Restored GDR express train delights railway fans in Halberstadt!

Restored GDR express train delights railway fans in Halberstadt!

In Halberstadt on June 21, 2025, everything revolved around a special express train. The restored VT18.16, once the flagship of the GDR, was presented for the first time after three years of renovation and thrilled thousands of railway enthusiasts. At an open day organized by Verkehrs Industrie Systeme GmbH (VIS), visitors were able to not only enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere, but also admire the impressive details of the train, which consists of two power cars and two middle cars. Angelika and Jürgen Apel from Aschersleben were among the numerous visitors and were happy about the train's original colors and fabrics, which brought back memories of bygone times. daily news reports on the enthusiasm of the visitors, including many young railway fans.

The VT18.16, whose restoration began in 2019 on the initiative of SVT Görlitz gGmbH, is expected to be put back on the rails for special tourist trips in the fourth quarter of 2025. Initiator Mario Lieb has clear plans, but the anticipation of the train's return is already palpable. Hobby railwayman Jörg Keßler also praises the dedicated work of the volunteers, who invested more than 80,000 hours in the restoration. In addition to the volunteers, Harald Bohm was also among the workers, who was trained in wagon construction and actively participated in the restoration. Northern Courier notes that the train previously operated on international routes such as “Vindobona” between Berlin, Dresden, Prague and Vienna and is now preparing to return to service in the coming months.

Nostalgia and community spirit

The atmosphere during the event was characterized by nostalgia and a touch of magic, as Ilka Heider from Hüttenrode describes. VIS, which has been building and repairing rail vehicles in Halberstadt since 1843, not only experienced a large influx of visitors, but also a strong sense of community. These events show that the preservation of historic means of transport is a matter close to the heart of many people who work hand in hand with a lot of passion and commitment to keep a piece of history alive.

What is particularly noteworthy is that this extensive project, which relies on funding of around seven million euros, is financed both from government funds and from donations from enthusiastic railway fans. On May 17th, SVT Görlitz left the factory hall for the first time, a moment that was celebrated by the band Keimzeit with a viral video. Planning for charter trips is already in full swing and the first trips, for example to Hamburg and Sylt, were quickly booked up, and anticipation for the express train's comeback is growing. Mirror highlights how important such projects are for connecting history and the present.

In conclusion, the restored VT18.16 is not only a testimony to Germany's technical history, but also a symbol of the commitment and passion of those who are committed to preserving this cultural asset. The memories he awakens and the stories he tells make him a true treasure that will soon be back on the rails of our colorful landscape.