DRG Class 23

DRB Class 23
DR Class 23.0
DR Class 35.20
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderSchichau-Werke
Serial number3443–3444
Build date1941
Total produced2
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte2-6-2
 • UIC1′C1′ h2
 • GermanP 35.18
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Leading dia.1,000 mm (39+38 in)
Driver dia.1,750 mm (68+78 in)
Trailing dia.1,250 mm (49+14 in)
Tender wheels1,000 mm (39+38 in)
Wheelbase:
 • Axle spacing
(Asymmetrical)
  • 3,100 mm (10 ft 2 in) +
  • 2,050 mm (6 ft 8+34 in) +
  • 2,050 mm (6 ft 8+34 in) +
  • 3,500 mm (11 ft 5+34 in) =
 • Engine10,700 mm (35 ft 1+14 in)
 • Tender
  • 1,900 mm (6 ft 2+34 in) +
  • 1,900 mm (6 ft 2+34 in) +
  • 1,900 mm (6 ft 2+34 in) =
  • 5,700 mm (18 ft 8+38 in)
Length:
 • Over headstocks21,640 mm (71 ft 0 in)
 • Over buffers22,940 mm (75 ft 3+18 in)
Height4,550 mm (14 ft 11+18 in)
Axle load18 t (18 long tons; 20 short tons)
Adhesive weight53.92 t (53.07 long tons; 59.44 short tons)
Empty weight80.14 t (78.87 long tons; 88.34 short tons)
Service weight88.32 t (86.93 long tons; 97.36 short tons)
Total weight148.2 t (145.9 long tons; 163.4 short tons)
Tender type2′2′ T 26
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity8 t (7.9 long tons; 8.8 short tons)
Water cap.26 m3 (5,700 imp gal; 6,900 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Grate area3.9 m2 (42 sq ft)
Boiler:
 • Pitch3,050 mm (10 ft 18 in)
 • Tube plates5,200 mm (17 ft 34 in)
 • Small tubes54 mm (2+18 in), 113 off
 • Large tubes133 mm (5+14 in), 35 off
Boiler pressure16 bar (16.3 kgf/cm2; 232 psi)
Heating surface:
 • Firebox15.9 m2 (171 sq ft)
 • Tubes90.4 m2 (973 sq ft)
 • Flues71.3 m2 (767 sq ft)
 • Total surface177.6 m2 (1,912 sq ft)
Superheater:
 • Heating area64.1 m2 (690 sq ft)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size550 mm × 660 mm (21+58 in × 26 in)
Valve gearHeusinger (Walschaerts)
Train heatingSteam
Performance figures
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Indicated power1,500 PS (1,100 kW; 1,480 hp)
Career
Operators
Numbers
  • 23 001 – 23 002
  • 35 2001-2 from 1970
Retired1975

The German Class 23 (Baureihe 23 or BR 23) engines of the Deutsche Reichsbahn (DRG) were standard (Einheitslokomotiven) steam engines that were conceived as a replacement for the Prussian P 8 by the Schichau Works. They were given the same boiler as the Class 50s which were developed in parallel and, like them, the newly developed 2'2' T 26 tender with its front wall that protected train crews during reverse running.

In 1941 the two prototypes were built and delivered. The procurement of 800 locomotives had been planned, however the constraints of the Second World War meant that they never entered full production.

After the war the two locomotives, with operating numbers 23 001 and 23 002, went to the DR in East Germany and were variously stabled in Berlin, Brandenburg an der Havel, Jüterbog and Halle. In 1961, number 23 001 was given a Reko boiler with combustion chamber, developed for the Class 50. In 1970 the locomotive was given EDP number 35 2001–2. Number 23 002 was to be reconstructed, but was retired however in 1967 due to damage to the frame and scrapped. Number 23 001 was scrapped in 1975 in Cottbus, as it could no longer serve any useful purpose.

After the war, the design of these Class 23 locomotives formed the basis for the new DB Class 23 and DR Class 23.10 locomotives which received the same class designation.