In memory of Alois Graßl: mastermind of the Hallertau model railway

In memory of Alois Graßl: mastermind of the Hallertau model railway

On August 8, 2025, the model railroad community suffered a bitter loss. Alois Graßl, the founder of the Hallertauer Modelleisenbahner e.V. interest group and a passionate technology and model building enthusiast, has died at the age of 55. Known for his creativity and tireless commitment to model railroad culture, he not only leaves an impressive legacy, but also a huge void in the hearts of his family and friends.

Alois was born on December 8, 1969 in Hague and grew up there with his sisters Brigitte and Maria. His fascination for technology and model making accompanied him from an early age. After studying electrical engineering at the Landshut University of Applied Sciences, he worked as a qualified engineer and at the same time pursued his great passion. In 2002 he founded the Hallertauer Modelleisenbahner e.V. interest group to bring like-minded people together and to keep the history of the former Holledauer Bockerl local railway alive. How Mercury reports, he organized a steam locomotive trip for the 1200th anniversary of Hague in 2004, which combined a journey back in time with an unforgettable experience.

A life for the model railway

Graßl's commitment to model railroaders also extended to local events. He played a key role in enriching the Hague Christmas market with his models and making the community's holiday program more lively. His ambition and creativity led to the interest group being awarded the recognition prize at the Freising district cultural awards ceremony in 2009. His impressive models, including that of the Hague Castle, were not only well received by members of the interest group, but were also a popular topic in the region.

Graßl's passion for model railways left him no peace. He organized various special trips, such as special rail bus trips from Rohrbach to Wolnzach and special steam train trips between Freising and Hague - a real joy for all railway fans. Also exhibitions, for example in Leipzig and Moosburg a. d. Isar, testify to his devotion, as on bockerl.de documented.

Family and legacy

Alois Graßl was not only a member of the model railway community, but also a loving family man. In 2010 he married his wife Erika and leaves behind two children, a son, Luis, and a daughter, Livia. Persistent and always helpful, he shaped the lives of his family and friends. The funeral service will take place on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Church of St. Lawrence in Hague and will certainly bring together many people who want to pay thanks and respect to him.

However, his legacy lives on - both in the hearts of the people who knew him and in the miniature worlds he created. Alois Graßl's name will always be associated with the passion for technology and the unforgettable moments of railway culture.