Bavarian S 2/5

Bavarian S 2/5 DRG Class 14.1
Bavarian S 2/5
Type and origin Builder Maffei Build date 1904 Total produced 10
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-4-2 Gauge 1,435 mm Leading dia. 950 mm Driver dia. 2,000 mm Trailing dia. 1,206 mm Length: ​  • Over buffers 19,275 mm Axle load 16.0 t Adhesive weight 32.0 t Service weight 68.6 t Tender type Bavarian 2'2' T 21 Water cap. 21.0 m³ Firebox: ​  • Grate area 3.27 m² Boiler pressure 16 bar Heating surface 205.50 m² Cylinders 4 High-pressure cylinder 340 mm Low-pressure cylinder 570 mm Piston stroke 640 mm
Performance figures Maximum speed 110 km/h
Career Numbers DRG 14 141–145 Retired 1927

The Class S 2/5 steam locomotives of the Royal Bavarian State Railways (Königlich Bayerische Staats-Eisenbahnen) were the first steam engines in Germany to be built with full locomotive frames (durchgehendem Barrenrahmen). The prototypes for this type of frame were the two locomotives imported in 1900 from Baldwin Locomotive Works in the USA, that had been similarly classified as the S 2/5.

Maffei built ten machines in 1904 that shared many of the same components as the S 3/5, which was developed in parallel. For the first time in Bavaria a driving wheel diameter of 2,000 mm was chosen instead of the 1,870 mm diameter hitherto the norm for express train locomotives. Like the locomotives imported from the USA, they had a four-cylinder compound engine. However the usual European configuration with two inside and two outside cylinders was used instead of the Vauclain compound system.

On test runs, one of the locomotives reached 135 km/h; in normal use, 110 km/h was the top speed. The locomotives were initially stabled at Munich I shed and hauled such famous trains as the Orient Express and the North-South Express, amongst others. But, as on all German Atlantics the traction of the two driven axles was soon insufficient. The S 2/5 was not endowed with a long time in service, although the locomotive had very good riding qualities.

In 1910 the locomotives went across to the Palatine network to Ludwigshafen shed and also to the Nuremberg repair shop. In 1922 only eight S 2/5 engines remained. The Deutsche Reichsbahn took over just five locomotives as the Class  14.1, numbered 14 141–145. They were retired in 1927.

The locomotives had Bavarian 2'2' T 21 tenders.

See also

• List of Bavarian locomotives and railbuses

External links

• There is a relevant English-language forum at Railways of Germany