Tradition in rail transport: Steam locomotive remains in the workshop

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The Bergische Löwe roared in Dieringhausen this time softly

Last Sunday the traditional opening trip of the Bahnbetrieberswerk interest group (IG BW) took place in Dieringhausen, but under somewhat different circumstances than usual. Jörg Witt's joke, a member of the "Wagenpark" team, illustrated the Situation: "The lion roars again, just a little quieter." Instead of the popular steam locomotive "Waldbröl", which is currently being repaired, the train journey was attracted by a diesel locomotive of the Brohltalbahn, DB 218. This required an adaptation of the expectations of the visitors, which had mainly hoped for the steam experience.

Although the situation was not ideal, the offer was well used. Ullrich Menzl, the train attendant, reported that there was space for bicycles and strollers in the van, which offered a certain comfort to visitors. Volker Hartung, the chief conductor of the Junge Philharmonie from Cologne, nevertheless expressed his preference for the steam locomotive and noticed that the journey was not the same without it.

The passion for railways

Despite the changed program, many visitors found joy in the exit. A particularly committed participant was Andreas Voll, the owner of the Dieringhauser Railway Museum. On the occasion, he explained the state of affairs regarding the maintenance work on the steam locomotive. These work is comprehensive and require the decomposition of the mechanical brakes as well as the testing of axle waves and train facilities with modern ultrasound methods.

The preparations for the main inspection of the steam locomotive are in full swing and also include an inspection of the steam boiler and the exchange of the chimney. Fully emphasized that these measures not only serve to improve security, but also help to maintain the tradition of steam locomotives in the region.

The Lok TÜV is expected in the next two months, and fully addressed on the stable trains of the Rhein-Sieg-Reisenbahn, expressed his concern about the current uncertainty regarding operator conditions. However, the hope remains that a new operator for the traditional route will be found in good time so that the Wiehltal can continue to be stimulated.