The G 8 freight locomotive was the first superheated steam freight locomotive in Prussia, which is the reason why it initially suffered from a number of teething problems. Another problem was the weight specification for the locomotive, which meant that many components had to be made much too weak in order to save weight. Therefore, during the procurement period, changes were repeatedly made to the locomotives. A total of 1,054 locomotives were built between 1902 and 1913.
Our locomotive was put into service in 1913 by the Royal Railway Directorate of Münster as 4981. In the course of the First World War, it was delivered to the Ottoman Empire for operation on the Baghdad Railway in 1916. It most probably came to the state railway TCDD in the course of the nationalisation of the Turkish Southern Railway “Cenup Demiryolları”. From 1970 onwards, it was based in the Çatalağzı depot. In 1987, the still operational locomotive was towed to Germany on its own wheels, largely restored to its original condition and is an exhibit in our museum.
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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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