Notes

I’ve written some about the class 78, the former prussian T 18 (also used in other areas, notably Württemberg) before. An interesting detail, though: A number of these machines were converted for push-pull operations by DB. Unlike the more complicated systems used by some british railroads and some private german ones, it was based on an engine order telegraph system, with which the engineer informed the Fireman (who had received additional training) of how the locomotive was to operate, although he could operate the brakes himself.

78 468, owned by the city of Oberhausen, is one of the few, possibly the only, remaining steam engine in Germany with the receiver equipment for this. As there is no fitting cab-car, though, we won’t see steam push pull any time soon in Germany again.