America (train)
"America" was the first code name for the special train that Adolf Hitler used during World War II .
description
The special train operated under this code name from September 3, 1939. The train always operated with a double covering . In the beginning these were preferred express train locomotives of the 01.10 series with streamlined cladding . The train was kept in a green base color, had beige decorative stripes and the imperial eagles on the vehicles were sculpted.
In addition to the “America” train, there was a privilege that transported additional personnel from Hitler's environment.
On February 1, 1943, the code name of the train was changed. From now on it was called: "Brandenburg". The term "America" was obviously used internally.
composition
The composition of the train was also changed as required, for example when saloon cars of other NSDAP “sizes” were discontinued. It remained constant, however, that the train carried platform trucks at both ends on which anti-aircraft guns were mounted. This was followed - as is generally the case with such trains - at both ends of the baggage cart as a “ crumple zone ”, as additional protection in the event of a collision. They carried diesel generators with them, which ensured the train's power supply when it stood for a long time. Next, Hitler's saloon car was parked at one end of the train. The direction in which the train went, i.e. whether Hitler's saloon car ran in the front or rear of the train, depended on operational conditions.
A typical composition of the train corresponded to the following scheme, whereby individual vehicles could be exchanged, supplemented or added again and again .
| description | designation | number |
|---|---|---|
| Platform truck for flak | 918 039 P. | |
| Salon machine luggage trolley with 80 kW diesel generator | Sal Masch Pw4ük-37 | 105 065 Bln |
| Hitler's saloon car | Salon 4ü-37a | 10 206 Bln |
| Conference trolley (only brought along on special occasions) | Sal Ber 4ü-38a | 10 252 Bln |
| Car for escort units and criminal police | Sal Bgl 4ü-37 | 10 221 Bln |
| Dining car (with long table) | Salon R 4ü-37 | 10 242 Bln |
| Guest sleeping car 2 | Salon WL4ü-37 | 10 232 Bln |
| Guest sleeping car 1 | Salon WL4ü-37 | 10 231 Bln |
| Bathing trolleys | Sal Bad 6ü-39 | 10 281 Bln |
| Salon dining car (2 + 1 seating) | Salon R 4ü-37 | 10 244 Bln |
| Staff car | Sal Bgl 4ü-37 | 10 223 Bln |
| Staff car | Sal Bgl 4ü-37 | 10 222 Bln |
| Press trolley | Salon press 4ü-37 | 10 251 Bln |
| Salon machine luggage trolley with 80 kW diesel generator | Sal Masch Pw4ük-37 | 105 063 Bln |
| Platform truck for flak | 918 041P |
literature
- Walter Haberling: September 3, 1939: "America" drives… . In: Yearbook for Railway History 41 (2009/2010), pp. 106–117. ISBN 978-3-937189-43-7 .
- Walter Haberling: Reichsbahn saloon car. Types and uses during the Reichsbahn and Bundesbahn times . EK-Verlag, Freiburg 2010. ISBN 978-3-88255-679-7 .
Remarks
- ↑ In 1940 exchanged for the brand new 919 109. (Haberling: Reichsbahn-Salonwagen , p. 371).
- ↑ Later exchanged for the 10245 salon dining car.
- ↑ Later exchanged for Mitropa dining cars (No. 1216 and 1217) (Haberling: Reichsbahn-Salonwagen , p. 371f).
- ↑ In 1940 exchanged for the brand new 919 109. (Haberling: Reichsbahn-Salonwagen , p. 371).