Despite a rainy start in the morning, the weather turned in our favour by midday, with perfect spring conditions and a lively atmosphere across the entire site. We were particularly pleased with the strong interest not only from Rheine, but also from the Osnabrück region, the Meppen area and even from the Ruhrgebiet.
A Fascinating Look Behind the Scenes
WINDHOFF Open Day
Our open day. On Saturday, 25 May, WINDHOFF Bahn- und Anlagentechnik GmbH opened its doors to the public – and around 3,500 visitors took the opportunity to gain a fascinating insight into our company.
In our production halls, there was plenty of cutting-edge technology to discover up close: In addition to the ongoing construction of several vehicles from our MPV® VentuS® fleet, visitors could also explore our systems for railway workshops and shunting vehicles for in-plant rail operations.
Several screens displayed impressive images and reports of projects and systems that are already in operation around the world – providing a vivid picture of the breadth and international scope of our capabilities.
A particular highlight was the presentation of our apprentice field railway project: Together with the Field Railway Friends of Rheine, our second-year apprentices showcased the ongoing restoration of a historic field railway locomotive built in 1939. The project fascinated not only technology enthusiasts, but also those with a passion for history.
The 01 1104 express steam locomotive, on loan from Faszination Dampf e.V., was not only a nostalgic centrepiece but also a true crowd-puller.
Visitors could climb aboard and explore the locomotive from the inside – much to the delight of young and older railway fans alike, with queues forming throughout the day.
Our younger guests were also well catered for: face painting, a bouncy castle and a children’s carousel brought joy to many smiling faces.
Those looking for more action could even enjoy a ride on the MPV® VentuS®. Food and refreshments were available in abundance, ensuring no one went hungry.
Conclusion:
Our open day was a great success – with a fantastic turnout, sunshine, and many exciting insights into the world of rail technology.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the day possible – and to all who came to visit!