Restored GDR express train inspires thousands in Halberstadt

Restored GDR express train inspires thousands in Halberstadt

On June 23, 2025, the eagerly awaited open day of Verkehrs Industrie Systeme GmbH (VIS) took place in Halberstadt. Here the restored GDR express train VT 18.16 was presented to the public for the first time after a three-year renovation. This impressive train, consisting of two power cars and two intermediate cars, attracted thousands of railway enthusiasts who enjoyed the original colors and fabrics. Among the visitors were Angelika and Jürgen Apel, who enthusiastically reported on the nostalgic atmosphere.

Ilka Heider, one of the many visitors, described the day as “nostalgic and magical”. The VT 18.16 itself was first presented at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1963 and reached speeds of up to 160 km/h. “The inspiration for this express train was found in the “Flying Hamburger” from 1931,” explains Martin Schreiber from VIS. Historical train names such as “Berlinaren” or “Vindobona” connected the GDR with destinations in Scandinavia, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Living history

Another highlight were the Rheingold cars at the entrance to the factory premises, which were used as the Orient Express and attracted numerous curious people. The volunteer restorers, including Harald Bohm, received much praise for their meticulous work. “The preservation of historic vehicles is essential to keep contemporary history alive,” said Bohm in an interview.

The VT 18.16 was built at VEB Görlitz and mass-produced between 1965 and 1968, although only eight multiple units were built instead of the planned 30. One example of this series is now being restored under the “A Train for Central Germany” project and could even be put back on the rails for special tourist trips in 2023, as Mario Lieb, the head of a non-profit company, noted.

Insights into the factory halls

The tours of the VIS workshops offered those present an exciting look behind the scenes of the repair of rail vehicles. During these tours, the craftsmanship of the workers and the survival of an important local tradition became clear. The history of the Deutsche Reichsbahn, which emerged after the Second World War in the Soviet occupation zone, is not only preserved, but actively passed on.

Against the background of the historical relevance of the Deutsche Reichsbahn and the challenges that the reconstruction of the rail network brought with it after 1945, the importance of such events is emphasized again. Access to historical trains not only opens doors to times gone by, but also stimulates the interest of younger generations and promotes exchanges about history. Visitors like Max Schmidtchen and Fabian Radegast traveled from Lübbenau/Spreewald to see the VT 18.16 and experience the fascination of railway history up close.

It looks like there isn't just something for lovers of historic vehicles! The VT 18.16 could soon make history again and enrich our landscape with the character of a nostalgic travel experience. It remains to be hoped that the next few months will be successful for the restored train and that it can be back on the rails soon. Let's stay tuned for developments - what's certain is that rail fans in Halberstadt and beyond are in the starting blocks.