As early as the 1920s, small railways were looking for ways to operate lines with low utilisation rates as cost-effectively as possible. They wanted to use railcars for this purpose and tried to incorporate components from bus design. The problem at that time, however, was that there were no efficient gears, especially no reversing gears. After initial trials in Denmark, the Triebwagen- und Waggonfabrik Wismar AG built the “Type Hannover”, a two-axle railcar that could be produced at a low cost by using numerous components from automobile construction. In order to enable driving in both directions, one Ford petrol engine was installed in each direction. Because of its low cost, this development was successful, so that in 1936 up to 5 different versions could be offered.
Our machine came as No. 1 to the Lüchow-Schmarsauer Eisenbahn GmbH and was damaged in 1944. In 1949 it was repaired and was put back into service with the new number T 141 and was taken out of service in 1968. After an interim stay at the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Historische Eisenbahn e.V., it came to our museum in 1985.
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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.
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