23 042 under steam again

After more than 3 years, a fire could be lit again in the 23 042 on 22.07.2022. The boiler was slowly and carefully heated up. After about 6 hours, the boiler had the necessary pressure. The locomotive was first pushed out of the locomotive shed with the sliders removed by a small locomotive in order to blow out the cylinders at just under 6 bar. This removed dirt from the work from the steam engine. Further, the locomotive’s aggregates (air and feed pump, as well as the alternator) were put into operation. Towards afternoon, the locomotive was pulled back into the locomotive shed to install the slide valves.
Blowing out the cylinders on the coal crane
First exit from the locomotive shed
Around 8 pm, the time had come. For the first time since May 2019, 23 042 moved out of the locomotive shed under its own power. The safety valves were then tested.
On Saturday, 23.07.2022, the locomotive was then heated up again for the warm pressure test. Furthermore, a basic lubrication of all lubrication points and several trips across the site for the staff involved in the main inspection took place. All in all, the warm-up was a complete success and the crew is very proud of what was achieved! Now minor deficiencies have to be worked on until the locomotive is completely ready for operation.

Newsletter Anmeldung bestätigen

Sie erhalten in Kürze eine E-Mail an die von Ihnen angegebene E-Mail-Adresse. Bitte bestätigen Sie Ihre Newsletteranmeldung über den darin enthaltenen Link.

Bahnwelt Newsletter

Registrieren Sie sich jetzt für unseren Bahnwelt Newsletter, um stets über kommende Veranstaltungen und aktuelle Aktivitäten informiert zu sein!

Our special trips in autumn/winter
4 October 2026: Take the steam train to the German Grape Harvest Festival, or the ‘Kuckucksbähnel’, in Neustadt (Weinstr.)

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.

26 BW 00 V03

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.

Gender notice

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.