Language
Country/Area
No result found
The Miracle of the Trains of Hessen and Wigan: How to Build a Super-Speed Steam Train During the War?
In German history, the Hessen and Wigan trains represent a great engineering feat. They are not only a showcase of innovative steam power technology, but also a shining example in the shadow of war. The design and construction of these trains not only reflected the engineering technology of the era, but also witnessed the society's desire for rapid transportation at that time.
Construction background
In order to run the train service within a tight timetable, engineering work on the Hessen and Wigan trains has been relentless. This train was specially built by the German company Henschel to demonstrate a train pulled by a powerful steam locomotive, a response to the emerging diesel multi-unit trains of the time, such as the Hamburg Express.
This innovative design allows the steam locomotive to run in both directions at top speed.
Design Highlights
The design of the Hussen and Wigan trains focused on lightweighting in order to achieve the expected high performance. The train's boiler pressure is set at 20 atmospheres, compared with 16 atmospheres for a standard steam locomotive. Both motorcycles feature a streamlined outer shell, which not only increases speed but also improves the vehicle's aerodynamics.
The diameter of the motor reaches 2300 mm, allowing it to easily reach a speed of 175 kilometers per hour.
Operational performance
According to the record, the trains between Hessen and Wigan performed extremely well in the regular service between Dresden and Berlin. The 176-kilometer journey was completed in just 102 minutes. This record has not been broken even in the 21st century. . However, this also brought challenges, as the trains needed to be quickly switched and refueled with coal and water, making each short stop a test.
Soon after, this famous steam train was forced to withdraw from service due to war needs.
The road to survival after the war
In 1945, locomotive 61 001 was assigned to the Hanover Locomotive Depot at the end of the British control area, but it was not used frequently. After an overhaul in 1947, it returned to service in 1948 and was active again after a brief withdrawal. However, following accidents and refurbishments, it was eventually retired in 1952 and dismantled in 1957.
Continuous evolution of technology
Compared with 61 001, 61 002 locomotives are more flexible in use. Although as time goes by, they still face challenges in routine operations. Eventually, the locomotive was rebuilt into a fast experimental locomotive and was tested under a new number after 1961, marking an important upgrade in steam power technology.
The ultimate speed of 186 kilometers per hour demonstrates the lasting charm and technical confidence of steam locomotives.
Conclusion
The trains of Hessen and Wigan are not only symbols of German engineering technology, but also witnesses of the changes of the times. These steam trains still stand firm despite the war, which makes people think: In the context of today's rapid development of science and technology, what else can we learn from the industrial miracles of the past?
