One the largest model railroad layouts in Switzerland: Smilestones Miniature World in HO Scale

Rail traffic experts notice it immediately: Trains running on the left side, high mountains in the background and a very unique construction of the overhead lines. Yes, we are in Switzerland! Or, to be more accurate: We are in the brand new miniature world of Switzerland, called “Smilestones”.

Just a few meters away from one of Switzerland’s famous tourist attractions, the Rhine Falls - the most powerful waterfall in Europe, the first section of Smilestone’s large model train layout was opened in November 2018. While the first section depicts the landscapes of the Swiss Plateau, the second section that was opened in September 2019 depicts the highest and southernmost part of the canton of Bern, namely the Bernese Highlands.

Four more sections are to be built in the next few years, on which the beautiful railway world of Switzerland will be presented in HO scale. Finally, the model railroad layout will grow up to a size of more than 500 square meters. Therefore, we are going to discover during a cab ride video those landscapes that have been built so far. The Swiss landscapes present cities, mountains and castles. In addition, the focus is on loving details and scenes of everyday life. To create this miniature world, 23,000 figures, 12,000 trees, 550 buildings and 700 vehicles have been placed on the model railroad so far.

On the two finished model railroad layouts, 120 model trains run on a track length of 1,300 meters. While 30 trains are in motion at the same time, the other trains are parked behind the scenes in a fiddle yard. So visitors get the impression that different train sets are always circling on the track. In addition to trains, cars and other miniature vehicles run on the roads, which are coordinated by computer control. A satellite system is installed above the model rail layout, which sends ultrasonic pulses to the various vehicles. The car’s speed and their position are also controlled via ultrasonic pulses.

Whenever you are in Switzerland, you should take a few hours and visit Smilestone’s beautiful model railway layout. Thanks for watching Pilentum Television!

Smilestones Miniature World
https://smilestones.ch

Pilentum Television
https://www.pilentum-television.com