

| Subject: | VW Type II rail vehicles - a bit off topic |
| Date: | Tue, 9 Sep 1997 13:42:14 -0700 |
FYI, here's an inquiry I posted to a European Railway list and an
answer I received. Someone may want to cross-post it to the type2
list (I can't possibly sign up for another list!).
I know that in the fifties, the DB (West German Railways) (and
perhaps other administrations) had VW Kombis (Transporters)
fitted with flanged wheels in place of the rubber tires.
Presumably other modifications were made to eliminate the
steering and eliminate or otherwise restrict the swing arc of the
half axles at the rear.
As a VW enthusiasts, I am surprised that no one seems to have
brought one of these to the US. I also know that the DB sold
some of these to concerns in Italy some years ago.
So, two questions:
1. Does anyone know how these vehicles were configured?
2. Are there any still operating or otherwise in existence?
3. Has the VW museum thought to save one of these in its
collection?
-Blaine Bachman
Albuquerque NM, USA
blaineoftrains@earthling.net
Jo Van de kerkhove (http://bewoner.dma.be/Jokke/) of the Netherlands
responded:
The National Railway Museum in Nuerenberg still has a VW T1
adapted for railusage ... it's a blue, closed van with glass all
around. It must have been used for revision and control of tracks
in the Bayern Area.
BTW, I have seen one of these, and unless I was mistaken, it was a
Barndoor. So if any of you VW fans are headed to Germany . . . .
-BlaineHave something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »