Bahnwelt Update (Week 11/2023)
19. March 2023
Salvage Pwghs 44 (Brit. US Zone) Our operational wagon fleet is getting a new addition in the form of a Pwghs 44 freight train escort
Operational Reconditioning of the 23 042
Operational Reconditioning of the 23 042
A look back
At the end of 2012, the operating licence of the 23 042 expired after the official term of 8 years. Prior to that, the locomotive had been used throughout Germany since 2005 in front of special trains and at Bahnwelt events as well as in the context of so called “Plandampf” events. The sight of it and the sound of its exhaust made the faces of many adults and children on the trains and along the track shine.
By 2014, it had undergone the necessary general inspection, during which all parts of the locomotive were checked for damage and wear. This complex and cost-intensive work was only possible thanks to numerous donations, e.g. in the form of “pipe sponsorships”.
Photo: © Bastian Chlond
After that, the locomotive was once again available for events on the museum grounds; use in front of special trains was only not possible until then for licensing reasons.
On 29 May 2019, during firing up the locomotive crew discovered that a smoke pipe inside the boiler was defect. Therefore, the locomotive had to be shut down again. Since then, the active members of the Bahnwelt, including a considerable proportion of our youth group, have been working on getting the locomotive back into service. In the course of the work, unfortunately, a number of other defects became apparent, which were caused by the low “run-out” of the locomotive.
What has been achieved so far?
- Disassembly of various attachments, e.g. the superheater
- Burning out heating and smoke pipes
- Freeing the boiler from internal deposits
- Repair of the smoke chamber door
- Repair of the driver's cab side walls
- Cleaning and painting of the cylinders, chassis and frame, especially in the area of the smoke chamber
- Manufacture of new smoke pipes in the museum's own pipe workshop
- Revision of various displays and controls in the driver's cab
- Blow out cylinder & hot pressure test
- Extensive overhaul of the Krauss-Helmholtz forward bogie
- Revision of the crosshead bolt on the driver's side
What still needs to be done?
In order for our 23 042 to steam again, it needs:
- New superheater elements
- New crosshead bolts
- Acceptance and load test drive
The components either have to be repaired or, in some cases, completely rebuilt so that they can then be fitted and reassembled. Thanks to our well-equipped workshops, the work can often be carried out by volunteers. Nevertheless, expensive materials have to be procured and companies have to be commissioned for some of the work.
How can you support us?
For the further refurbishment, we therefore need your financial support. Help us to ensure that 23 042 will soon make railway enthusiasts’ hearts beat faster again!
Donation account of the Bahnwelt foundation:
Sparkasse Darmstadt
IBAN: DE41 5085 0150 0000 7139 10
BIC: HELADEF1DAS
Intended purpose: “HU 23 042”
Or simply via PayPal:
Your donation is tax deductible if you pay taxes in Germany.
What do we offer you?
- For a donation of 50 € or more, you receive a free ticket (family ticket) on our regular opening days on Sundays, public holidays and Wednesdays (from May to October).
- From 100 €, you receive a free ticket (family ticket) for a driver's cab ride in the museum grounds or through Kranichstein switching yard.
- From 200 € you get a free ticket for the Bahnwelttage or the Dampflokfest, including a ride in the driver's cab.
- From 500 € we invite you to the first official ride of the 23 042. For all donors, a historic passenger coach will be exclusively added to the train
So that such experiences will soon be possible again:
Video: Youtube/Powered by Steam
Video: Youtube/TheTraintv
Thank you for your support!
News about the 23 042
Bahnwelt Update (Week 8/2023)
19. February 2023
Leading axle of the 23 042 removed After the 23 042 was presented to the expert under steam in mid-December, the planned acceptance run was
Bahnwelt Update (Week 3/2023)
19. January 2023
23 042 The relatively warm temperatures at the beginning of the year were used to wash out the boiler of 23 042. This procedure has
