DR Class 52.80
Encyclopedia
The Rekolokomotives of DR Class 52.80 first appeared in 1960 in service with the Deutsche Reichsbahn in East Germany as extensive rebuilds of the wartime locomotives or Kriegslokomotive
n of DRB Class 52. This modernisation, described as 'reconstruction' (Rekonstruktion, hence Rekolokomotive), extended to almost all of the components and systems on the engine.
Reichsbahn repair shop (Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk or RAW) from 1959 onwards. Under that programme only the refinements omitted during wartime were added back, and worn out components - or those which were too small (again for wartime austerity reasons) - were replaced. Usually only the firebox and pony trucks were replaced. These refurbished engines retained their original numbers, however the Rekoloks were reorganised, irrespective of their original numbers, into sub-class 52.80.
For economic reasons the general repair programme was cut back, nevertheless in early summer 1960 work began on the reconstruction of Class 52 at RAW Stendal. Up to 1967, 200 locomotives were rebuilt with a slightly modified, Typ 50E, combustion-chambered boiler
, originally designed for the Class 50.35. Other notable features of the Rekolok were new, welded cylinders, an IfS/DR mixer-preheater system and a new driver's cab front walls with oval windows, mainly on account of the new boiler. The intention to replace the entire the cab and provide the engines with new tenders did not come about. The worn out Class 2'2'T30 tub tenders were mainly given new tubs.
Other reconstruction measures included the installation of axle box tightening wedges and the replacement of the Krauss-Helmholtz bogies. Despite often expressed views to the contrary, the valves were not replaced or rebuilt as part of the reconstruction. The 52.80 had standard piston valves with Winterthur pressure equalisation and hence poor riding qualities when running light. Not until the 1980s were Trofimoff valves and cylinder safety valves installed on some locomotives at RAW Meiningen. This improved the riding performance hugely when the engines ran without a train, something which was also noticeable in terms of savings in lubricants and fuel.
Some locomotives were also fitted with Giesl-Gieslingen
suction draught systems, the so-called Giesl ejector
s. However, for licensing reasons, these were removed once they had worn out or become defective.
principles.
Kriegslokomotive
Kriegslokomotiven were German 'war locomotives', produced in large numbers during the Second World War, whose construction was tailored to the economic circumstances of wartime Germany, such as shortages of materials, goods transportation , ease of maintenance under difficult conditions, resistance...
n of DRB Class 52. This modernisation, described as 'reconstruction' (Rekonstruktion, hence Rekolokomotive), extended to almost all of the components and systems on the engine.
Overview
This reconstruction should not to be confused with the general repair of a number of locomotives which was also carried out in the StendalStendal
Stendal is a town in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. It is the capital of Stendal District and unofficial capital of the Altmark. Its population in 2001 was 38,900. It is located some west of Berlin and around east of Hanover...
Reichsbahn repair shop (Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk or RAW) from 1959 onwards. Under that programme only the refinements omitted during wartime were added back, and worn out components - or those which were too small (again for wartime austerity reasons) - were replaced. Usually only the firebox and pony trucks were replaced. These refurbished engines retained their original numbers, however the Rekoloks were reorganised, irrespective of their original numbers, into sub-class 52.80.
For economic reasons the general repair programme was cut back, nevertheless in early summer 1960 work began on the reconstruction of Class 52 at RAW Stendal. Up to 1967, 200 locomotives were rebuilt with a slightly modified, Typ 50E, combustion-chambered boiler
Boiler
A boiler is a closed vessel in which water or other fluid is heated. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications.-Materials:...
, originally designed for the Class 50.35. Other notable features of the Rekolok were new, welded cylinders, an IfS/DR mixer-preheater system and a new driver's cab front walls with oval windows, mainly on account of the new boiler. The intention to replace the entire the cab and provide the engines with new tenders did not come about. The worn out Class 2'2'T30 tub tenders were mainly given new tubs.
Other reconstruction measures included the installation of axle box tightening wedges and the replacement of the Krauss-Helmholtz bogies. Despite often expressed views to the contrary, the valves were not replaced or rebuilt as part of the reconstruction. The 52.80 had standard piston valves with Winterthur pressure equalisation and hence poor riding qualities when running light. Not until the 1980s were Trofimoff valves and cylinder safety valves installed on some locomotives at RAW Meiningen. This improved the riding performance hugely when the engines ran without a train, something which was also noticeable in terms of savings in lubricants and fuel.
Some locomotives were also fitted with Giesl-Gieslingen
Adolph Giesl-Gieslingen
Adolph Giesl-Gieslingen was an Austrian locomotive designer and engineer.Giesl-Gieslingen was born in 1903 in Trient, Tirol, and studied at the Technical College in Vienna. In 1924 he published a technical article on smokebox design and chimneys...
suction draught systems, the so-called Giesl ejector
Giesl ejector
A Giesl ejector is a suction draught system for steam locomotives that works on the same principle as a feedwater pump.This ejector was invented in 1951 by the Austrian engineer, Dr. Adolph Giesl-Gieslingen. The Giesl ejector ensures improved suction draught and a correspondingly better use of...
s. However, for licensing reasons, these were removed once they had worn out or become defective.
Surviving locomotives
Of the originally 200 locomotives reconstructed, a large number are still in existence in the hands of various owners in varying condition (see List of preserved steam locomotives in Germany). At present (August 2007) ten working examples are known of. Number 52 8055 has been rebuilt using advanced steam technologyAdvanced steam technology
Advanced steam technology reflects an approach to the technical development of the steam engine intended for a wider variety of applications than has recently been the case...
principles.
Literature
- Michael Reimer, Dirk Endisch: Baureihe 52.80 - Die rekonstruierte Kriegslokomotive, GeraMond, ISBN 3-7654-7101-1
See also
- Deutsche Reichsbahn (East Germany)
- List of East German Deutsche Reichsbahn locomotives and railbuses
- DRB Class 52
- Rekolok
- List of preserved steam locomotives in Germany
External links
- Photos, data and information about DR Class 52.80s (German)
- There is a relevant English-language forum at Railways of Germany