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Over 6000 BR52s came out of the locomotive works of Germany in World War Two.
The engine combined a 2-10-0 configuration with either tub or box-type tenders. The later tenders could carry 30 cubic metres of water & 8 tons of coal. It had a top speed of 55 miles per hour (80km/h).
The 52 series was the result of what we would call today an UOR – or Urgent Operational Requirement – as the war effort desperately needed more pulling power. During the first Russian winter, the German supply chain almost collapsed as many existing designs couldn’t cope with demand & the bitter cold. So, having been rushed through in 1942, the first “Kriegslok” loco was built in September.
Behind it all lay the concept of standardization, so the BR52 took the design of the BR50, improved it, simplified it & then laid down a universal template for all new locomotives designed for war work.
It was not just in the design that standardization was the mantra, fewer parts, raw materials & crucially man hours, were needed to get a BR52 out of the door. One factory in 1943 managed to produce 500 in one month.
It’s hardly surprising that BR52s found their way into numerous national railways after World War Two. We’d been on the lookout for one for years & finally tracked one down in Holland. It is operated by VSM which is based in Apeldoorn - & yes, it’s a runner! So we merrily photographed & filmed one of their BR52s (they have two plus a handful of others in bits). We of course chose their locomotive painted in its grey World War Two livery & it looked amazing. A formidable war machine indeed which filled us with inspiration. Here’s a massive photoset to help you detail your Trumpeter or Hobbyboss model kits.
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