As part of a limited competition, we were asked by Hamburg-Bergedorf’s parks department to submit a design centered on the subjects of “locomotive + train wagon and shelter + water tower.”
Our design won over the judges right from the start and stirred great interest in our customized handicraft efforts.
Upon in-depth discussions, the initial commission was awarded for an “historical locomotive with a large snow plow and rear coal compartment as well as a wagon with a net-tunnel passageway. These individual theme-based components were fabricated entirely within our workshop and delivered per heavy good transporter with an attached crane (arm) and installed on site.
We subsequently built the large water tower. Once we received the static calculations for the supporting framework from the structural engineering office Statikbüro Kern, all necessary cross sections and steel components were requested. Owing to the water tower’s large height of almost 10 meters, it was prefabricated in three parts and also shipped on a heavy load transporter. Using a crane, the foundations, which had already been prepared in advance, were positioned upon one another and subsequently the tower was also bolted together.
Thereafter, the giant tunnel slide was mounted to the observation deck at a height of 7.5 meters. It boasts a length of ca. 14 m. Within the tower, 8 intermediate landings are climbed as the tower is ascended toward the observation deck. Large window openings offer a sweeping view of the landscape at Gleisdreieck. As a safety precaution, the windows are outfitted with bars. Everywhere they look, children will find theme-based details on the grounds. There is, for example, a small pile of coal in the locomotive as well as a toolbox. A benevolent train conductor sits on one of the springers. There is an over-dimensioned stamp in the conductor’s cabin and outside it is possible to wiggle on coal-shaped springers.
The opening took place on Monday, 1 November 2010 in the presence of a lot of children and other people who were involved in the project. The fabulous weather and several train conductor guests contributed to the very successful opening ceremony.