Unfortunate Collision and Costly Repair of Narrow-Gauge Locomotive
September 9, 2022, saw a chilling incident near Mügeln, Saxony. A tractor driver misjudged the locomotive I K No. 54's speed and crashed into the Döllnitzbahn upon crossing the platform. The collision left two individuals seriously injured, eight others with minor injuries. The narrow-gauge locomotive suffered significant damage in the crash.
The locomotive was dispatched to Meiningen steam locomotive works for assessment and dismantling just a month later, revisiting the very place where it was assembled with 4400 components in 2009. Repair work commenced in early June this year.
"The biggest dilemma revolves around the insurance, with the driver facing conviction at the end of August," Dr. Andreas Winkler, Chairman of Saxon Narrow Gauge Railways Foundation (SSB), stated. The repair cost for the locomotive alone totals a staggering 1.1 million euros, with an additional million euros allotted for the carriages and personal damage compensation.
The driver's cabin was rendered unrecognizable, requiring a complete overhaul. The boiler and frame, however, could be salvaged with some necessary repairs. Individual boiler components underwent welding and replacement, while the warped frame exhibited no cracks but demanded complex repair due to its load-bearing capacity. The wheelsets were also replaced entirely.
Following a successful adjustment run on November 9, the steam boiler's functionality was confirmed, ensuring the locomotive was set for service. Repairs were completed this week, with the SSB chairperson anticipating the locomotive's return to Saxony within the next fortnight.
"After the riveting images from last year, the public will finally see the locomotive again," Winkler said. "It's quite the Christmas miracle." An open day in Radebeul, Saxony, is slated for December 16, followed by a load test run and TÜV certification in February. Service resumes on Easter, with 90 steam locomotive enthusiasts aboard five carriages.
Insights:
Historically, repairing an 1887-built narrow-gauge locomotive might not have been as costly or time-consuming as modern rail vehicles. In today's world, however, the complexity and precision demanded in restoring a locomotive lead to significant finances and efforts. Industry professionals estimate that restoring such an antique vehicle can reach tens of thousands of euros.
Although this specific incident involved a narrow-gauge locomotive, the general cost of repairing passenger trains in collisions with road vehicles can run into millions of euros, depending on the severity of the impact and the total number of vehicles involved.
