KLV12 + VT135

The KLV12

From 1953 onwards, the German Federal Railway (DB) procured various types of railcars for railway service purposes, including the Klv 11 and Klv 12 models, of which around 800 were produced by various suppliers by 1963. The Klv 11 and Klv 12 differed primarily in the number of doors. The vehicles were built by the companies Beilhack (our prototype), Draisinenbau Hamburg Alpers, FKF, Industriewerke Karlsruhe IWK, and Sollinger Hütte SH. These simple, utilitarian vehicles were inexpensive. They were powered by an air-cooled, 1.2-liter Volkswagen industrial engine producing 28 hp. Power was transmitted via a clutch and a gearbox from automotive engineering, offering four forward gears and one reverse gear. The top speed was 70 km/h, and the total weight was approximately 2,250 kg. For turning, the original vehicles were equipped with a lifting device that allowed one person to lift and rotate the vehicle. 

The Klv 12 railcars were used by the German Federal Railway (DB) and later by private railways, coal mines, and industrial companies. They were also sold to other European countries. The last vehicles were retired from service by the DB in 1997. Due to their robust construction and ease of maintenance, numerous vehicles are still in use on museum lines today.

When we first visited Ebermannstadt, we were invited to ride in a KLV all the way to Muggendorf, such a simple act of kindest resulted in a lifetime of loyalty to the DFS. 

 

VT135

 

The railbus is Vt135 065 Hydronalium both of which spent their last years on the branchlines around Bamberg, a set of db 'keks' are on order.