After the Second World War, West Germany lacked efficient passenger locomotives. For this reason, new steam locomotives were developed even after the Second World War, using the most advanced design principles. From 1950 onwards, 105 examples were built for medium-heavy passenger train and light express train service.
Our locomotive 23 042 was put into operation at the Mönchengladbach depot on December 21, 1954 and was used there in heavy passenger and express train service until 1965. From 1965 to 1971 the 23 042 was based in the Bestwig depot. It was then used in the passenger train service in Crailsheim until 1975. On October 25th, 1975 it was brought to the museum in Darmstadt-Kranichstein under its own power after having covered 1,580,000 km for the Deutsche Bundesbahn. After a long period of inactivity, it was restored in 2005 with financial support from the “Joachim Schmidt Railway Foundation” and was then used until 2012 in front of historical trains. After new general inspection, it is expected to be operational again in 2022.
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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.
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.
For better reading, the masculine form is used for personal names and personal nouns on this website. Corresponding terms apply in principle to all genders for the purpose of equal treatment. The abbreviated form of language is for editorial reasons only and does not imply any valuation.
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