The V 100 series diesel locomotives were developed in the 1950s and 1960s by the German Federal Railways as modern replacement locomotives for various steam locomotive series. The aim was to replace the heavy and maintenance-intensive steam locomotives on main and branch lines with more economical diesel-hydraulic locomotives. While the first variant with 1,100 hp engines was later designated as the Class 211 (V 100.10), the Class 212 stands for the more powerful V 100.20 version with approx. 1,350 hp and hydraulic power transmission.

Technically, the Class 212 is a compact B’B’ diesel locomotive with diesel-hydraulic drive, a top speed of 100 km/h and a robust design for versatile tasks. They are powered by a 12-cylinder diesel engine with hydraulic transmission, which enables a good power-to-weight ratio and high starting traction. The locomotives have multiple control and, depending on the version, push-pull train capabilities.

The series proved to be extremely flexible in operation: it was used in light main and branch line traffic as well as in freight train and shunting service. Thanks to its power, it was also suitable for steeper sections of track where earlier, weaker diesel or steam locomotives reached their limits.

Our locomotive is the V 100 2062, which was given the designation 212 062-4 after the introduction of computerised series numbering. It was built in 1963 by MaK (Maschinenbau Kiel) and initially delivered with a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine (type MB 835 Ab, approx. 1,350 hp).

During its long service life, the 212 062 was stationed at various railway depots – from Bielefeld to Göttingen to Saarbrücken and Kaiserslautern – where it was used in regional train service, shunting operations and on branch lines. From 1986 to 2000, it was also stationed at the Darmstadt depot, where it hauled trains through the Odenwald and on the Rodgaubahn, among other routes. In 2000, the locomotive was transferred to the Giessen depot, where it was finally taken out of service in 2003 and handed over to the DB Museum. The museum loaned it to the Friends of 212 001 e.V. until 2022. The locomotive was most recently stored at the Hanau Museum Railway and is now returning to its ‘home turf’ as a permanent loan from the DB Museum.

The machine, which is still equipped with steam heating, will expand the operational fleet in the future and be available for special trips. Until then, the 212 062 will enrich the railway museum’s collection as a non-operational exhibit and representative of route diesel locomotives without rod drive.