Legends of the rails: Vt 18.16 returns to Neubrandenburg!

Legends of the rails: Vt 18.16 returns to Neubrandenburg!

Neubrandenburg, Deutschland - The legendary VT 18.16, a highlight of the GDR railway history, has again seen the light of the rail world after a complex restoration by the association "SVT Görlitz gGmbH". This diesel hydraulic quick burning car, which was manufactured in the 1960s, can look back on an impressive career.

The train was last presented in Halberstadt and is a dignified relic from a time when it ran between metropolises such as Berlin, Dresden, Prague and Vienna. With a maximum speed of 160 km/h and 130 + 23 seats, the VT 18.16 was not only quick, but also comfortable for passengers. Despite its technical peculiarities and the high costs, which were associated with the restoration of more than 80,000 hours of volunteer work and financial support from the federal and state governments, the train now shows its bright face.

The plans for the future

The first special trip is already planned for September 6th, and tour operators and companies now have the opportunity to charter the VT 18.16. The daily rent is 7,500 euros - plus some variable costs such as operations and staff. The association is in conversation with various potential partners with regard to ticket sales. You are currently asking to refrain from booking inquiries, since the booking platform is only opened with the determination of the trips and routes.

There is even the possibility that the train could travel to Neubrandenburg or near the fantastic Mecklenburg lakes. The SVT Görlitz, who has taken responsibility for the operation of the train, pursues the target of 40 to 50 trips per year - a total of up to 50,000 kilometers can be covered.

technical refinements and history

The series VT 18.16, also known as 175 from 1970, was produced between 1965 and 1968. The prototype had previously seen the light of day in 1963. These trains were designed for the high-quality passenger service and experienced their last official international effort as Vindobona in 1979. After the pattern in 2003, the train was in the area of ​​Berlin-Rummelsburg until it was transferred to Dresden in 2019.

The technical equipment is impressive: the drive technology is based on the innovative Kruckenberg construction, and the unit cars offer travel comfort with rotating double seats. The financing for the processing, which has now been supported by funding from the federal and the Free State of Saxony, underlines the great interest in reviving these historical features.

The association will inform about the progress of the restoration and the upcoming events on both its website and on Facebook. Another highlight will be the presentation of the VT 18.16 at the Heizhausfest in Chemnitz in August.

In addition, further special trips to Prague and the Berlin outer ring are sought, which will certainly give the Nostalgic railway lovers a special kick. With a Zugi who wrote history, a journey could not only be a good business, but also become a very special experience for everyone involved