DRG Class 81

The locomotives of the German DRG Class 81 were standard (Einheitsdampflokomotiven) goods train tank locomotives with the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft (DRG).

DRG Class 81
Model of a Class 81
Number(s)	DRG 81 001–010
Quantity	10
Manufacturer	Hanomag
Year(s) of manufacture	1928
Retired	1963
Wheel arrangement	0-8-0T
Axle arrangement	D h2t
Type	Gt 44.17
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in)
Length over buffers	11,080 mm (36 ft 4 ^1⁄4 in)
Height	4,165 mm (13 ft 8 in)
Overall wheelbase	4,200 mm (13 ft 9 ^1⁄4 in)
Empty weight	42.0 tonnes (41.3 long tons; 46.3 short tons)
Service weight	67.5 tonnes (66.4 long tons; 74.4 short tons)
Adhesive weight	67.5 tonnes (66.4 long tons; 74.4 short tons)
Axle load	16.9 tonnes (16.6 long tons; 18.6 short tons)
Top speed	45 km/h (28 mph)
Indicated Power	633 kW (861 PS; 849 hp)
Driving wheel diameter	1,100 mm (3 ft 7 ^1⁄4 in)
No. of cylinders	2
Cylinder bore	500 mm (19 ^9⁄13 in)
Piston stroke	550 mm (21 ^5⁄8 in)
Boiler Overpressure	14 bar (1.40 MPa; 203 psi)
No. of heating tubes	114
No. of smoke tubes	32
Heating tube length	3,500 mm (11 ft 5 ^3⁄4 in)
Grate area	1.82 m^2 (19.6 sq ft)
Radiative heating area	7.7 m^2 (83 sq ft)
Tube heating area	Tubes: 49.51 m^2 (532.9 sq ft) Flues: 38.70 m^2 (416.6 sq ft)
Superheater area	34.00 m^2 (366.0 sq ft)
Evaporative heating area	95.91 m^2 (1,032.4 sq ft)
Water capacity	8 m^3 (280 cu ft) or 8,000 litres (1,800 imp gal; 2,100 US gal)
Fuel	Coal: 3 tonnes (3.0 long tons; 3.3 short tons)
Brakes	einlösige Knorr compressed-air brakes, K-GP mZ auxiliary brake

In 1928, ten examples were delivered by the firm of Hanomag that matched the Class 80 locomotives in many details. The axles were all fixed rigidly to the frame, but the middle one had thinner wheel flanges. In contrast to the Class 80s, the Class 81 engines had a larger heating area and carried more coal and water. The delivery of 60 more vehicles was cancelled in 1940 due to the Second World War. The locomotives were mainly employed on heavy shunting duties. After their collection, the ten engines were allocated to the locomotive depots (Bahnbetriebswerken or Bw) of Goslar (81 001–005) and Oldenburg (81 006–010). In 1945 all the engines were in the Oldenburg area and went over to the Deutsche Bundesbahn. The last engine was taken out of service in October 1963. Number 81 005 was still working as an industrial loco in AW Nied after its retirement from the DB.

Preserved locomotives

Number 81 004 is the only one of its type to have been preserved. After passing through several owners and locations, it has found a home with the Hessencourrier society, who intend to have it refurbished.

See also

• List of DRG locomotives and railbuses