Product Features and Details
Model: The Fleischmann 781201 German Express Locomotive class 01 is a very attractive model. It offers a great level of detail and impressive running performance. Fleischmann did an exceptional job on the paint livery and delicate pin stripping. The BR01 is one of the most iconic German steam locomotives and no European Model Train collection is complete with out this impressive model.
Model Features:
- 5 Pole Can Motor with Flywheel
- Metal Chassis
- LED Directional lighting
- 6-pin NEM 651 DCC receptacle
- NEM 362 Coupler Pocket
Prototype:The German State Raildroad started building modern steam engines in 1925. The perhaps best known class of this building program is the 01 class of heavy express steam engines. While powerful, these engines were constructed following the design principles of the Prussian State Railway. In particular, they used two only cylinders for power. While this proofed adequate at the beginning, problems appeared in the mid 1930’s when higher speeds were demanded. The engines just ran too rough and jerkily at speeds above 120km/h (75mi/h). Therefore, it was decided to build an improved version of the 01 with a three cylinder steam engine which avoided these problems. At the same time, the engines were equipped with a streamlined shell to reduce air resistance, and their top-speed was raised to 140km/h (85mi/h). During the war, the shells proved to be a hindrance to maintenance and were removed in parts. Therefore, most engines looked like rolling wrecks by 1945. The Era 2 model can be used until 1945 only since the eagle on it was not used after May 8, 1945. The Roco Express coaches for Era II numbered 644** and 645** would be ideal for these locomotives. All locomotives of these class remained in West Germany.
Since the boilers developed problems, the Federal German Railroad rebuilt these locomotives in the 1950’s completely. Several were also equipped with oil burners and survived until 1975 in service. The Era 3 model is one of the locomotives which were converted to oil firing. It has the classic lettering of Era 3 as 01 10**. In 1968, all locomotives were renumbered using computer numbers, although many steam locomotives received their new numbers only in 1969. Almost all Era III express cars will look good behind these locomotives, but the modeler should use the modern 26.4m cars when modeling any era except the mid 1950’s since these locomotives were the most powerful steam locomotives available. They also pulled F-trains in the 50’s and early sixties, so the sets 64107/108 would look right. The 01.10 class with oil burners became the 012 class. Even nowadays, some see service as museums locomotives
