West German Steam

Following World War II and the partition of Germany, the railways of Germany were also split, with the railways in the west being known as Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB). In the aftermath of the destruction wrought during the war, the most pressing problem faced by the newly-created DB was the restoration of services and the repair of the locomotives and rolling stock. The last new steam locomotives were constructed in 1956 and were to have a full life, with main-line steam in West Germany surviving through until 1977. From the late 1950s onwards, as steam disappeared rapidly from Britain, railway enthusiasts started to travel abroad in ever-greater numbers to record steam. One of the most popular destinations was West Germany, with its hugely powerful Pacific and 2-10-0 classes, and the enthusiasts who ventured there came back with a fascinating selection of films and photographs recording DB in transition.