Bavarian P 3/5 H

Bavarian P 3/5 H DRG Class 38.4
Type and origin Builder Maffei Build date 1921 Total produced 80
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-0  • German P35.15 Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Leading dia. 850 mm Driver dia. 1,640 mm Length: ​  • Over buffers 19,439 mm Axle load 15.7 t Adhesive weight 47.1 t Empty weight 65.7 t Service weight 72.1 t Tender type Bavarian 2'2' T 21.8 Fuel capacity 8 t Water cap. 21.8 m3 Firebox: ​  • Grate area 2.77 m2 Boiler pressure 15 bar Heating surface 142.70 m2 Superheater: ​  • Heating area 34.92 m2 Cylinders 4 High-pressure cylinder 2 × 360 mm Low-pressure cylinder 2 × 590 mm Piston stroke 640 mm
Performance figures Maximum speed 90/50 km/h Indicated power 883 kW
Career Numbers DRG 38 401–480 Retired 1955

After the foundation of the Deutsche Reichsbahn the Bavarian Group Administration tasked the firm of Maffei with the construction of 80 locomotives of the Bavarian Class P 3/5 H. These machines were based on the Class P 3/5 N, but had a superheated steam boiler. Positive experience with these vehicles built in 1921 – they were even used on express train duties – led in 1924 to the rebuild of all available Class P 3/5 N engines into superheated steam locomotives.

In 1925 the P 3/5 H were allocated the numbers 38 401 to 38 480 as part of the DRG Class 38.4.

All 80 locomotives survived the Second World War and entered service with the Deutsche Bundesbahn. The last engine of this class, number 38 432, ran in Bavaria and Upper Swabia and was taken out of service in 1955.

The vehicles were coupled with a Bavarian 2'2' T 21,8 tender.

See also

• Royal Bavarian State Railways
• List of Bavarian locomotives and railbuses