2024-11-06 03:02:00
On weekends he heats old steam locomotives. And during the week, Immanuel Dornauer is doing an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineering technician.
Tractors fascinated him even when he was in kindergarten. “I was interested in anything that moved. And I always wanted to know how it worked,” says Immanuel Dornauer. Ten years ago, his father bought a house in Weyer an der Enns (Upper Austria), where the family spent their weekends. The Steyrtal Museum Railway is located in Grünburg on the way between Eggelsberg and Weyer. “I landed there when I was 13 and was warmly welcomed. Most of the people there were railway workers. Then my career choice was clear: ‘I’m going to be a railway worker.'”
Since then, he has been heating, repairing and restoring old steam locomotives in Grünburg every weekend – the oldest of which dates back to 1888. Speaking of which: a VW Beetle from 1966, old Vespas or a Puch moped are lovingly restored to a drivable condition by the hobbyist.
After the Eggelsberg secondary music school, where he also played the piano and Styrian harmonica, he turned his hobby into a career at the ÖBB.
Bring stubborn metals into the right shape
After just one application it worked. Immanuel Dornauer is now in his fourth and final year of training as a mechanical engineering technician. “It’s a wonderful job in which you learn to create something with metals. They are often stubborn. But a shapeless something becomes what I want to the hundredth of a millimeter,” says the 18-year-old.
A mechanical engineer makes everything, from precision screws to stair railings. Filing, sawing, welding, soldering, turning and milling are learned in the ÖBB training workshop in Schallmoos. Since 2014, the professions of plant and operations technician, mechatronics engineer, mechanical engineering and track technician have been available here. Franz Burtscher – he has been an apprentice trainer for 36 years – is happy about 119 apprentices and nine trainers in “his” workshop. Apprentices like Immanuel make him particularly proud. “He’s exceptional for his age,” he says.
After completing his apprenticeship, Immanuel would like to stay with ÖBB. “I could do anything, I chose track construction, partly because I could work outside.”
His working day begins at 6:48 a.m. That’s not a problem for the Eggelsberger, because he lives nearby, in the Kolpingheim in Itzling. “I like being there, and after a busy day I do something with work colleagues or grab my Styrian and play. I no longer tear the world apart in the evening.”
At ÖBB, apprentices can expect a discounted lunch in the canteen and the opportunity to travel by train throughout Austria almost for free.
Immanuel travels to the BIM by car or bus; this year he will be in the exhibition center for the third time. “I like the atmosphere here, you can also see other businesses.”
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**Interview with Immanuel Dornauer: Steam Locomotive Enthusiast and Mechanical Engineering Apprentice**
*Date: November 6, 2024*
**Editor:** Immanuel, it’s great to have you with us today. Your journey from childhood fascination with tractors to working with steam locomotives is quite remarkable. Can you tell us more about what sparked your interest in machinery at such a young age?
**Immanuel Dornauer:** Thank you for having me! Ever since I was in kindergarten, I’ve been drawn to anything that moved. Tractors, steam engines — I wanted to understand how they worked. It was like magic to me, and growing up, my curiosity just kept growing. When my father bought a house in Weyer an der Enns, it led me to the nearby Steyrtal Museum Railway when I was 13, where I felt right at home among the railway workers.
**Editor:** That sounds like a pivotal moment. What motivated you to turn this passion into a career?
**Immanuel Dornauer:** It was a natural progression. Being surrounded by experienced railway workers at the museum inspired me. I realized I wanted to be a part of this world, so I decided to pursue a career as a railway worker. It felt like the perfect blend of my interests and skills. After music school, I joined the ÖBB and embarked on my apprenticeship as a mechanical engineering technician.
**Editor:** What does a typical weekend look like for you at the Steyrtal Museum Railway?
**Immanuel Dornauer:** Weekends are very hands-on! I spend time heating, repairing, and restoring old steam locomotives. The oldest one we work on dates back to 1888, which is amazing. It’s not just locomotives; we also restore classic vehicles like a 1966 VW Beetle and vintage Vespas. Every day is a new challenge, bringing stubborn metals into the right shape!
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! It sounds like a labor of love. How do you balance your apprenticeship with your work at the museum?
**Immanuel Dornauer:** It can be tough, but my passion keeps me motivated. The skills I learn during the week feed into my work at the museum on weekends. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the results of our efforts firsthand.
**Editor:** Lastly, what advice would you give to young enthusiasts who wish to follow in your footsteps?
**Immanuel Dornauer:** Follow your passion! Whether it’s steam locomotives or anything else, immerse yourself in that world. Volunteer, seek out mentorship, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Every bit of experience will enrich your journey.
**Editor:** Thank you, Immanuel! Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. We wish you all the best in your apprenticeship and your continued work at the museum!
**Immanuel Dornauer:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my story.