Seebergbahn
History: Seebergbahn is located in Northern Europe and consists of two branch lines with the port town of Seeburg serving as an interchange as well as providing access to the main line heading Northwest. Seeberg itself is a historic town located on the shore of Lake Wismar and overshadowed by mountains. The first branch follows the coast of Lake Wismar for 16km to the old industrial town of Almsfeld, passing through two interim stations on the way: Brechte, which is built around a marina frequented by millionaires and the famous and Echten, a picturesque town situated between the lake and mountains which houses a successful steam preservation society. During the tourist season, steam trains run the line along Lake Wismar and up the Seeberg Valley, returning here to refuel. The final station on the Lake Wismar Branch is Almsfeld. Once an important mining town the major attraction is now tourism. The line used to continue through a long tunnel to serve old mining towns but with the decline of industry in the area the line beyond Almsfeld is closed. The second branch line follows a sharp climb as the track heads up the Seeberg Valley where most traffic terminates at the large town of Berndorf, 13km from Seeberg. Situated in the beautiful pine-covered valley between these two major towns are Nienberg, a mostly industrial area with links to the Autobahn and the village of Langenhausen, which has good links to the airport and surrounding commerce. Berndorf Engine Shed houses Seebergbahn's preserved V 200 locomotive which is frequently used for private hire as well as special freight and passenger functions. 22km South of Seeberg is Dissen the last major station stop on the Valley Branch, mainly consisting of a collection of chalets and shops nestled in the natural bowl formed by the surrounding mountains and is a popular skiing destination. Focus Time Period: The fictional route is modern day circa 2009, but with the steam heritage centre at Echten and the preserved V 200 at Berndorf Engine Shed the line frequently sees operational rolling stock from the past fifty years for special charters and as a tourist draw. |