Source: T. Rose - pwgs88.de
Also known as: D 65 / Daa
UIC / EVN numbering: 40 50 940 0 / 50 50 93-26
Vehicle type: Postal / Luggage car
Registration country: Germany
Railway companies: DR - Deutsche Reichsbahn
1957
Although relatively modern at the time of their introduction, the design did not completely meet operational expectations. Their running characteristics and speed limitations soon became problematic, and later new developments replaced them in active service. In various publications a supposed third series of another 200 wagons is sometimes mentioned, but since no evidence of such a batch exists, this appears to be either a cancelled plan or a simple misunderstanding.
By the end of 1968, 237 of the original 240 wagons were still in service. 96 of these had already been upgraded with roller bearings. The fleet was distributed across several Reichsbahndirektionen, including Berlin, Cottbus, Dresden, Erfurt, Greifswald, Halle, Magdeburg and Schwerin. Each wagon was assigned to a specific depot and was tied to the operational responsibility of a particular Bahnbetriebswerk. Maintenance was initially handled by RAW Gotha and later by RAW Potsdam (Pts).
Throughout their service lives, the vehicles carried multiple numbering schemes both as passenger and as goods stock, before and after the introduction of the computerised numbering system in 1970. For example, a wagon could be identified as 743 552 (pre-1970 passenger number, classed as D 65), 50 50 93-26 351-3 (post-1970 passenger number, classed as Daa), 88-39-12 (pre-1970 goods wagon number) or 40 50 940 0251-7 (post-1970 goods wagon number). It remains uncertain whether individual wagons actually carried all four versions over time. Renumbering did occur, but the continuity of the running number generally makes it possible to track single wagon histories, allowing for exceptions.
The designation D 65 refers to their allocation to passenger train service. The letter "D" indicates a baggage van, while the number "65" does not refer to the construction year but to the official introduction of this wagon type into passenger service in 1965. Later, when redesignated as Daa, the double "a" signified the one-axle configuration.
Due to their early limitations and the arrival of improved rolling stock, the Pwgs 88 / Daa were gradually phased out.
Sources: https://pwgs88.de/statistik/
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Latest update on the 26th of November 2025 at 20:59
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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