WHERE IS IT AND WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

Ilmenau is an hour by most direct trains from Erfurt, a major station served by longdistance expresses. The ‘94’s’ home town is also served by the A71 motorway.

Sited in the heart of Germany, the Thuringian forest is popular for walkers and winter sports fans, and surrounded by historic sites. Johann Sebastian Bach was an organist for a time in nearby Arnstadt, a town that had also been home to Protestant reformist Martin Luther.

For steam fans, a more likely attraction is Arnstadt’s museum shed

(www.ebm-arnstadt.de) where the seasonal ‘Rodelblitz’ trains are serviced. The depot is home to a number of static engines, including ‘Pacific’ No. 01.1531, ‘P8’ 4-6-0 No. 38.1182 and ‘94’ No. 94.1292. It is also, though, the location of something a little more unexpected: former Royal Corps of Transport ‘V36’ diesel shunter No. 36274 Poyntz – named after the late railway inspector John Poyntz, and honouring his previous life commanding an Army railway squadron in Germany (SR513).

Just up the road from Rennsteig station itself is a different survivor from history, representing the other side: a former Stasi bunker, now a museum run by a hotel (www.waldhotel-rennsteighoehe.de).

Also in the area are the well-known steam works at Meiningen, as well as the Oberweißbacher Bergbahn from Obstfelderschmiede – made up of a broadgauge funicular and isolated electrified line (www.oberweissbacher-bergbahn.de). ‘Rodelblitz’ winter steam-hauled trains are part of Thuringia’s official main line programme (www.bahnnostalgie-thueringen.de). The Rennsteigbahn can be reached on +49 (0)36782 70666; the website is at www.rennsteigbahn.de