DR locomotive classification

The DR locomotive classification scheme in East Germany in the initial post-war period used the DRG system, consisting of a class number (Baureihennummer) followed by a serial number (Ordnungsnummer).

With the introduction of computerised (EDP) numbers in 1970 as part of the UIC framework, the system was fundamentally changed for the first time.

So, for example, locomotives with an axle load of 10 Mp were given the serial number 60.

For narrow gauge locomotives with the class number 99 a similar scheme was chosen.

Here, however, there were additional rules which were supposed to be followed when allocating the operating numbers (Betriebsnummer).

As part of the nationalisation of private railways on 1 January 1950, railcars also had to be integrated into the numbering scheme.

Class 133 was allocated to light, rail-omnibus-like, two-axled vehicles without standard drawbars or buffers.

Modified railcars used their previous DRG wagon numbers, but these were prefixed by the DR with the letters VT. For new vehicles another scheme was used.

In 1954 a new system was introduced for the fast Ganz (DR Class VT 12.14) railcars imported from Hungary.

The serial numbers for internal combustion engined locomotives were retained as far as possible or reduced to the required three digits by dropping the first figure.

This led to new classes being formed or sometimes just to the first digit of the serial number being changed.

Railcar class numbers usually had 3 digits which started either with a 1 or a 2 depending on the type of traction.

Wolfgang Valtin: Verzeichnis aller Lokomotiven und Triebwagen Bd.

1. transpress Berlin 1992, ISBN 3-344-70739-6 Horst J. Obermayer, Manfred Weisbrod: Dampflok-Report Band Nr.