Our vehicles
Most of our vehicles are older than our members — and that is exactly what makes them so special. The oldest luggage van dates from 1883; the passenger coaches were built between 1908 and 1935, and some were thoroughly overhauled after 1950.
While the main-line railway has long used only bogie coaches, our coaches still run on two axles — with open gangways between the vehicles and the unmistakable rumble that earned them the nickname ‘Donnerbüchsen’ (thunder boxes). They are not spartan, though: apart from one wooden-seat coach, all of them have comfortable upholstered seats.
The association acquired every vehicle, some of them fit only for scrap, and painstakingly restored them in their spare time to a technically flawless and historically faithful condition. Technical safety is ensured by annual major inspections at approved workshops. Our operational train seats more than 200 passengers.
In Wesel our Deutz diesel locomotive hauls the train. On longer excursions, locomotives of Niederrheinische Verkehrs-AG (NIAG) are used — former DB classes V 100 and V 160 — which bring more distant destinations within reach at up to 90 km/h.
Our staff
The train is owned and operated by the members themselves. It all started with a handful of railway enthusiasts for whom model railways were no longer enough. Few of them were railwaymen, and not all were craftsmen — but over the years they built up craftsmanship, technical knowledge and experience in railway operations. Today it is fair to call us an association with genuine railway experience.
Our members include school pupils, working people from all walks of life and retirees who are far from finished. Around 20 members are active: they restore and maintain the vehicles, plan the trips and work as operating staff on every run. Anyone looking for a career on the ‘big railway’ can get a first taste with us. We welcome everyone who would like to join in.
Our train runs all year round
Not on its own, of course — but with passengers who now come to us from all over Germany and beyond. In Wesel we run on the line between the Rheinpromenade and the Hohe Mark recreation area. Children and adults alike love our St Nicholas trips (Nikolausfahrten) — a pre-Christmas tradition for decades, somewhere between engineering, dreams and nostalgia.
On day excursions we take our passengers to regions with a little more variety than the flat Lower Rhine: the Sauerland, the Eifel, the High Fens, the Ahr, Moselle, Middle Rhine and Lahn valleys. A buffet car, at-seat service and the leisurely pace make every trip a special experience — no wonder many regulars join us on almost every excursion.
Our passengers
Railway fans are rather in the minority among our passengers — and that is a good thing. Our train is especially popular with older passengers, who enjoy a well-organised and varied day on our excursions. Clubs, associations and groups appreciate being able to reach their destination comfortably, without changing trains, on reserved seats in a special train with catering.
Families, individual travellers and of course children are also among our loyal passengers. Many of them had their very first encounter with the railway with us — and have kept coming back ever since. We would be delighted to welcome you aboard soon, too.
