. The activities have continued under the name RailAdventure GmbH since 2010.
Its work includes planning and operating transfer runs, test runs, approval runs, workshop test runs and exceptional transports. The vehicle may be a single new locomotive, a multiple-unit train, a tram intended for a different track gauge or a vehicle that cannot move independently.
RailAdventure vehicles belong to Era VI . The combination of classic locomotives, modern specialist vehicles and brand-new vehicles being transferred makes the subject especially varied on a contemporary model railway layout.
The fleet combines proven older locomotives with modern main-line vehicles and specially developed transport equipment. Not every locomotive performs the same task: shunting locomotives, high-speed locomotives, multi-system locomotives and diesel locomotives complement one another.
Locomotive 103 222 is one of the best-known vehicles associated with RailAdventure. It has been used for high-speed test runs and combines the appearance of a classic express locomotive with a modern operational setting.
Test train, measurement run, special train or light-engine movement on an electrified main line.
Proven electric locomotives are suitable for planned transfer duties. Locomotive 9903 originates from the Dutch Class 1600 family and expands the theme to include cross-border operation in the Netherlands.
Ideal for new multiple units, individual locomotives and short transfer formations.
The large diesel locomotive handles transfers on routes without overhead wiring or where continuous electric operation is not possible. Model versions are available in H0, TT and N.
It allows a RailAdventure train to reach a port, factory or non-electrified secondary route convincingly.
Small vehicles perform shunting duties in workshops, storage facilities and the Zughotel. They move rolling stock over short distances and are suitable for detailed operating scenes.
Workshop hall, test centre, manufacturer’s factory or modern locomotive depot.
New multiple units often use centre-buffer couplings, while the hauling locomotive has conventional buffers and screw couplings. Coupling adapter wagons connect the two systems safely. Brake wagons provide additional braking force when the vehicle being transferred cannot yet contribute to the train’s braking.
Hauling locomotive, coupling wagon, transferred vehicle and, where required, further barrier or brake wagons.
Loco Buggies support individual wheelsets or complete bogies. They allow vehicles with a different track gauge, an unsuitable wheel profile or damaged wheels to be transported over the standard-gauge network.
The system provides a convincing explanation for unusual vehicles appearing in a transfer train.
A transfer train is planned individually for each vehicle. Couplings, brakes, loading gauge, track gauge, maximum speed, electrical systems and national approvals determine its formation.
Dimensions, wheelsets, couplings, braking equipment and transportability are documented.
Countries, route classes, tunnels, platforms and operational restrictions are considered.
Coupling wagons, brake wagons, mobile air pipes and Loco Buggies are selected as required.
The hauling locomotive, barrier vehicles and transported vehicle are connected in a technically safe order.
The train runs to the test centre, port, factory or future operator while the transport is monitored.
| Gauge | Scale | RailAdventure Selection | Suitable Scene | Planning Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H0 | 1:87 | Class 365, EuroRunner 2016, locomotive 9903 and a Loco Buggy set. | Complete transfer trains, manufacturer’s factory and railway test centre. | Long multiple units and adapter wagons require generous curves and long storage tracks. |
| TT | 1:120 | Current versions of RailAdventure diesel locomotive 2016 902. | Compact transfer or test train on a main line. | The transported vehicle can be selected from another modern TT model range. |
| N | 1:160 | Locomotive 9903, Classes 103, 139 and 190, EuroRunner, battery shunting vehicle, LUXON, Habfis and Zughotel. | Long transfer trains, Zughotel and international test route. | Especially broad current selection with limited space requirements. |
| G | Large scale | Large PIKO versions of RailAdventure locomotive 103 222. | Display model, spacious indoor layout or modern garden railway. | Vehicle length and substantial space requirements must be considered early. |
| Z | 1:220 | No broad current RailAdventure range in the checked selection. | Modern vehicle transfer using neutral locomotive and multiple-unit models. | Watch for special editions and custom lettering. |
| 0 and 1 | 1:45 and 1:32 | No extensive regular RailAdventure programme. | Individual locomotive, coupling wagon or detailed diorama. | Custom building and repainting require precise prototype documentation. |
RailAdventure trains are allowed to look unusual, but every vehicle should perform a recognisable technical task. A random multiple unit placed directly behind a locomotive is less convincing than a formation containing suitable adapter and barrier vehicles.
The classic scene shows a RailAdventure locomotive hauling a factory-new multiple unit. A coupling adapter wagon is positioned between the locomotive and the multiple unit. A further coupling or brake wagon can be placed at the rear.
The wheelsets or bogies of a vehicle with a different track gauge rest on small transport bogies. The model should be positioned securely and correctly. A workshop or harbour siding provides a suitable background.
Locomotive 103 222 can haul a measurement coach or a passenger train undergoing testing. Cables, measuring equipment, technicians and a clear section of track communicate the experimental nature of the movement. The train may be considerably shorter than a normal passenger service.
Stored prototypes, a Class 365 locomotive, a battery shunting vehicle, workshop staff and measuring containers create a convincing scene. The vehicles do not all have to be connected as one operational train.
The LUXON panoramic coach represents RailAdventure’s exclusive event and special-train activities. It can be combined with a suitable RailAdventure locomotive to form a short, premium special train. Interior lighting and figures enhance its appearance.
Locomotive 2016 902 is suitable for a manufacturer’s factory, port or non-electrified route. It can haul a new diesel multiple unit, an export locomotive or an individual vehicle.
The selection combines main-line locomotives, shunting vehicles, specialist transport equipment, the LUXON panoramic coach and models associated with the Zughotel. For locomotives, check the electrical system, digital decoder and sound equipment. For transfer trains, couplings, vehicle length and minimum radius are also important.
H0 makes particularly detailed transfer trains possible. Class 365 handles shunting duties, the EuroRunner diesel locomotive handles longer main-line transfers and locomotive 9903 represents international operation.
Compact shunting locomotive for the Zughotel, workshops and vehicle preparation.
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Two-rail sound version for finely controlled shunting movements.
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Centre-contact version for Märklin-compatible workshop and shunting layouts.
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Powerful diesel locomotive for ports, secondary routes and transfers of factory-new multiple units.
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Sound-equipped version for heavy transfer and specialist transport trains.
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Dutch electric locomotive for international vehicle transfer movements.
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Large and small transport bogies with coupling rods for exceptional vehicle transfers.
View Product →The TT versions of locomotive 2016 902 combine visible detail with compact train lengths and are suitable for modern main and secondary routes.
N gauge offers several main-line locomotives, vehicles for the Zughotel, a battery shunting vehicle and two versions of the LUXON panoramic coach.
Compact international electric locomotive prepared for digital conversion.
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Sound-equipped version of the Dutch RailAdventure locomotive.
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Classic standard electric locomotive in modern transfer-train operation.
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Modern main-line locomotive for cross-border specialist transports.
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High-speed and test locomotive with extensive lighting and sound functions.
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Diesel locomotive for long transfers on routes without continuous overhead wiring.
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Small shunting vehicle for the Zughotel, workshop and vehicle depot.
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Exclusive panoramic coach for special journeys and events.
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Panoramic coach with a distinctive roof for a short premium special train.
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Four-part Zughotel model for an unusual storage and workshop theme.
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Large-capacity wagon for specialist and transfer-train formations.
View Product →The large Class 103 is particularly impressive as a display model, on a spacious indoor layout or in a garden. It is available in two technical versions.
RailAdventure does not operate regular passenger or freight services like a conventional railway company. It performs test runs, approval runs, vehicle transfers and specialist technical transport tasks for the railway industry.
RailAdventure belongs to Era VI. Its activities began in 2006, so its vehicles suit modern layouts featuring private railway companies, international traffic and contemporary railway technology.
A Loco Buggy is a small transport bogie supporting the wheelsets or bogies of another vehicle. It allows vehicles with a different track gauge, an unsuitable wheel profile or damaged wheels to be moved over standard-gauge track.
Locomotives usually have buffers and screw couplings, while modern multiple units often have centre-buffer couplings. A coupling adapter wagon connects the two systems safely and can accommodate different coupling types and heights.
New or technically incomplete vehicles may be unable to use their own brakes during a transfer. Additional brake wagons then provide the braking force required for the complete train.
Locomotive 103 222 is particularly well known. Other suitable subjects include locomotive 9903, Class 139, locomotive 190 311, shunting locomotives and diesel locomotive 2016 902.
N gauge offers an especially varied selection. RailAdventure models are also available in H0, TT and G gauge.
Convincing loads include factory-new locomotives, multiple units, trams, passenger coaches, export vehicles, measurement vehicles and historic rolling stock. Adapter, barrier or brake wagons should be added where appropriate.
The Zughotel in Braunschweig is a technical base for railway vehicles during longer test and approval programmes. Trains can be stored, inspected, equipped and prepared for further runs there.
LUXON is a premium panoramic coach used for special occasions, events and exclusive journeys. On a model railway it forms a short special train that differs clearly from RailAdventure’s technical transfer formations.
Learn more about Era VI, private railway companies, locomotive classes, digital technology, gauges, train formations, locomotive depots and prototype-oriented layout operation.
