I wanted to dedicate this photo from yesterday to the Deutsche Bundesbah, the former German Federal Railroad of West Germany, which existed from 1949 till 1994, when it merged with the East German Deutsche Reichsbahn to the Deutsche Bahn we know today. I wanted to thank them.

Thank you!

For electrifying this very line in 1959, reaching the 5000 kilometer mark of electrification by 1963. For commissioning some of the most reliable, long lasting, powerful, and beautiful electrics. For fighting the battle against cars and planes instead of just accepting defeat as seen elsewhere. For introducing cost efficient DMUs to replace steamers in order to save branchlines or at least extend their lifespan. For building a high speed network that spans the entire country, starting with high speed engine pulled trains, taking the step to powered head driven trains, which have evolved into EMUs everyone would recognize as the ICE today. For being the first to commission the first ever multiphase electric to be built on a large scale, setting new technical standards. I'm quite happy to live in a country that has a well maintained, modern, functioning and dense rail network with a rich history. Yes, there are shortcomings, but where there's light, there are also shadows.







A member of DSO pointed it out to me that this shot could just as well be from many years ago, as the hardcore foamer would immediately note by the looks of the engine. Rain gutters, old style vents, metal DB logo instead of a sticker etc. He said that it looked very much like an old ad to showcase electrification, so I did some minor editing to concentrate on the catenary and high voltage poles.