A Short Fall Break for the Fichtelberg Railway in Saxony

The Fichtelbergbahn will suspend operations for three weeks in November. According to the Saxon Steam Railway Company (SDG), train service on the narrow-gauge line will be suspended from November 2 through 20. This time will be used for maintenance work on the track and the locomotives. Training sessions for staff are also planned.

On the section of track between Cranzahl and Kurort Oberwiesenthal, switches will be replaced and worn-out ties will be removed. In addition, ballasting work will be carried out at the switches and along the track.

Extensive work is also scheduled at the locomotive workshop in Oberwiesenthal: According to the SDG, three steam locomotives are in the workshop for their major inspections, and another is undergoing an interim inspection. In addition, a guest locomotive from the Prignitzer Kleinbahn is being inspected. Another locomotive is due for its scheduled maintenance. During this process, minor repairs will be carried out and the boiler will be flushed.

Dismantled into individual parts

According to the SDG, a steam locomotive must undergo a major inspection every eight years. During this process, the steam locomotives are dismantled down to their individual parts. The boiler, undercarriage, and frame are put through their paces. Subsequently, repairs are made, parts are replaced, and the locomotive is reassembled. This is followed by pressure tests, safety valve adjustments, and test runs. Only after passing all these tests is the locomotive allowed back on the tracks. An interim inspection is required only every four years. During this process, the locomotive is not completely disassembled.