Under the
standardisation programme of the Deutsche Reichsbahn Gesellschaft
(DRG), and as a development of wooden-bodied (1921) and
steel-panelled (1922 to 1925) carriages, several types of 2-axle
Standard Corridor carriage with riveted bodies were produced
between 1926 and 1930. They gained the nickname ‘thunder boxes’
due to the droning noise when moving. The Vereinigte Westdeutsche
Waggonfabrik Köln built 36 421 in 1929. It served in practically
its original form until the beginning of the 1960s. Like many
others of its type, it was then converted to a departmental
workshop and rest-room. The interior fittings were completely
removed and replaced by messing and workshop areas. Roller-shutters
allowed large items to be loaded. Before being bought and restored
as a passenger coach by Eisenbahn-Tradition in 1990 the coach was
stationed in Neuss. In 1992, this was the first coach to be
lovingly restored by our members. First, the 3rd-class got back
its wooden seating; in 2nd-class there were upholstered seats
which we had acquired from SNCB (Belgian State Railways). Other
Belgian parts such as interior lighting, compartment doors and
luggage-rack netting were also put to use. Over the years since
then our ability to restore carriages has improved. First we
replaced the Belgian lighting with fittings, of Deutsche
Reichsbahn style, we had made ourselves following original
drawings. Over the winter of 1995 / 96 followed Reichsbahn-typical
wooden seating with parts and netted luggage racks for the
3rd-class compartment and replacement of the TWE bench seating. By
2004 the wear and tear on the Belgian upholstery in 2nd-class
could no longer be ignored. The seats were re-upholstered with
soft, striped cloth. The compartment walls also received, to
window height, a soft covering. Above this is
historically-accurate Pergamoid wallpaper. Lastly, the Belgian
luggage nets were replaced by those in the Reichsbahn style. |
|
Type |
BCi-29 |
Manufacturer |
Westdt. Waggonfab. Köln |
Fabrication N° |
unknown |
Year |
1929 |
Lenght over buffers |
13.920 mm |
Total weight |
21,7 t |
Brake type |
Kk pbr |
Seats |
34 - 3rd class |
" |
16 - 2nd class |
Max speed |
90 km/h |
Status |
Serviceable |
|