Ausbesserungswerk

In contrast to the Bahnbetriebswerke, that are responsible for routine, everyday tasks, Ausbesserungswerke specialise in major repairs, general inspections and the refurbishment of exchangeable components.

On top of the maintenance of vehicles, most Ausbesserungswerke also carry out the manufacture of turnouts, the construction of signal gantries, platform roofing and similar steel structures.

With the expansion of the railway network from the middle of the 19th century a large number of Ausbesserungswerke sprang up in the entire German speaking world.

During the transition from maintenance-intensive steam traction to the more maintenance-friendly electric and diesel locomotives, as well as the increasing rationalisation of workshop operations, the number of Ausbesserungswerke needed could be reduced significantly.

A private Ausbesserungswerk in Unterhausen (Bavaria) at Neuburg an der Donau maintains goods vehicles, mainly tank wagons.