Class 02 0314-1 | TrainsDepot.org

Class 02 0314-1

Also known as:

BR 02 0314-1Schorsch

Vehicle type:

Steam locomotive

Registration country:

Germany

Railway companies:

DR - Deutsche Reichsbahn

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1919

The DR 18 314, famously known by its nickname "Schorsch" is one of the most celebrated steam locomotives in German railway history. Its journey from a regional express engine to a high-speed experimental "super-loco" in East Germany makes it a unique "one-of-a-kind" survivor.

The locomotive began its life as a Baden Class IV h, a powerful 4-6-2 "Pacific" type designed for heavy express service. Built by Maffei in Munich in 1919, it was part of a small series of only 20 locomotives designed for the challenging Rhine Valley line. These engines were nicknamed "High Steppers" because of their massive driving wheels (2'100 mm).

After the founding of the Deutsche Reichsbahn (DRG), it was renumbered to 18 314. It spent much of the 1930s pulling prestigious trains, including the legendary Rheingold.

1948

After WWII, 18 314 found itself in the Western occupation zones (Bremen), while the East German VES-M Halle (a railway research and development institute) desperately needed a fast locomotive for high-speed testing.

In 1948, Max Baumberg, head of the VES-M, arranged a rare cross-border trade. He exchanged a Bavarian S 3/6 (Class 18.4) that was stuck in the Soviet Zone for the Baden 18 314. The locomotive was transferred to East Germany, where it would spend the rest of its working life as a specialized test bed.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden_IV_h

1960

By the late 1950s, the GDR needed to test new passenger coaches at speeds of 160 km/h, but they lacked a locomotive capable of such sustained speed. In 1960, 18 314 underwent a radical reconstruction:
Rebuilding: It received a new boiler, a new cab, and partial streamlining on the cylinders and boiler.
Identity: It was painted a striking green with white stripes, earning it the nicknames "Schorsch" (a Bavarian diminutive for George) and "Laubfrosch" (Tree Frog).
Power: Its top speed was officially increased to 150 km/h, with nearly 2'000 horsepower.
Oil Firing: In 1967, it was converted from coal to oil firing, making it even more efficient for high-speed runs.

1970

As the computer-controlled numbering system was introduced in 1970, the locomotive was renumbered 02 0314-1.

1971

In late 1971, the locomotive suffered severe cylinder damage. Given its unique parts, it was deemed too expensive to repair and was officially retired on August 1st, 1972.

1984

After years in storage, it was sold back to West Germany in 1984. Since 1986, it has been a centerpiece at the Technik Museum Sinsheim, where it remains today on permanent loan from the Frankfurt Historic Railroad (HEF).

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