SURPRISE! OLD FRIEND WASN’T SCRAPPED
I was fascinated to read Tony Streeter’s article (SR483) on German class ‘44s’, in particular the revelation that No. 44.2546 is alive and well, and in operational condition.
I was posted to Berlin in April 1992, my battalion being the last British Army unit in the city before final withdrawal in 1994, and during that time I had numerous close encounters with the Deutsche Reichsbahn’s residual steam operations on and around the Berlin railway network.
Soon after my arrival, I discovered the delights of Schoeneweide engine shed in East Berlin, still operating a clutch of Class ‘52’ 2-10-0 ‘Kriegsloks’. On my second visit I took my son Harry and my godson Charles with me, and we were allowed free access around this operational depot; remarkable, given the boys were just four and five years old respectively!
In the yard was No. 44.2546 and we were invited to clamber all over her. The accompanying photograph shows the three of us having a great time (Harry is in the red top).
Just over a week later I came back to find No. 44.2546 had now gone, with the remains of a very recently scrapped steam locomotive next to where it had been standing. The other photograph shows this pile of dismembered engine parts to the left of 52.8134. I naturally assumed that these were the mortal remains of the ‘44’ and remained under this impression until I read the article.
You can imagine my delight to discover that it had been preserved, but now I’m scratching my head as to the identity of the locomotive which bit the dust! Thanks for Tony’s articles on German steam, they are bringing fond memories flooding back. Steve Davies MBE,
The International Railway Heritage Consultancy