‘Schermendam’ (2017) - 1:87 H0e by Sven van der Hart
‘Picknick in Gelderland’ / ‘Picnic in Gelderland’ (2018) - 1:87 H0e by Jos Geurts and Sven van der Hart
Picknick in Gelderland / Picnic in Gelderland
Info on the diorama:
Name: Picnic in Gelderland
Diorama built by: Jos Geurts and Sven van der Hart
Year built: 2018
Exhibition: 2018: Rail Houten - NL, 2023: Pewsey - UK
Size: 30 x 30 cm
Trackplan: circular track
Scale: 1:87, H0e 9 mm narrow gauge
Powered: Digital 16V
The diorama layout depicts a fictional place in the Provence of Gelderland in the Netherlands. With forest audio sounds it creates a calm and peaceful moment.
Built as a show case for the Tramfabriek Backer & Rueb steam locomotives, it is a cleverly designed 33 x 33 x 33 cm cubical box that takes minimal space in the house. It is designed to fit in an IKEA KALAX cabinet and can be either displayed without the outer box or stored with it. At the bottom corners are four feet sticking out, which, when another box is made, they can be safely stacked on top of each other. The outer box has a (drawer) handle, so it can be transported with one hand. It’s easy to take it on the train. At shows, the outer box doubles as stand.
‘Duivelsberg’ / ‘Devil’s Hill’ (2019) - 1:87 H0e by Jos Geurts and Sven van der Hart
Duivelsberg / Devil’s Hill
Info on the diorama:
Name: Devil’s Hill
Diorama built by: Jos Geurts and Sven van der Hart
Year built: 2019
Previous exhibition: 2019: Rail Houten - NL, Pewsey - UK
Size: 31 x 31 cm
Trackplan: circular track
Scale: 1:87, H0e 9 mm narrow gauge
Powered: Digital 16V
‘Devil’s Hill’ is a working diorama in a small cube. With the outer box measuring of only 35 x 35 x 35 cm, it’s a very compact finished “layout” that can be transported on the bicycle and train. It features the top of a hill in a forest in the east of the Netherlands. As there aren’t many high places in the Netherlands, Duivelsberg, as it is called in Dutch, is celebrated with a small station. The model of the waiting shed is based on an old bus stop from the area. Even though Duivelsberg does really exist, the pictured location is fictional.
Gardener Jos Geurts is known for his very realistic trees and for this diorama he flexed his autumn tree muscles. All trees are highly detailed and each one impresses on its own. They trunks are made using flower wire and mixed techniques have been used to make the trees to be a replica of its original kind. A tree expert should be able to name the trees, while the non-experts will just enjoy the view.
The box has been designed for easy transport purposes by Sven van der Hart. The pedestal on which it is presented, serves as a protection cover when taken on the road and carries like a small suitcase. Even though it is very small, it contains a full working railway. It isn't going anywhere, nor can there be any shunting going on, as it is a circular track with a diameter of 22 cm. But it allows to dream away. The highly curved track will only allow trains and steam trams with a short wheel base to ride on. If you listen, you’ll hear that sound has even been built in in the smallest models. Most of the locomotives on duty are Tramfabriek products, but other makes can be seen as well.
It has got to be admitted, this box was by accident designed 2mm too big, so it doesn’t fit on the Picnic in Gelderland cube. Which was the plan, but failed. Better luck next time.
