Gerrit Braun created the world's largest model railway in 2001 with his brother, Frederik, and Stephan Hertz. Speaking during the opening of the new Andes section, attended among others by Arved Fuchs, German polar explorer, and Katharina Fegebank, Deputy Mayor of Hamburg, Gerrit noted: "Perhaps, it is precisely because this wide landscape triggers a certain feeling that Patagonia is a work of art. The team has outdone themselves again with the new technologies, the attention to detail and the boundless creativity."
The incredible scenery is deceptively lifelike with highlights such as the infamous Drake Passage in the strait between Antarctica and Cape Horn, where many sailors have met their end in the treacherous swells. This recreated natural spectacle is highly realistic thanks to an elaborate mix of complex wave mechanics and visual projections. The play of light simulates both day and night and a looming thunderstorm. Visitors can expect a unique experience and awareness of their own size faced with the forces of nature. The world of the Andes, glaciers and penguins was created with the Martinez family of model makers in Buenos Aires. "This opening does not leave me cold either. Quite the opposite," said Gerrit.
