Next stop on my Germany tour is a little town in the mountains of the “Weserbergland”. Altenbeken- generations of model railroaders interested in the German prototype dreamed about this station! On one hand side it features everything a rail buff can ask for: two busy mountain rail lines merging here- hence lots of heavy traffic,  a small classification yard, a beautiful station building surrounded by platforms and tracks, a huge viaduct crossing the Beke river valley, a BW (engine facility)…. One the other hand Rolf Ertmer, one of the early German master model railroaders (kind of the German John Allen) created a famous model of Altenbeken in 1:87 showcasing the operation of DB in the 60s.

What’s left of the glory?

Well, a lot has changed for the Deutsche Bahn and Altenbeken and the once bustling station has calmed down considerably. It was still a touching moment to exit the S-Bahn from Paderborn and step out at the main platform towards the station building. I spent about two hours on this overcast Monday morning watching several MU units form DB and private rail operators dropping off and picking up passengers. There was also a IC (intercity) trains- watch out for those locomotive and coach trains! DB ordered the next generation ICE (high speed MU trains sets) which will eventually kill those last long distance “standard” trains. Talking about ICE- Altenbeken also serves as a stop for those top trains! So this is the good news, now for the not so good one: I did not encounter a single freight train while roaming the platforms that very morning. I only heard one navigation the cut off curve to the West (which took away a lot of action when finally completed in the 70s). I honestly do not know if that was just bad luck or if the deserted freight tracks see more use on other days. Nevertheless quite some trackage exists, most of it in good condition. The old engine terminal with turntable and roundhouse still stands and seems to host the local MOW crew.

Daydreaming

Nevertheless there is still enough evidence to easy imagine the exciting scenes that could be watched decades ago. The station building in its prominent location in-between the tracks, the big central tower (still in operation!) with it’s unusual light blue siding on the North side. Some tracks have been realigned, some switches removed and a new platform for track 2 has been established. But the look and feel of the “classic” Altenbeken is still there. And, for the fans of the art of stringing wires up in the air, there are numerous examples that DB catenary mechanics understand their craft.

Last but not least, nearby junction “Langeland” also still remains pretty much unchanged since the 70s with its unique “Swiss” style overhead wire gear, Semaphore signals and a far flung flyover track.

Hints and tipps

Altenbeken is in close proximity to Paderborn, Bad Driburg (Modellbundesbahn) and Ottbergen (ok, not really much to to see there anymore).

• S-Bahn S5 provides hourly stops from Paderborn (25 minutes) and Hannover (1 1/2 hrs). ICE and IC service from major German cities is available as well (as of 2016).
• Even this is in Northern Germany, Altenbeken is in the mountains. It can be cold and wet, especially any season other than summer. I encountered “beautiful, harbor mist gray” overcast skies when it was sunny with some clouds in nearby Paderborn.
• As pretty much everywhere in Germany (as of 2016) taking pictures is no issue at all. Just stay safe and off the tracks. One can roam the platform all around.
• Altenbeken can be visited by train but a car can get you to Langeland junction and other nice spots nearby. Hiking is always and option.
• Check out the town of Altenbeken as well as the famous viaduct crossing the valley of the river Beke (hence the name).
• Recommended reading:
  • The Altenbeken saga – 3 volumes!
  • Die schönsten Modellbahn-Anlagen. 30 ausgewählte Anlagen. 3., überarb. Aufl., Düsseldorf (Alba Buchverlag), 1976. Balcke, Gernot  ISBN 3-87094-411-0

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