List of Prussian locomotives and railbuses

This list gives an overview of the locomotives and railcars that were in the Prussian state railways.

However a locomotive could only be identified exactly by using the divisional name and running number in combination.

This was based on the systems used in the Cologne West Rhine (Coeln linksrheinisch), Elberfeld und Magdeburg railway divisions.

In the margins of this measure, individual locomotive types were redesignated into other groups.

This situation became worse after the end of the First World War as a result of the dissolution of the railway divisions as well as the disorganised way in which locomotives were entered into service.

This scheme was based on a leading fraction for the running gear ratio, capital letters to specify the primary role and type of steam used, and additional abbreviations for special features.

So 2/4 H. S. L. dr. meant a four-coupled, four axled, superheated express train locomotive with carrying bogie.

With the addition of phrases like 'with trailing axle' ("mit hinterer Laufachse") it was possible to distinguish whether a carrying wheelset was in front of or behind the coupled wheels.

The lists give an overview of the locomotives procured by the Prussian state railways (Preussische(n) Staatseisenbahnen) from 1880 or as standard types thereafter.