Description

The Bavarian S3/6, as this type was originally named, is a classic from the state railway time. It was widely regarded as one of the finest pieces of railway machinery of the time, especially concerning the four-cylinder compound engine. Several series were built, totalling in about 160 units, the last to be delivered well after the creation of the Deutsche Reichsbahn in the 1920s, further showcasing how well-designed this class was.

The engines had originally been planned for express trains in Bavaria, but during the 1920s they became famous for running the Rheingold express trains. After World War II they remained essential for express services with the Bundesbahn, they were finally retired in the 1960s when electrification ran its course.

The set models the core characteristics of the engine quite well: Fast, but with little tractive effort. This engine is well suited for express trains in level terrain, but basically nothing else. To make up for that, one can refit long distance coaches to Rheingold coaches to have a highlight on the network.