[] (viewed 18 July 2003). See also "2-8-4-Bulgaria" in Wikipedia at [], last accessed 18 January 2026. Tube diameters are inner dimensions. Works numbers were 2272-2281 in 1943.
Wikipedia explains the the BDZ--then an ally of the Third Reich--ordered 20 of these eight-coupled tank locomotives in 1941. They planned to operate them on local passenger service. The design's relatively low axle loading combined with "their large coal and water capacities made the new class suitable for a wider range of duties, if required."
Because of the intensity of the titanic battles between Germany and the Soviet Union, Krupp could only produced ten. After World War II, ended the BDZ used the 36s not only for local trains but also for trains enroute to Turkey hauling international expresses.
Their mere existence and paid-for status combined with their youth and well-dimensioned design kept them in service until the 1970s
| Principal Dimensions by Steve Llanso of Middle Run Media | |
|---|---|
| Class | 36 |
| Locobase ID | 1598 |
| Railroad | Bulgarian State |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Whyte | 2-8-4T |
| Number in Class | 10 |
| Road Numbers | 36.01-10 |
| Gauge | Std |
| Number Built | 10 |
| Builder | Krupp |
| Year | 1943 |
| Valve Gear | Walschaert |
| Locomotive Length and Weight | |
| Driver Wheelbase (ft / m) | 19.03 / 5.80 |
| Engine Wheelbase (ft / m) | 39.70 / 12.10 |
| Ratio of driving wheelbase to overall engine wheelbase | 0.48 |
| Overall Wheelbase (engine & tender) (ft / m) | 39.70 / 12.10 |
| Axle Loading (Maximum Weight per Axle) (lbs / kg) | 36,707 / 16,650 |
| Weight on Drivers (lbs / kg) | 138,009 / 62,600 |
| Engine Weight (lbs / kg) | 244,558 / 110,930 |
| Tender Loaded Weight (lbs / kg) | |
| Total Engine and Tender Weight (lbs / kg) | |
| Tender Water Capacity (gals / ML) | 2376 / 9 |
| Tender Fuel Capacity (oil/coal) (gals/tons / Liters/MT) | 8.80 / 8 |
| Minimum weight of rail (calculated) (lb/yd / kg/m) | 58 / 29 |
| Geometry Relating to Tractive Effort | |
| Driver Diameter (in / mm) | 61 / 1550 |
| Boiler Pressure (psi / kPa) | 235 / 1600 |
| High Pressure Cylinders (dia x stroke) (in / mm) | 17.32" x 27.56" / 440x700 (3) |
| Tractive Effort (lbs / kg) | 40,609 / 18419.95 |
| Factor of Adhesion (Weight on Drivers/Tractive Effort) | 3.40 |
| Heating Ability | |
| Tubes (number - dia) (in / mm) | 127 - 2.126" / 54 |
| Flues (number - dia) (in / mm) | 38 - 5.63" / 143 |
| Flue/Tube length (ft / m) | 13.62 / 4.15 |
| Firebox Area (sq ft / m2) | 166.84 / 15.50 |
| Grate Area (sq ft / m2) | 43.06 / 4 |
| Evaporative Heating Surface (sq ft / m2) | 1894 / 176 |
| Superheating Surface (sq ft / m2) | 700 / 65 |
| Combined Heating Surface (sq ft / m2) | 2594 / 241 |
| Evaporative Heating Surface/Cylinder Volume | 168.01 |
| Computations Relating to Power Output (More Information) | |
| Robert LeMassena's Power Computation | 10,119 |
| Same as above plus superheater percentage | 12,851 |
| Same as above but substitute firebox area for grate area | 49,793 |
| Power L1 | 19,134 |
| Power MT | 1222.62 |