| DB VT 95.9 DB 795 | |
|---|---|
 Class VT 95.9 | |
| In service | 1950–1983 |
| Manufacturer | Waggonfabrik Uerdingen, Rathgeber, Waggonfabrik Lüttgens, Waggon- und Maschinenbau GmbH Donauwörth |
| Constructed | 1950–1958 |
| Number built | 12+557+15 |
| Fleet numbers |
|
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 10.65–13.298 m (34 ft 11+1⁄4 in – 43 ft 7+1⁄2 in) over buffers |
| Wheel diameter | 900 mm (2 ft 11+3⁄8 in) |
| Maximum speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
| Weight | Service: 11.5–13.9 t (11.3–13.7 long tons; 12.7–15.3 short tons) |
| Axle load | 6–7 t (5.9–6.9 long tons; 6.6–7.7 short tons) |
| Transmission | mechanical |
| Power supply |
|
| UIC classification | A1 |
| Braking system(s) | Compressed-air brake |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| DB VT 98.9 798 | |
|---|---|
 798 752-2 on the Kasbach Valley Railway | |
| In service | 1953–2000 |
| Manufacturer | Waggonfabrik Uerdingen, MAN, Waggon- und Maschinenbau GmbH Donauwörth |
| Constructed | 1953, 1955–1962 |
| Number built | 329 |
| Fleet numbers | VT 98 901–903 VT 98 9501–9829 |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 13.95 m (45 ft 9+1⁄4 in) |
| Wheel diameter | 900 mm (35.43 in) |
| Maximum speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
| Weight | Service: 18.9 t (18.6 long tons; 20.8 short tons) |
| Axle load | 9.7 t (9.5 long tons; 10.7 short tons) |
| Prime mover(s) | Büssing AG U 10 |
| Power output | 2 × 110 kW (150 hp) |
| Transmission | mechanical |
| UIC classification | Bo |
| Braking system(s) | Compressed air brake |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The Uerdingen railbus (German: Uerdinger Schienenbus) is the common term for the multiple units which were developed by the German firm of Waggonfabrik Uerdingen for the Deutsche Bundesbahn and private railways after the Second World War. These vehicles were diesel-powered, twin-axle railbuses of light construction. The diesel motors were built into the chassis underneath the vehicle. The VT 95 (later DB Class 795) and VT 98 (later DB Class 798) of the former Deutsche Bundesbahn in particular, are associated with this concept. These vehicles were employed in passenger train duties on branch lines where steam or diesel train operations were less profitable. Including the units built under licence, a total of 1,492 power cars were built from 1950 to 1971; and the total number of units, including trailer and driving cars, was 3,306.
The majority of these vehicles were built by the Waggonfabrik Uerdingen. However, due to the large numbers ordered, vehicles were also made by other coach builders such as MAN, although these factories could offer their own classes of railbus like the MAN-Schienenbus, and in Spain they were built by CAF, Macosa, and Verdingen as FER-560/FRC-560 Ferrobús (railbus).
The railbus, much loved by passengers, was also nicknamed the Rote Brummer (Red Buzzer) because of the loud noise it made when driving. In North Germany the railbus was also often known as the Ferkeltaxe (Piglet Taxi).[1] Amongst railway fans it was also called the Retter der Nebenbahnen (Branch Line Saviour).
- ^ Silberling und Bügeleisen: 1000 Spitznamen in Transport und Verkehr und was dahinter steckt by Richard Deiss (2010), pp. 102-103. Retrieved 4 Oct 2015.