DB Class 82
| Industry | Railway locomotives |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | DRG Einheitslok Class 87 |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Products | Steam tank locomotives |
Number of employees | 41 units built |
DB Class 82 Overview
The DB Class 82 represented a class of goods train tank locomotives operated by the Deutsche Bundesbahn in post-Second World War Germany. Designed primarily for both shunting tasks and regular railway operations, these locomotives were introduced to supersede the ten-coupled engines inherited from the former state railways (Länderbahn) as well as the accident-prone DRG Einheitslok Class 87.
As the inaugural series among the DB's Neubaudampflokomotiven—meaning newly constructed steam engines—these locomotives were manufactured between 1950 and 1951 by Krupp and Henschel, with additional units produced in 1955 by Maschinenfabrik Esslingen. Despite their ten driving wheels, all 41 units were engineered to navigate sharply curved tracks, such as those found on the Hamburg Harbour railway. To enhance their ability to handle curves, the first and last axles were equipped with Beugniot lever mechanisms. The final two locomotives in this class were further outfitted with Riggenbach counterpressure brake systems, facilitating safer operation on steep gradients. These engines could haul trains weighing up to 800 tonnes at maximum speeds reaching 70 km/h.
Deployment
These locomotives were mainly utilized within the marshalling yards located in Bremen and Hamm, as well as on the port railway lines of Emden and Hamburg. Additionally, the Class 82 engines operated on mainline services, notably managing the steep gradients found in the Westerwald region and along the Murg Valley Railway in the Black Forest.
The process of phasing out these locomotives started as early as 1966. The final operational base was Bw Koblenz-Mosel, where the last unit was officially retired in 1972.
Preserved
The locomotive numbered 82 008, which was the final one withdrawn from service, has been preserved at Bw Neumünster since early 2003. Its upkeep is overseen by the Rendsburger Eisenbahnfreunden group.