Travel in style on a special (steam) train to the “Fascination Model Building – Real Steam – IMA” event

On Saturday, October 31, a nostalgic journey filled with steam and railroads begins in Würzburg and Gaildorf West. A special train operated by ArGe Nostalgiezugreisen will take railroad enthusiasts and model enthusiasts to Friedrichshafen for “Faszination Modellbau,” the live-steam indoor gathering, and the International Model Railroad Exhibition.

At the world’s largest trade show for model railroads and model building, commercial exhibitors and volunteer participants from all over Europe showcase the entire world of model aircraft, cars, trucks, and ship modeling, model railroads and steam engines, as well as plastic and cardboard model kits—all in an impressive variety!

At the Zugspitze, near Würzburg, the impressive freight steam locomotive 52 7409 is pictured in front of a special train from the 1970s! It was built in Vienna in 1943 for use hauling heavy freight trains. After a long period of service in Austria, it was taken out of service in 1978 and subsequently moved to Germany. Today it is based in Würzburg, and after many years of restoration, it has been back in service pulling special trains since 2026.

The train consists of historic express train cars, most of which are still largely in their original condition. All the windows can be opened so you can enjoy the passing scenery and the plumes of steam from the running locomotive! Refreshments are available in the dining car.

The special train departs from Würzburg in the morning around 5:30 a.m. The journey first heads toward Lauda and from there continues via the Taubertalbahn to Crailsheim. Here, passengers have the opportunity to take some souvenir photos while the steam locomotive takes on water and the train is extended with additional cars from Gaildorf West, allowing guests from there to also enjoy the steam train ride.

This section of the train runs to Crailsheim with an electric locomotive from the 1960s and modernized N-class cars equipped with tables. Not all of the windows in these cars can be opened.

Via Aalen, the combined train reaches the Brenzbahn line and, via Heidenheim, arrives in Ulm. Here, the steam locomotive leaves us for the time being, and a historic electric locomotive takes over for the remainder of the journey to Friedrichshafen.

After an eventful stay, the return trip begins on the special train, following the same route as the outbound journey, arriving at Gaildorf West around 9:45 p.m. and Würzburg around 11:45 p.m.

Round-trip tickets for adults start at 109 euros, and tickets for children ages 4–16 start at 79 euros. For groups of adults of 4 or more people, the fare starts at 104 euros per person. Admission to the Real Steam Indoor Meet and the International Model Railroad Exhibition is not included in the fare but can be booked directly along with your trip.

For more information and to order tickets, call 0 20 41 – 34 84 668 or visit www.nostalgiezugreisen.de.