Welcome to a ride on Germanyâs steepest mainline adhesion railway, the Höllentalbahn.
Literally translated, Höllentalbahn would be "hellâs valley railway" in english. The origins of the name are not clear. One theory is that French soldiers, who often had to march through the deep dark valley may have given it this name. At the exit of the valley, there is a town called âHimmelreichâ or âheavenâ in english which may have been named as a result of the relief of having passed through.
Another theory is that the name stems from the word âHöhleâ, meaning cave. Whatever the origin, itâs definitely an interesting part of the German black forest.
The railway also has a very interesting history which actually went on to influence Franceâs implementation of their 25 kV 50 Hz power system.
Construction of the line from Freiburg to Neustadt was completed in 1887. Due to the steep gradients, portions of the line operated as a rack railway until 1933. The racks were removed with the introduction of improved brakes and more capable steam engines in 1933, namely the heaviest tank engines in German service at the time.
The line weâre starting on, the âDreiseenbahnâ was opened in 1926, after construction delays due to World War I. It was electrified in 1936, together with a section of the Höllentalbahn to Freiburg. At that time, electrified lines were still quite rare in Germany. What made it even more notable, was the experimental electrification with 20 kV and 50 Hz the first 50 Hz system worldwide (operating at the same frequency as household electricity). This required specially adapted locomotives.
After the defeat of Germany at the end of World War 2, south western Germany was largely occupied by the French. After evaluating the 20 kV, 50 Hz system of electrification of the Höllentalbahn, France also electrified a line with the same system, which served as a basis for the later electrification of their current 25 kV 50 Hz network.
About a year before this was filmed, many of the original catenary posts were replaced, however many of the original posts and elements from 1936 are still in use to this day!
Unfortunately a few stations closed in the late 70âs and early 80âs on the line. Posthalde & Höllsteig formerly had a passing loop and were equipped with mechanical signals. Today, practically the whole line uses the modern Ks signal system.
Train Photo: Chondriammos (wikipedia)
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