Bavarian Gts 4/4

Bavarian Gts 4/4 DRG Class 99.15
Type and origin Builder Krauss Build date 1909 Total produced 1
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-8-0  • German K 44.7 Gauge 1,000 mm Driver dia. 800 mm Wheelbase 870 mm / 860 mm ​  • Overall 2,600 mm Length: ​  • Over buffers 8,442 mm Height 3,565 mm Empty weight 20.70 t Service weight 26.0 t Fuel capacity 1.44 t coal Water cap. 2.2 m³ Firebox: ​  • Grate area 0.82 m² Boiler: ​  • Small tubes 108 Heating tube length 3,260 mm Boiler pressure 12 bar Heating surface: ​  • Firebox 3.64 m²  • Tubes 44.65 m²  • Total surface 48.29 m² Cylinders 2 Cylinder size 320 mm Piston stroke 400 mm Valve gear Walschaerts (Heusinger) with straight rocker arm (Schwinge) Train brakes Westinghouse compressed-air brake
Performance figures Maximum speed 30 km/h Indicated power 110 kW
Career Numbers Nr. 991 99 151 Retired 1935

The only Bavarian Class Gts 4/4 locomotive in the Royal Bavarian State Railways (Königlich Bayerische Staatsbahn) was built in 1909 for the meter gauge line between Eichstätt and Kinding.

The four coupled axles were very close together, so that tight curves could be negotiated. The centre axles were installed with side play, which meant the connecting rod had to drive the fourth axle. The wheelbase was only 2.6 metres and, with the overall length of the locomotive being almost 8.5 metres, it had very long overhangs. The result was a relatively rough ride.

A striking feature was the very large size of the driver's cab. The locomotive frame was designed as a water tank, and on the steam dome was a safety valve protected by a housing. The engine carried 2.2 m³ of water and 1.2 tonnes of coal.

The locomotive was mainly used in rollbock services between Eichstätt and a quarry. After the formation of the Deutsche Reichsbahn it was taken over and grouped as DRG Class 99.15 with the number 99 151. The engine was retired in 1935, after the conversion of the route to standard gauge.

Sources

• Ernst Hoecherl: Eichstätter Schmalspurbahn 1885-1934. Bufe-Fachbuch-Verlag, Egglham und München 1984, ISBN 3-922138-18-7

See also

• List of Bavarian locomotives and railbuses
• Bavarian branch lines

External links

• There is a relevant English-language forum at Railways of Germany