Soo, I'm slowly drowning in submas and train stuff (hyperfixation says hi), and since you're a train nerd and I love reading through your infodumps about trains, I wanted to ask if you know anything about the German railway system! As a native German, my relationship with the Deutsche Bahn is not the best, largely because it's infamous for being late and having non-working heating and/or air conditioning. It's a shame, really. Anyways, that's my question! I hope you have a really nice day ^^
Hi! I am so, so delighted that people are enjoying my train infodumps because I felt like I had to hide that part of myself for so long. Thank you, and thank you for this ask, too!
I'm not as familiar with German railways as I should be, so feel free to fill me in on things you think I should know! I do know a few older things, but I know them because of my obsession with a specific British locomotive.
So in the 1930s, diesel trains started to emerge on the scene, and Germany's first higher-speed one, debuting in 1933, set a record for the fastest regular connection in the world at the time. This train was known as the DRG Class SVT 877 Hamburg Flyer, as it went between Berlin and Hamburg, but was often referred to as the Fliegender Hamburger (yes, "Flying Hamburger" - no, English speakers, not the food).
(image source - Wikipedia)
It was actually pretty sleek-looking! In general, I find older diesels have a lot more character and personality than newer ones. Today they're all about function and don't really care much for form.
Steam was not about to be outdone just yet, though, and a 4-6-4 Hudson emerged, clad in streamlining, that would set a record.
(image source - Wikipedia)
This is the DRG Class 05. Three of these powerhouses were built, and they worked in regular service between Hamburg and Berlin as well. 05 002 is the one of most note, as she set a speed record for steam traction - on May 11th, 1936, she hit 124.5 mph. This record stood until LNER 4468 Mallard broke it on July 3rd, 1938 by hitting 126 around Little Bytham.
Like I said, I only know all of this because I am pathetically obsessed with Mallard.
It's interesting to hear the Deutsche Bahn has a reputation for being late and having broken air conditioning in the present day, because at least in America, where I am, German things are stereotyped as being efficient and well-engineered. But this sounds rather familiar to New Yorkers - an empty subway car in the summer usually means the air conditioning is broken in that car and you shouldn't ride in it (or...worse - someone soiled that car somehow). Public transit is public transit, wherever you go - and it always deserves more funding so there's less late trains and air conditioning issues!