The city of Augsburg (photo: Wikipedia) was founded in 15 BC on the orders of Emperor Augustus. It is thus one of the oldest towns in Germany. Because of its excellent military, economic and geographic position at the convergence of the Alpine rivers Lech and Wertach and with direct access to the most important Alpine passes, Augsburg prospered from trade and finance. During the Middle Ages and later Augsburg profited and became the base for the Fugger Banking Empire.

The Name MAN, associated with the production of trucks and busses is short for Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nürnberg and it was in Augsburg that Diesel further developed the motor named after him. During the Second World War, MAN produced diesel engines for U-Boats and Messerschmitt AG is credited with producing the first mass-produced jet aircraft.

Augsburg is the capital of Swabia (Schwaben) and today has a population of almost 300,000, with many immigrants. It has failed to attract large companies and indeed, several have run into financial difficulties. It is nevertheless the third largest city in Bavaria and has a university, research institutes and innovation parks.

Famous names associated with Augsburg include Hans Holbein (senior and junior), Jakob Fugger, Bartholomäus V. Welser who like Fugger was a banker and trader, Elias Holl master builder, Leopold Mozart, composer and father of Amadeus, Rudolf Diesel and Bertolt Brecht the playwright.

In Augsburg there is a railway turntable (photo: Bahnpark Augsburg), which was built in 1922. It has been restored so that it can once again carry 176 Tons. Several locomotives have been collected together with technical equipment relevant to railway operations and are on show. A visit is being arranged for Sunday 19^th June.