Big Steam forever !

Nothing comes even close -
eat your heart out - Bullet train

Wheelworks in Meiningen

Well, by now you know that we like BIG steam
BIG time, and many of you do too !
That is why we include the 2 major German steam events in our tours, and biannually visit the largest "all steam festival" in Europe, if not in the world.

Our 1st tour most years (April/May) covers the German steam season opening celebration. It is held at the Verkehrsmuseum in Dresden: 
http://www.verkehrsmuseum-dresden.de/en/railway-vehicle-depots.html

---

Dresden roundhouse with 9 beauties + 6 more outside waiting to be paraded on the turn table

The " Meiningen Dampftage" (steam days)
is the other BIG steam event in the fall of every year.
In Meiningen, the German Railroad operates Europe's 
largest steam engine repair and maintenance facilities.

Their excellent knowledge and craftsmanship entitles
them to do all types of inspection, pressure testing and
boiler work and certifications for the train authorities in other European countries.    
 

No job too unusual

Dampflokwerk Meiningen (The German Railways Steam Locomotive Works)  is the only facility in Europe capable of constructing new locomotive boilers up to modern standards of construction, performance, and safety, and has the know-how and technology to repair and maintain historic steam engines.  
The newly built British steam locomotive 60163 Tornado  that was delivered in 2008 had her all-steel, high-performance boiler made at Meiningen; the only part that could not be made in Britain. Also in 2008, the steam engine 'Adler', the first German steam locomotive, was restored here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adler_(locomotive)  
http://www.dampflokwerk.de/en/index.htm 

This 2 1/2 day event is about two things: the "unconditional" love for BIG steam and its preservation for the future.

One beauty waiting for the other 9 to come out

A little assistance if steam would not work. (no, this is loco pulling contest)

Enjoy the Meiningen picture gallery without our comments, since most of you know much more about
these great machines.

PRIVATELY! owned high speed engine after inspection in Meiningen works

No job too small

No job too big

September 2014 was especially exciting since DB Dampflokwerk Meiningen was celebrating their 100th year of existence with lots and lots of interesting activities!!