4-6-0 Steam Locomotives in Germany

Groáherzoglich Badischen Staatseisenbahn


Class Details by Steve Llanso of Sweat House Media

Class IVe / BR 38 70 (Locobase 7910)

Christian Lindecke's German locomotive website [], accessed 25 October 2006 for data. See also "4-Cylinder Compound Locomotive, Baden State Rys," The Locomotive Magazine, Vol X (31 October 1903), p.254.

This class of compounds were the first de Glehn-type Ten-wheelers to go into service in all of Europe. Unlike the KPEV's experience with a later adaptation (Locobase 6458), the Baden engines satisfied requirements nicely. Adopted for Black Forest express and passenger trains, the class entered service over a 7-year period. They proved quiet and smooth-running, says Lindecke, and the de Glehn system, which allowed live-steam operation of all 4 cylinders, permitted rapid acceleration. Separate control of the LP (driving the first coupled axle) and HP cylinders (powering the second axle) meant the ability to vary horsepower according to requirements. Tests showed the ability to pull a 250-ton train on the level at 75 km/h (46.6 mph)

By the time of the DRG's formation in 1925, 35 were left as BR 38 701 to BR 38 735. They were all withdrawn by 1932.

Principal Dimensions by Steve Llanso of Middle Run Media
ClassIVe / BR 38 70
Locobase ID7910
RailroadGroáherzoglich Badischen Staatseisenbahn (Baden State)
CountryGermany
Whyte4-6-0
Number in Class83
Road Numbers
GaugeStd
Number Built83
BuilderGrafenstaden
Year1894
Valve GearStephenson
Locomotive Length and Weight
Driver Wheelbase (ft / m)11.81 / 3.60
Engine Wheelbase (ft / m)24.44 / 7.45
Ratio of driving wheelbase to overall engine wheelbase 0.48
Overall Wheelbase (engine & tender) (ft / m)
Axle Loading (Maximum Weight per Axle) (lbs / kg)31,085 / 14,100
Weight on Drivers (lbs / kg)91,589 / 41,544
Engine Weight (lbs / kg)126,503 / 57,381
Tender Loaded Weight (lbs / kg)
Total Engine and Tender Weight (lbs / kg)
Tender Water Capacity (gals / ML)3960 / 15
Tender Fuel Capacity (oil/coal) (gals/tons / Liters/MT) 5.50 / 5
Minimum weight of rail (calculated) (lb/yd / kg/m)51 / 25.50
Geometry Relating to Tractive Effort
Driver Diameter (in / mm)63 / 1600
Boiler Pressure (psi / kPa)188.50 / 1300
High Pressure Cylinders (dia x stroke) (in / mm)13.78" x 25.2" / 350x640
Low Pressure Cylinders (dia x stroke) (in / mm)21.65" x 25.2" / 550x640
Tractive Effort (lbs / kg)17,322 / 7857.14
Factor of Adhesion (Weight on Drivers/Tractive Effort) 5.29
Heating Ability
Tubes (number - dia) (in / mm)191 - 2.008" / 51
Flues (number - dia) (in / mm)
Flue/Tube length (ft / m)13.94 / 4.25
Firebox Area (sq ft / m2)120.02 / 11.15
Grate Area (sq ft / m2)22.60 / 2.10
Evaporative Heating Surface (sq ft / m2)1383 / 128.44
Superheating Surface (sq ft / m2)
Combined Heating Surface (sq ft / m2)1383 / 128.44
Evaporative Heating Surface/Cylinder Volume317.94
Computations Relating to Power Output (More Information)
Robert LeMassena's Power Computation4260
Same as above plus superheater percentage4260
Same as above but substitute firebox area for grate area22,624
Power L13656
Power MT264.01

All material Copyright © SteamLocomotive.com
Wes Barris