GERMAN STEAM LOCO NEWS Reports from January 2006 onwards
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Date	Event	Locos
25th Dec 07	No German Steam News is Bad News!	Statement
2nd Dec 06	Hamburg-Neumünster-Lübeck-Hamburg-Neumünster	012 100-4
7th Oct	Oberhausen to Darmstadt-Kranichstein	01 118 & 41 360
22-24th Sept	012 066-7 in North Germany	012 066-7
24th Sept	78 478 from Siegen	78 478
14th Sept	012 100-4 to haul a train again	012 100-4
1st Sept	012 100-4 back in steam	012 100-4
18th June	Osnabruck Rheine - Emden	012 066-7
6th June	Osnabruck Rheine - Emden	012 066-7
3rd June	Switzerland	01 202
20th May	Münster - Norddeich Mole	012 066-7
30th Apl	Westerwald	78 468
15th Apl	Black Forest	01 519, 50 2740
18th Mar	Dresden - Saalfeld	18 201
1st Mar	Dampf Plus	18 201
7th Jan	Dreikönigsdampf	01 519, 23 058 and 50 3673
26th Dec	Future of 012 100-4	012 100-4
2005	2005 News Reports	Various locos
2003-6	News Index	Various locos
	Main Index

December 2007. What's been happening on the German main line?

Sadly 012 100-4 remains out of use, and has not run at all in 2007. It waits at Neumünster for resolution of the difficulties between the Rendsburger Eisenbahnfreunde and DB Museum. So far as I can ascertain there seems no end to those problems in sight. My understanding being that the charges now required by DB Museum for the operation of 012 100-4 are prohibitively high. During the year there has been a small amount of pacific running on the German main lines. But owing to problems with my wife's health, (now slowly improving), I have not been able to travel on any of these. My interest in steam locomotives started on the Southern Region of British Railways in Kent, where I still live. By mid summer this year I was badly in need of my "pacific steam loco fix", and started to photograph the ex Southern Region pacifics that work on the local main lines, and on local Museum lines. I have stuck to lineside photography and not travelled on the trains as I feel that the peformance of the ex SR pacifics is now somewhat limited, and I want my "front coach"memories to be those of those wonderful days with 012 100-4! Additionally in the UK, coaches do not have many windows to listen from, and often the restaurant cars, which form an important part of the financial side of running steam tours, are placed at the front of steam hauled trains. Making decent "front coach" listening very hard. To see the modest results of my SR steam photography please visit germansteam.info 2nd December 2006 Report

2nd Dec 2006 : Hamburg to Neumünster-Lübeck - Hamburg - Neumünster with 012 100-4
012 100-4 returned to service last Saturday and naturally Udo Tribess was on the train sending this report and the above photos:- O12 100-4 roared around Schleswig-Holstein at HER best. The engine in excellent technical condition heading 10 coaches made this day a real event for all guests, especially for the group of well known enthusiasts in the front coach. Volker (driver) and Jörg Hinrichsen drove from Hamburg to Lübeck and back to Hamburg; Peter Martens (driver) and Thomas Boldt from Hamburg to Neumünster. No "museum engine" performs better than 012 100-4 was the common view of all participants. Lots of onlookers could be seen by the track and on the stations. Roaring through stations was very impressive, when children covered their ears because of "some noise". Many thanks to all active members of "Rendsburger Eisenbahfreunde" who succeeded in making good a complete 012 year on this one Saturday. 2nd December Report continued

2nd Dec : Hamburg to Neumünster-Lübeck - Hamburg - Neumünster with 012 100-4

Rainer Schnell wasn't on the train, but followed it in the morning, which was sadly a bit dull and damp. Nevertheless the 012 with the heavy train made an impressive sight near Pinneberg. Photo Rainer Schnell. 2nd December Report continued

2nd Dec : Hamburg to Neumünster-Lübeck - Hamburg - Neumünster with 012 100-4

012 100-4 near Techau on the single track line from Kiel to Lübeck. Photo Rainer Schnell. 7th October Report

7th October : Oberhausen to Darmstadt-Kranichstein with 01 118 and 41 360

Jürgen Rech send news of a train that ran from Oberhausen via Koln, Koblenz and Limburg to Darmstadt -Kranichstein. This special was operated by AKE Linz, and the 12 car train was fully booked. 41 360 headed the train to Koblenz where it was joined by 01 118. In afternoon 41 360 went light engine to Koblenz to take over the special from 01 118. The above photo was taken by Jörg Sandner as the two loks hurried through Nassau/Lahn in the morning. 7th October Report continued

7th October : Oberhausen to Darmstadt-Kranichstein with 01 118 and 41 360 continued

Jürgen Rech photographed the 12 car train as it passed Diez/Lahn in heavy rain. 22nd - 24th September Report

22 - 24th September : 012 066-7 back in service

012 066-7 had defect on it's 20th Aug trip from Hamburg to Odense. After repair the loco was tested on Sept 22nd and ran to Neumünster where it was turned, (top left). 23rd Sept saw a short run through Dammtor and past the Altona water tower. The lok ran over the Rendsburger Hochbrücke on 24th Sept as it ran to Odensee. Report and photos: Marko and Sandor Nicklich, one of the crews of this lok. 24th September Report about 78 478

24th September : 78 478 runs from Siegen

Jürgen Rech sends photos and news of 78 478 on 24th September. Operated by "Betzdorfer Eisenbahnfreunde" the 78 ran from Siegen to Troisdorf (bunker first). Then chimney first along the river Rhine via Bonn-Beul, Linz and Neuwied to Niederlahnstein. Later alongside the river Lahn via Bad Ems, Balduinstein to Limburg, and lastly from there via Weilburg and Wetzlar back to Siegen. The above photo at Nassau/Lahn. 24th September Report continued

24th September : 78 478 runs from Siegen continued.

78 478 and the train from Siegen to Niederlahnstein and Limburg and return photographed from the "König Conrad" - Rock opposite the line near to Villmar/Lahn. Photo Jürgen Rech.

14th September Report

14th September : 012 100-4 to haul a train again

Many thanks to Bart van 't Grunewold for sending the news that 012 100-4 will be hauling a passenger train again! Full details are in German on the eisenbahnverein-bebra.de web site, which covers the whole of the main steam loco "Meeting" on 16th September. In outline, Saturday 16th September will see 012 100-4 and 01 118 operate a passenger train from Bebra to Eisenach and return. One engine will be at each end of the train so that no turning of the locos will be needed. Expected times are as follows:- Bebra depart 13:15, Eisenach arrive 14:15, then departing soon after to return via Mecklar and expected to arrive back in Bebra at about 15.40. This is really excellent news. 012 100-4 last ran on a passenger train in December 2005, and now she is to run again. Let us all hope that very soon this lovely three cylinder lok, much loved from the days of steam between Rhiene and Emden, and of course for her work in the "preservation era", will soon be back at Neumünster. And ready to start working a series of Sonderzug in Northern Germany.

1st September Report

1st September : 012 100-4 back in steam

Jürgen Rech sends news that 012 100-4 is back in steam, as seen from his photo taken at Neumünster this morning. The loco is to travel via Hamburg to Meiningen Damplok Works for the open weekend. Then certain minor works are needed before it is hoped the loco will return to Neumünster to resume a programme of Sonderzug, with close involvement by the Rendsburger Eisenbahnfreunde, (REF). At present the details of the meetings held between REF and DB Museum are not known, although it is most certainly hoped that both parties can now work to getting this loco back into service in North Germany as soon as possible. More news as soon as it arrives.

18 June report

18th June: 012 066-7 working over the Rheine - Emden line Richard Hay has kindly sent this report of the 18th June steam event between Osnabruck and Emden
The 150th anniversary of the first railway in Emsland (the Emden - Osnabruck - Hannover route) was due to be marked with a major weekend of festivities over 17/18 June, but due to cost cutbacks many plans were cancelled. Including an intensive steam service between Rheine and Emden, involving a variety of motive power associated with the area. Instead a much smaller event on the Sunday only was operated utilising 012.066, 24.009 and the Triebwagon VT8. 012 066-7 was due to work two Osnabruck - Emden - Osnabruck (calling all stations between Rheine and Emden) , the 24 a single Munster - Emden return and VT8 a special to Emden starting from Hannover. V200.033 was at Salzbergen for a mini-fest and on stand-by.	012 066-7 waits at Emden for the return of the first round trip from Osnabruck. Photo Richard Hay
012.066 and V200.033 plus 7 bogies worked the 06.56 from Osnabruck with the V200 detached at Salzbergen. The run on to Emden was superbly noisy as the 012 accelerated away from each stop, with speeds heading up to the 120 km/h mark at times. Arrival at a sunny Emden was about 25 mins late (held at Meppen for an IC to overtake) but a quick turn-round enabled a departure only 10mins down. Another high standard run to Osnabruck was the order of the day. The 24 on her trains struggled somewhat during the day and 012.066 arrived at Leer nearly 60 late on it's second return trip , due to slow running caused by fears of warm bearings. A quick turn-round saw this delay cut to 20mins, but with running at some way under 100 km/h arrival at Osnabruck was about 85 mins late at just before 2355!
18 June report continued

18th June: 012 066-7 working over the Rheine - Emden line cont.

012 066-7 leaving Leer with the late running 1505 Osnabruck - Emden. Photo Richard Hay

6 June report

6th June: 012 066-7 due to work over the Rheine - Emden line

Norbert Steinkamp has sent his interesting news about 012 066-7. Dear Bryan, Do you have a possibility to announce a 'Sonderfahrt' on your germansteam.co.uk website? The reason why I'm asking is that on June 18, 2006 there will be two return trips from Osnabrück to Emden via Rheine and the Emsland route. The train will consist of loco 012 066-7 plus seven coaches. I have got the impression that the '012 community' hasn't been sufficiently informed about these trips yet. 012 066-7 recently had an overhaul at Meiningen. It has brilliantly performed during two weekend trips, organised by www.westfalendampf.de The loco has proved to be able to run 125 km/h with a 13 coach rapid train of more than 600 metric tons. Last week, 'Westfalendampf' people were asked by the 012 066-7 crew to join in and support them with the Emsland trips. I think that participation of as many people as possible would send a positive signal for 012 100-4 as well. The trips will be moderately priced. The person in charge at Westfalendampf is Thomas Werners All the best, Norbert

3rd June

3rd June: 01 202 between Basel and Brugg

01 202 climbing the Bözberg between Basel and Brugg. The loco hauled this excursion, originating from Dortmund, between Basel Bad Bhf and Chur. Photo Alan Rees 20th May Report

20th May: 012 066-7 works through Münster and up to Norddeich Mole

012 066-7 roaring through Sprakel heading a 12 car Sonderzug from Menden (Sauerland) to Norddeich Mole on 20 May 2006. Photo Juergen Arndt 30th April Report

30th April: 78 468: runs Siegen via Dillenburg - Wetzlar - Limburg to Westerburg, (Westerwald)
Jürgen Rech has sent some great photos of the Prussian T 18 No. 78 468 hauling a special train from Siegen via Dillenburg - Wetzlar - Limburg to Westerburg in the lovely Westerwald area. 30th April Report continued

30th April: 78 468, Siegen via Dillenburg - Wetzlar - Limburg to Westerburg, (Westerwald): Photo Jürgen Rech

15th April Report

15th April: 01 519 and 50 2740 run through the Black Forest Alan Rees was out over the Easter weekend and watched this superb parallel run from 01 519 and 50 2740. Alan writes:- Over Easter there was a feast of steam and nostalgia on the Black Forest main line, which is certainly one of Europe's most beautiful railway journeys. The highlight was the parallel running of 01 519 and 50 2740 on Saturday 15 April between Hausach and Triberg. Both engines made light work of the gradient as they climbed up a height difference of 600m, taking it in turns to overtake each other so that the fans on board could appreciate each others locomotives. 01 519, provided by the Eisenbahnfreunde Zollernbahn started from Offenburg and travelled to Engen and back, passing though 38 tunnels each way. The Ulmer Eisenbahnfreunde's BR50, bearing the number 052 740-8, hauled its train from Hausach to Rottweil and return. Many thanks Alan, great photo!             18th March report

18 201 back in service with an 18th March trip from Dresden to Saalfeld
Mike Baxter was on the 18th March special with 18 201, and has sent a comprehensive report of the weekend, along with a good selection of photos, (reproduced throughout the report), Mike writes:- Ex DR oil fired 'Die Legend' 18 201 hauled a Dampf Plus organised 'Sonderzug' from Dresden to Saalfeld and return on Saturday 18th March. Activities commenced at Nossen BW on Friday 17th March with one of the resident class 52's providing steam to bring 'The Green Monster' up to pressure. At 16.00hrs (in falling snow, and temperatures well below freezing) 18 201, roaring steam from opened cylinder cocks, emerged from the depot like a 'fiery dragon' released from her winder sojourn, (Photo right). At 18.00hrs, with 52 8079 hauling the ECS working, the train departed from Nossen HBF, with 18 201 at the rear for the short journey to Dobeln where the 52 was detached. With 18 201 quickly getting into her stride, the well filled train (hardly surprising at 10 Euros a ticket) headed for Dresden via Riesa and Priestwitz, with high speed running through Radebeul ensuring a 'right time' arrival at Dresden Neustadt.             18th March report continued

18 201 back in service with an 18th March trip from Dresden to Saalfeld continued
Saturday 18th March dawned cold and grey, with intermitment snow. At 07.02hrs 18 201 departed from Dresden with a trailing load of 399 tonnes, plus her two tenders! Once clear of Dresden, 18 201 accelearted through the snow covered landscape with more passengers joining at Reisa, and Oschatz. Roaring away from Oschatz 'Die Legend' quickly got up to the permitted maximum speed before a 4 minute early arrival at Borsdorf (Sachs). Unfortunately, the route around the frieght only lines, avoiding Dresden HBF, created a series of long signal checks resulting in a 30 minute late arrival at Halle HBF. Approaching Halle HBF a long series of whistles heralded the arrival of 18 201, returning to the city of of her re-birth in 1961. Christian Goldschagg had advised the local press of the Sonderzugs arrival and 'On train' estimates were that the number of onlookers likely to be present could between 500 and 1000 people.             18th March report continued

18 201 back in service with an 18th March trip from Dresden to Saalfeld continued
But subsequent Police estimates put the number of admirers at between 3000 to 5000 people!! Despite these unbelievable numbers on the station platforms, there were no problems with crowd control, and now only 15 minutes behind schedule, 18 201 whistled away from Halle. For those on the train, and no doubt for the crowds on the Hbf a truly unforgetable moment. 18 201 kept scheduled timings through the suburbs of Halle, prior to the last stop (before Saalfeld) at Grosskorbtha. Once clear of Weissenfels,( but still 15 minutes late) with driver Klaus Bechstedt, (photo right), at the regulator, 18 201set off for Saalfeld, for what was to be the highlight of the day. With speed rarely falling below 110kph 'Die Legend' accelerated up the snow covered Saale valley. Driver Bechstedt gave a superb performance demonstrating 18 201's true power. Easing through Naumberg, Camberg, Jena and Goschwitz, once clear of the platform ends 18 201 roared into life with almost every window open (despite the freezing cold) for passengers to appreciate the unique 3 cylinder roar of this fine machine.
With speed kept at the permitted line maximum 18 201 was early at Orlamunde and despite a stop for signals outside Saalfeld, arrival at the HBF was 3 minutes early. After a refreshing lunch 18 201 departed from Saalfeld 6 minutes late for the return journey down the Saale valley. Speeds were quickly back around 110 kph for most of the journey to Halle. With driver Bechstedt back on the footplate 18 201 accelerated away from Halle gradually regaining lost time. A series of signal checks resulted in a 10 minute late departure from Reisa. (last stop before Dresden) With a final burst of speed 18 201 flew through the suburbs of Dresden arriving at Neustadt only 6 minutes behind booked time. A great day out with 18 201 still providing the possibility of fast steam travel in Germany. .... Many thanks for a great report Mike.
1st March report

18 201 back in service with an 18th March trip from Dresden to Saalfeld

The future operation of three cylinder oil fired pacific 012 100-4 is still very much in doubt, (a news update to come soon), but from Christian Goldshagg of Dampf Plus there is some excellent news about another three cylinder oil fired pacific: 18 201. Christian writes: Dear Bryan, About 18 201 I have very good news. 18 201 will now in future often run in Germany. More details in the official Press-Information from Dampf-Plus. We (Staff and fans) will celebrate this new situation with the first "Drive" in her "second Life". We start on 18th March in Dresden at about 7am and go over Halle to Saalfeld. After 5 hours in Saalfeld we go back to Dresden. Maybe you und friends have time and interesting to go and celebrate with us!? More information about other plans with 18 201 we have on dampfplus.de. Enter the site by clicking on the graphic in the centre of the page, then click on "Termine" on the left hand side to get to the page with all the proposed dates. I hope, we see you all again. Best regards, Christian Many thanks for that news Christian. It would have appeared here earlier but I have been hiking in deep snow in the Bavarian mountains, and only just got home! Latest news via Mike Baxter who is travelling on the above train, is that there are still seats available for anyone making late bookings. 7th January report

Dreikönigsdampf

News and Photos from Reinhard Reiss : A Southern German event on 7th january saw two trains in operation over long distances. Train number 1 was hauled by 01 519 (assisted by 50 2740 at the rear), from Tübingen - Ludwigsburg - Karlsruhe - Offenburg - Hausach - Triberg - St. Georgen - Villingen - Rottweil - Horb - Tübingen (412 km). Above the train nears the summit at Triberg. 7th January report

Driekönigsdampf continued

The 2nd train was hauled by 23 058 assisted by 50 3673, running Basel Bad.Bf - Haltingen - Freiburg - Offenburg - Hausach - Triberg - St. Georgen - Villingen - Singen - Schaffhausen - Basel Bad.Bf - Haltingen. There should have been significant side by side running, but due to technical difficulties with 50 3673 this was restricted to Hausach - Triberg. Above both trains are entering Hornberg station. News and photo from Reinhard Reiss 26th December report

DB Museum & Rensburger Eisenbahnfreunde and the future use of 012 100-4.

DB Museum have ceased operating steam locos and rolling stock as part of a cutback in financing. With the situation re the operation of DB Museum's 012 100-4 by the Rendsburger Eiusenbahnfreunde, (REF), now at a critical stage I want to alert the worldwide audience of nearly 150,000 people who have visited this site to what is happening. REF, are holding a Press Conference about this on December 29th. Here is my own understanding of the position. REF returned three cylinder oil fired pacific 012 100-4, (01 1100), back into service in 2001 after significant financial expenditure by REF. Since then REF have spent enormous numbers of hours and money building a very strong base of expertise for the continued operation of this loco. And operating it from Neumünster and around the Hamburg area: locations full of the history of this class of loco, more so than anywhere else in Germany. This tremendous base of expertise, hard work and financial involvement by REF saw the loco equipped with a new boiler in Autumn of 2005, (with financial help from DB Museum), and a contract with DB Museum for the continued operation of 012 100-4 by REF in Northern Germany for years to come. A contact that must have recognised the enormous involvement and expertise of REF as the best possible group to be entrusted with such an important steam loco. While discussions about the future operation by REF of 012 100-4 were continuing (with DB Museum), REF received notification near the end of December from the Museum that the operation of 012 100-4 would cease, with the loco taken out of service. As well as being an apparent breach of the contract between DB Museum and REF it is also an astonishing decision for a loco that has just had it's boiler renewed. And a loco that has been successfully operated by a group, (REF), who have spent an enormous amount of time and money in establishing the expertise to run this loco for years to come. This will cause tremendous concerns to many thousands of enthusiasts of German steam locos around the world. It is very much hoped that this concern can be communicated to and acted on by those in Germany, (DB very senior staff and senior politicians responsible for the area around Hamburg and Neumünster), after the REF Press Conference. It may well be that very soon it will become appropriate for a large number of visitors to this web site to ensure that those very senior DB staff and the senior local, and perhaps national politicians in Germany are made aware of the worldwide concern and anger that the tremendous efforts by REF over the past years are to be swept aside, in an apparent breach of contract. And a loco that REF have every right to continue operating for many years to come will be taken out of service. So please come back to this page soon: if worldwide action is needed appropriate contact details will be posted here.

26th December report in Deutsch

DB Museum & Rendsburger Eisenbahnfreunde und die Zukunft der 012 100-4. Translation with thanks to Helmut Dalhaus Das DB Museum hat den Einsatz der Museumsloks und Wagen wegen Finanzmittelkürzungen beendet. Da die Situation bezüglich des Einsatzes der DB Museumslok 012 100-4 durch die Rendsburger Eisenbahnfreunde (REF) ein kritisches Stadium erreicht hat, möchte ich die weltweite Leserschaft dieser Website, die bisher ca. 150.000 Mal aufgerufen wurde, auf die Entwicklung aufmerksam machen. Die REF werden am 29. Dezember zu diesem Thema eine Pressekonferenz abhalten. Hier mein eigenes Verständnis der Lage: Die REF haben die ölgefeuerte Dreizylinder Pazifik 012 100-4 (01 1100) im Jahre 2001 mit beträchtlicher finanzieller Beteiligung wieder in Dienst gestellt. Seitdem haben die REF sehr viel Zeit und Geld aufgewandt, um eine starke Basis an Fachwissen für den langfristigen Einsatz dieser Lok aufzubauen. Die Fahrten von Neumünster und dem Großraum Hamburg aus bedienen ein Gebiet, das mit der Geschichte dieser Lok eng verbunden ist. Dieses Fundament an Fachwissen, harte Arbeit und finanzielle Beteiligung haben dazu geführt, dass die Lok (mit finanzieller Hilfe durch das DB Museum) im Herbst 2005 einen neuen Kessel erhielt. In einem Vertrag mit dem DB Museum wurde vereinbart, dass 012 100-4 noch für viele Jahre durch die REF in Norddeutschland eingesetzt werden kann. Durch diesen Vertrag wurde anerkannt, dass die REF wegen ihres enormen Engagements und Fachwissens die bestmögliche Gruppe darstellen, der man eine derart wichtige Lok anvertrauen kann. Während die Diskussionen über den zukünftigen Einsatz der 012 100-4 durch die REF mit dem DB Museum noch andauerten, erhielten die REF Ende Dezember von dem Museum die Nachricht, dass weitere Fahrten mit der 012 100-4 nicht stattfinden werden und die Lok abzustellen sei. Abgesehen davon, dass der Vertrag zwischen dem DB Museum und den REF damit offensichtlich gebrochen wurde, ist es eine erstaunliche Entscheidung eine Lok betreffend, die gerade einen neuen Kessel erhalten hat, eine Lok, die erfolgreich durch die REF eingesetzt wurde und für deren betriebsfähige Zukunft die REF enorme Opfer an Zeit und Geld gebracht haben. Diese Entwicklung beunruhigt die vielen tausend Anhänger der deutschen Dampflokomotiven in der ganzen Welt sehr. Man kann nur hoffen, dass nach der Pressekonferenz die Verantwortlichen bei der Deutschen Bahn und auch in der Politik die Besorgnis wahrnehmen und entsprechend handeln. Es kann gut sein, dass es bald für viele Leser dieser Website angemessen sein wird, die hochrangigen Vertreter der DB und die Politiker, sowohl auf lokaler als auch auf nationaler Ebene, auf die Betroffenheit und Wut darüber aufmerksam zu machen, dass die außerordentlichen Anstrengungen der REF in den vergangenen Jahren mit einem offensichtlichen Vertragsbruch zunichte gemacht werden und dass eine Lok, deren langjähriger Einsatz den Rendsburger Eisenbahnfreunden zugesichert wurde, abgestellt wird. Deshalb möchte ich Sie bitten, das weitere Geschehen hier zu verfolgen: Sollten weltweite Aktionen notwendig erscheinen, werden Sie hier die entsprechenden Informationen finden.

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