Description

This is a really have tank engine design that was created in the late 1920s specifically for the very steep Höllentalbahn (literally "Hell valley railway") in the Black Forest, one of the steepest lines in the German network. Before the introduction of these engines, operation on the line was done using rack railways. Many parts are exchangable with the class 44 freight engines, all following the ideas of standardized classes.

While the engines were in use, the line was also electrified, which happened using 20kV 25 50 AC. This was different to all other lines in Germany which operate at 15kV 16.6 AC. That was changed way later when electrification of the regular network reached the area in 1960. That also meant that the steam engines could be sidelined, which had still been essential for services on this challenging line.

In the game this type is a good choice for heavy freight trains, offering the highest tractive effort of all steam engines. However, one should only use it for short and challenging lines, for longer distances it is not suited as it does not carry lots in terms of coal and water. If you need to cover longer distances, choose the class 45.