Even in the current summery, sometimes very hot temperatures, we are working hard on various important projects to maintain the infrastructure, external appearance and strategic development of the Bahnwelt.
Superstructure work on the turntable
The extensive general refurbishment of the turntable continues to keep the staff at Bahnwelt busy. In recent weeks, in addition to renewing the locking plates for anchoring the turntable to the rails, steel brackets have also been fitted for additional locking of the head sleepers.
The bolting of the rails to the turntable was also checked and readjusted.
Drainage for track 19a
A few metres further on, at track 19a, the extensive excavation work to create a drainage system for the former investigation pit is continuing. As already explained in the Bahnwelt Update CW29/2024, the filling material of the backfilled pit had become clogged with fine material over the years. As a result, surface water could no longer drain away properly, which is why the rails and their fastenings corroded excessively after rainfall.
Green waste
The permanent issue of “green pruning” on the extensive museum grounds is important for the external appearance but also for operational safety. Similar to the rust, nature works “against us” 24/7, but we only work once or twice a week for 8 hours. So we’re all the happier when a piece of ground looks neat and tidy again after a sweaty day of cutting and mowing. At least for the next few weeks …
Preparations for the Open Monument Day
Last week, the R1 signal tower was spruced up. Due to years of disuse of the building, some dust and other dirt had accumulated, which was removed by a hard-working cleaning crew.
The reason for the campaign is the upcoming Open Monument Day on 8 September 2024, when you can get a (last) impression of the former marshalling yard in its current form before construction work begins on DB Fernverkehr’s new ICE stabling and cleaning facility. On this day, we will also tell you how Darmstadt’s largest industrial monument is being given a new lease of life in keeping with its historical significance.
