Prussian G 8.3

Prussian G 8.3 DRG Class 56.1
Type and origin Builder Henschel Build date 1918-1920 Total produced 85
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-8-0 Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Leading dia. 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) Driver dia. 1,400 mm (4 ft 7+1⁄8 in) Length: ​  • Over buffers 16,975 mm (55 ft 8+1⁄4 in) Axle load 17.9 t (17.6 long tons; 19.7 short tons) Adhesive weight 70.7 t (69.6 long tons; 77.9 short tons) Service weight 82.5 t (81.2 long tons; 90.9 short tons) Tender type pr 3 T 20 Water cap. 20.0 m3 (4,400 imp gal; 5,300 US gal) Firebox: ​  • Grate area 3.43 m2 (36.9 sq ft) Boiler pressure 14 bar (1.40 MPa; 203 lbf/in2) Heating surface 167.05 m2 (1,798.1 sq ft) Superheater: ​  • Heating area 53.12 m2 (571.8 sq ft) Cylinders 3 Cylinder size 520 mm (20+1⁄2 in) Piston stroke 660 mm (26 in)
Performance figures Maximum speed 65–75 kilometres per hour (40–47 mph) Indicated power 1,240 PS (912 kW; 1,220 hp)
Career Numbers DRG 56 101 – 56 185 Retired 1967

The Prussian G 8.3 was a 2-8-0, superheated, freight locomotive with three cylinders. It was developed to redress the lack of goods locomotives after the First World War. The inspiration to design a 2-8-0 locomotive based on the 2-10-0 Prussian G 12 came from Württemberg. The first vehicle was delivered in 1918. Compared with the G 12, the G 8.3 had one boiler shell and coupled axle fewer. After it had proved itself, a total of 85 examples of the G 8.3 were placed in service, all of which were taken over by the Reichsbahn, where they were numbered 56 101 to 56 185. No more were built thereafter because the G 8.2, with only two cylinders, was less costly to procure and maintain.

Of the 68 engines that survived the Second World War, 6 went into the Deutsche Bundesbahn, who transferred them in 1948 to private railways, and 62 to the DR in East Germany. The DR machines were retired by 1967.

The vehicles were equipped with Prussian pr 3 T 20 tenders.

See also

• Prussian state railways
• List of Prussian locomotives and railcars

References

• Hütter, Ingo (2015). Die Dampflokomotiven der Baureihen 54 bis 59 der DRG, DRB, DB, und DR (in German). Werl: DGEG Medien. pp. 275–279. ISBN 978-3-937189-85-7.
• Wagner, Andreas; Bäzold, Dieter; Zschech, Rainer; Lüderitz, Ralph (1990). Lokomotiven preußischer Eisenbahnen, Güterzuglokomotiven (EFA 2.3.2) (in German). Düsseldorf: Alba. pp. 161–162. ISBN 3-87094-134-0.
• Weisbrod, Manfred; Müller, Hans; Petznik, Wolfgang (1978). Dampflokomotiven deutscher Eisenbahnen, Baureihe 41–59 (EFA 1.2) (in German) (3rd ed.). Düsseldorf: Alba. pp. 136–138. ISBN 3-87094-082-4.