Train from the esteemed GDR era resumes operation.
The VT 18.16, a significant piece of East Germany's railway history, is set to return to the tracks of Germany. This diesel multiple unit, often preserved and operated by railway enthusiasts or museums for special events, will embark on a series of special trips, including a journey from Dresden to Prague and a tour around the entire Berlin Outer Ring.
The first of these special trips will take place on Saturday, September 6, with round trips from Dresden available. The operating permit for the VT 18.16 is pending, following the completion of the restoration documentation.
The restoration project, spearheaded by the association "SVT Görlitz gGmbH," began in 2019 and was funded through donations and support from the federal and state governments. Over 80,000 hours of volunteer work have been invested in restoring the train to its former glory.
The Ostmecklenburgische Bahnwerk GmbH (OMB) from Neustrelitz played a crucial role in repairing the bogie for the VT 18.16. The association aims for 40 to 50 trips per year, with a maximum of 50,000 kilometers to be covered by the train.
However, as of the latest information, there are no public announcements or official plans indicating that the VT 18.16 will visit Neubrandenburg in the future. For those interested in seeing the VT 18.16 in the region, checking with local railway museums, heritage railways in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, enthusiast groups or societies dedicated to DDR-era trains, or official event calendars for railway festivals in the area might provide updates on special excursions or visits involving the VT 18.16.
The association "SVT Görlitz gGmbH" has presented the restored train to the public in Halberstadt and will ensure the train's operation, taking over rail technical organization but not being the organizer of special trips. The SVT is also considering potential visits to Neubrandenburg and the region around the Four Gates City.
Before the VT 18.16 can be transferred to Radebeul for special trips, it needs to complete acceptance according to the Eisenbahn-Bau- und Betriebsordnung (EBO), undergo personnel checks and training, and successfully pass test runs.
The association keeps its members updated about the project's progress on its website and Facebook page. For those interested in chartering the train for a visit to Neubrandenburg or the Mecklenburgian Lakes, they can reach out to the SVT Görlitz gGmbH. The daily rental fee for the train is 7,500 euros, with variable costs for operation, personnel, and track costs depending on the route.
The VT 18.16 is expected to be on public display again at the Heating House Festival in Chemnitz in August. Mario Lieb from the Görlitz association has expressed interest in visiting Neustrelitz and the Mecklenburgian Lake District with the train one day.
On a potential future trip, the VT 18.16 might explore home-and-garden landscapes and quaint locales of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, incorporating a relaxing travel element into its lifestyle-focused excursions. While planning special trips, the association "SVT Görlitz gGmbH" is considering the possibility of a visit to Neubrandenburg, offering an opportunity for enthusiasts to admire their beloved diesel multiple unit in a different region.
