Steam locomotives are some of the most interesting machines to ever ride the rails. I’m a huge steam fan myself, and though my usual builds are North American based, I love seeing steam locomotives from all over the world. Today we’re taking a look at two beautiful models based off locomotives from Germany, by builders Uwe Kurth and Edward Chang.
DB Class 23 by Uwe Kurth
The steam locomotives of Class 23 were German passenger locomotives developed in the 1950s for the Deutsche Bundesbahn (German Federal Railway). The engine was of a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement and was mated with Class 2’2′ T 31 tenders. They were designed to replace the once ubiquitous Prussian P 8 steam locomotives that had been built between 1908 and 1924 and, in their day, were the most numerous post-war replacement class.
Uwe’s model of the DB class 23 is exquisite. There is a ton of great details to pour over, the scaling and shape capture the lines of the class 23 perfectly, and the classy, red and black DB livery, is always nice look at. I particularly like the use of the old Technic Flex Cable parts for the piston rods. The smoke deflectors are also nicely done, replicating the thin profile of the real parts. And props for using original 12v wheels for the the trailing truck on the engine. This is both a fine looking and great running model. But then builder Uwe Kurth is no stranger to LEGO trains, you can check out more of his builds in his flickr gallery.
Uwe Kurth’s BR 23 flickr gallery
Bavarian Class Gt 2×4/4 by Edward Chang
The Bavarian Class Gt 2×4/4 (bayerische Gt 2×4/4) engine of the Royal Bavarian State Railways (Königlich Bayerische Staats-Eisenbahnen or K.Bay.Sts.B.), was a heavy goods train, tank locomotive of the Mallet type. It was later designated the DRG Class 96 (Baureihe 96) by the DRG, DB and DR.
I first viewed Ed’s model at Brickworld in Chicago last year. I fell in love with the engine and felt it didn’t receive enough attention. I loved the dark green livery, and the odd mix of Mallet type, and tank locomotive design.
There is a load of detail packed into this comparatively small locomotive, and the custom rods by Benn Coifman are a perfect fit for this build. Ed has proven himself to be a talented builder. You can see more of his train builds here.
