50 years. 012. One last time.

On 31 May 1975, when the summer timetable came into operation, the Deutsche Bundesbahn ended the scheduled deployment of express steam locomotives. Exactly 50 years later, an authentic special run from Rheine to Norddeich Mole recalled this momentous occasion.  by Tobias Heitmüller

Rheine was once home of the impressive, oil-fired, 3-cylinder steam locomotives of the 012 (also called 01.10) series, which hauled heavy express trains to the North Sea coast with 2436 HP and up to 140 km/h. The steam era came to an end on 31 May 1975 with the introduction of diesel locomotives of the 216 and 220 series.

To commemorate the jubilee, the Westphalian working group called Arbeitsgemeinschaft Westfalendampf organised a special run with the last operational 012 – the 012 104-6 - belonging to the Faszination Dampf association. The 012 104-6 was joined by some vintage carriages to run once again on the route it covered 50 years ago.
The train started off in Lippstadt hauled by an electric locomotive of the 110 series, steam locomotive 012 104-6 took over in Rheine. For many this was an emotional experience: the rumble of the 012 at full speed, the smoke, the smell – pure railway nostalgia. Numerous photographers and fans lined the route, many with memories of the bygone steam locomotive era.

A big thank-you to the Faszination Dampf association – without whom this impressive experience would not have been possible.

For more information visit:  www.faszination-dampf.de