The Kirnitzschtalbahn - August 2009

The Kirnitzschtalbahn is a charming tourist tramway in Bad Schandau near Dresden on the way towards the Czech border. During the summer a half hourly service is operated on this single track line with two passing loops taking tourists to Lichtenhainer Waterfall. In 1992 the fleet was upgraded to late 1950s Gotha cars. These are in good condition, refurbished with high backed seats. The ride is gentile rather than the usual high pace of German tramways with quite a bit of slack to ensure reliable passing times at the crossings. The line is on street in the gutter causing some interesting occurrences on the way down as the tram drives into oncoming traffic. Locals at least seemed disciplined as to what to do.

In service on the day of my visit were three sets. Car 3 operated solo on the first round trip 0815 and 0930 (out of depot c0803, earlier in school terms as there is an 0725 school run into town). It then collected trailer 22 which was at the terminus for the 1100 departure. Car 3 would end up on the last working 2040 to Forsthaus only.

Car 1 hauled trailers 23 and 26 on the 1000 departure

Car 2 hauled trailers 21 and 25 on the 1030 departure (21 came from depot with 25 having been parked with 22 at the terminus)

Cars 1, 2 and 3 were ex Plauen 61, 63 and 65 from 1957/8 though 3 ran in Klingenthal initially. Trailers 21-24 are from Leipzig (in 1984) on trucks from Halle while 25/26 came from Zwickau (in 1995)

Also owned and in depot were:
4 ex Zwickau Gotha 956 of 1960 acquired in 1995

6 ex Jena 103 new 1959 acquired in 2007 and under major overhaul

Preserved cars:

5 a 1928 MAN built car

8 a 1939 Gotha built car used on the Dresden narrow guage Lockwitztalbahn until 1977

9 Bautzen 1925 restored in Lockwitztalbahn livery
12 a trailer to partner 5.


More photos at: http://paul-turner.fotopic.net/c1739255.html
Website: http://www.ovps.com/1024/1024.html