The world’s largest model railway exhibit — on display in Germany of course — is quite the attraction. The huge Miniatur Wunderland features towns and trains from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and even a little America. And it’s all on Google Maps.
[Frank] accepted the challenge to build a tiny Google Streetview train, capable of traversing the entire Wunderland. It features a fish-eye camera on both the front and rear car, and is powered by an Arduino — the Wattuino Nanite 85. He upgraded the train to use tiny stepper motors to allow for precise movement along the tracks to get all the shots in perfect Streetview fashion.
It was a challenge keeping it small enough to be able to go through all of the train tunnels on display, but the end result is fantastic. Makes us want to slap on a pair of VR goggles and ride the train!
Amazing level of detail a work of miniature art! I loved it when the train driver turned to look at the camera that was a great touch! :-)
I went to this place last year, it is amazing! For me it was a 4 hour drive and totally worth it. I am absolutely not surprised they included a google car.
They hack everything to makt the world work. They continue to expand until they will run out of space in their large 3 story warehouse. I will be back there in one or two years.
They are already planning to build a bridge to the warehouse behind them, to continue expanding. Seriously.
A great place to visit, when you are a Chaos Communication Congress anyway :)
No mini protests?
A lot:
http://www.miniatur-wunderland.de/anlage/sonderausstellungen/utopia-2009/die-linke/
I only find the video ad and panoramic views. Not sure how if moving around is possible. Also, what is the source of the animated eye-catcher gif? And is there more info on how it was made?
Depending on the “area” you explore, you have options for panoramic views, or a street view like view where you can move around on the train track.
Example:
http://www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/streetview/treks/miniatur-wunderland/#switzerland/matterhorn
Amazing.
Behind the scenes: http://www.hamburg.de/miniatur-wunderland/4664744/miniatur-wunderland-mini-view/