Reconditioning 98 727: Work on the boiler progressing

Originally, only half of the smoke chamber was to be replaced. Now we have decided to replace the entire smoke chamber (bottom left). We want to reuse the chimney base, so it has to come down as well (center). A little later, the wash hatches are prepared for the installation of new wash hatch liners (right).

The bottom ring of the firebox has now been welded on. It still needs to be straightened (bottom left). First, however, the tube wall flange is heated with the welding torch and straightened with targeted hammer blows (center and right).

Since the center wash hatch behind the blowpipe is very difficult to access, two additional wash hatches are installed laterally offset. The large-caliber pillar drilling machine is used for this purpose, operated by the workshop manager under the expert supervision of the expert.

A part of the so-called bootjack plate (the lower part of the standing boiler front wall) must also be replaced. First, the new part is bent in our friction spindle press. Then the edges are given their finishing touches. What sounds filigree, however, is rough but well-dosed manual work.

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Our special trips in autumn/winter
4 October 2026: Take the steam train to the German Grape Harvest Festival, or the ‘Kuckucksbähnel’, in Neustadt (Weinstr.)

Hop on the steam train, hauled by 23 042, at Darmstadt or Bensheim, and experience the German Grape Harvest Festival with Palatinate wine, local specialities and live music. Alternatively, railway enthusiasts can take the iconic ‘Kuckucksbähnel’ and the ‘Sissi’ steam locomotive through the idyllic Elmstein Valley – a special outing for connoisseurs and lovers of railway nostalgia!

On 7 and 8 November 2026, take a historic steam train from Darmstadt Central Station to the Dieburg St Martin’s Market!

The St Martin’s Market awaits you with the season’s first mulled wine and a wide range of other culinary and craft delights. The special train runs three times a day, there and back.

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent, 13 December 2026: Special steam train journey to the Heidelberg Christmas markets!

From Darmstadt or Bensheim, we’ll take you to the enchanting Christmas markets in the various squares along the Hauptstraße, with views of the illuminated Heidelberg Castle.

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Mit unserem Jubiläumskalender feiern wir 50 Jahre Eisenbahnmuseum Darmstadt-Kranichstein – eines der bedeutendsten Eisenbahnmuseen Deutschlands. Die zwölf eindrucksvollen Motive zeigen dabei verschiedene Exponate im Kontext unvergesslicher historischer Meilensteine aus fünf Jahrzehnten gelebter Eisenbahnkultur.

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