Historical day in Ottakring: steam locomotive and flea market on May 4th!

Historical day in Ottakring: steam locomotive and flea market on May 4th!

On May 4, 2025, the historic journey day will take place Modelbahn Ottakring instead of. Under the motto "Historical Railway", one of the largest model railroad facilities in Vienna presents an impressive selection of steam locomotives, older diesel and e-locomotives as well as goods and travel trains that date from the period between 1953 and 1975.

Visitors can experience the diversity and creativity of the system up close during this special day. Admission is free of charge, but donations are requested whose net proceeds are used for the expansion of the system. A model railway flea market also takes place at Montlearstraße 58, where locomotives, wagons, accessories and specialist literature are offered.

Visit and additional offers

The Modelbahn Ottakring In addition to the public driving days, the possibility also offers the possibility of visiting the system outside of this appointments - however, this is only possible after prior appointment. Further information and contact options can be found on the website of the association. The cooperation with a model rail express also ensures a variety of offers that enrich the model railway hobby.

The history of the model tracks originated in 1784 in England when the engineer William Murdock built a model of a steam car that worked without tracks. In the early 19th century, England became the center of railway development, and models were not only used as toys, but also as advertising material.

Historical background of the model railway

A remarkable example of this is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was given a model of friends from England for his grandson in 1829. Railway traffic in Germany started in 1835 with the first steam locomotive from Nuremberg to Fürth. This locomotive was not only a model for numerous models, but also for the production of cut -off bows and tin figures. This led to a close connection between the model railway and the city of Nuremberg, which gained in importance worldwide through the Nuremberg Toy Fair for Hobby Hobbyists and Model Bahn lovers.

A striking event in the development of the model railway was the first documented use by a child: Prince Napoleon Eugène Louis Bonaparte had a model railway system with a train station and small bridges and viaducts in 1859. This historical connection underlines the cultural relevance of the model railway, which is still considered a popular hobby and creative field of activity.