…it all starts with an idea
The Idea
Frederik Braun was visiting the alpine city of Zurich in July 2000. Strolling through the alleys of Zurich’s center, he came across a railway model shop, which evoked childhood memories in Frederik at once.
During the following hours, the idea of realizing a long forgotten childhood dream became vivid more and more. On the very same day, he called his twin brother Gerrit and surprised him with the following words: „We are going to build the largest model railway in the world“.
Gerrit, who is more rational and sceptical by nature, doubted Frederik’s state of mind, and didn’t take the idea too seriously. However, six phone calls later, each with Frederik in the line enthusiastically presenting new ideas about this topic, Gerrit realized that his brother was serious, indeed. So, he started to consider the project from an economical and technical point of view.
He came to the conclusion that the project is technically demanding, the economic aspect very risky, and from an entrepreneurial point of view it is plain crazy – but possible, nonetheless. Thus, Gerrit was infected by this idea as well. The two brothers spent the following days intensely planning their dream despite many doubts and misgivings from their environment.
Only a few days after the “Zurich Epiphany” both of them were positive that they will engage in this adventure.