Copenhagen’s new event is causing a train driver frenzy. There’s reason to honk the trainhorn for TrainGamia, now open after years in development. Here children and adults can compete in controlling the model trains through the landscape. Points are awarded for keeping the schedule, braking on time, opening the doors and – honking the horn.
Behind the beautiful setting and the ease of use that makes it fun for all ages lies years of work from a man who realised his dream of doing something no one has ever done before: combining model trains with computer games.
The originis of TrainGamia
Dominik Krøll, who runs TrainGamia, explains: “With the help of my wife and friends, I spent many years creating TrainGamia and it was a big challenge. But I pursued the dream of sharing my passion for trains and computer games with others. And now, when I see children and adults in concentrated competition and with big smiles, then it was all worth it. Then it’s fun to go to work at TrainGamia.”
The new family fun spot opened in Copenhagen in January 2024 and it’s a real-world sensation. TrainGamia combines model railways with a computer-controlled competition for young and old to become the best train driver to guide various trains through the beautiful landscape.
It is the first time that a computer game was developed for physical model railways and it caused an international stir among model railway fans. Now Danish visitors and tourists can also discover how fun and easy it is to start playing at TrainGamia, located in Copenhagen near the metro station “Øresund”.
Easy to use, difficult to master
Even though there is an advanced program behind the game, guests can easily overview the 21 square meter model railway from their position at the authentic-looking control panel and start controlling the speed and closing and opening the doors. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the game is easy.
There are many levels of difficulty so everyone can take part. If you and your friends really want to challenge yourself, you can use the advanced control panel with 3 different braking systems – and perhaps without a speedometer. But then it will probably take some practice to get on the Hi-Score screen. The target group is very broad and the first years of operation have shown that visitors between the ages of 5 and 85 quickly get caught by the train driver hype.
Concentration and big smiles
There’s a lot to see – even for those who aren’t currently running a mission. Much emphasis was placed on the model railway itself, which is one of the most beautiful in Denmark. Cars drive on the streets and funny stories unfold everywhere between the small figures in scale 1:87.
All guests are welcome at TrainGamia. Individuals, families and groups receive a tailored experience. TrainGamia also hosts free events for children and young people with special needs and would like to be contacted by organizations that could benefit from a visit.
TrainGamia looks to the future
Following the successful launch in Copenhagen, TrainGamia is now seeking partners to bring this unique concept to other countries. The goal is to open additional locations and give even more people the chance to experience the fun and joy of interactive model railway adventures.
Images: TrainGamia
