Class 704 | TrainsDepot.org

Source: de.wikipedia.org

Class 704

Also known as: Baureihe - BR 704

Vehicle type: Construction & Maintenance

Registration country: Germany

Railway companies: DB - Deutsche Bahn DB - Deutsche Bundesbahn

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1977

The five tower railcars of the 704 series, delivered between 1977 and 1978, were developed as successors to the Class 701 & 702, based on the Class 627 railcar. These twin-engine vehicles could reach speeds of up to 140 km/h and maintain 100 km/h on a 5‰ gradient with a trailer load. This allowed them to arrive quickly at job sites and be utilized across a wide range of tasks, thanks to their advanced technical capabilities. They were frequently paired with catenary construction trucks or additional equipment vehicles. Throughout their more than 30 years of service—depending on the nature of their tasks and the duration of major construction projects on the rail network—their base of operations (Bw) changed several times, ensuring they could be deployed rapidly across Germany.

Initially, exhaust fumes from the engines were a significant issue for the crews, prompting a retrofit in 1986. New, lower-emission engines were installed, and exhaust pipes were rerouted along the roof on both sides, allowing emissions to be directed based on wind and air conditions. However, when Class 627 was retired, sourcing spare parts became feasible, leading to the parking and storage of the tower trains in Cottbus until 2012. They remained for sale there for several years, but no buyers emerged. The longest-serving vehicle, 704 002-5, was transferred from its final base in Bw Ludwigshafen to Karlsruhe, and later to Cottbus, in January 2012.

Regrettably, all five tower railcars were eventually dismantled, and none were preserved for museum display.

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