Product Features and Details
Coach 2nd class
Replica of MD 42 with automatic load braking and brake blocks
Replica of sliding windows with aluminium frames
With G150 alternator
Model with interior lighting contains an interface with soldering points
The conversion programmes for 3yg- and 4yg coaches allowed the German�Federal Railway to address the shortage of coaches caused by the war for�the first time from the mid-1950s. However, the construction programmes�were limited initially to developing urban rapid transit and express train�coaches. Following this, the German Federal Railway created capacity for�developing new commuter coaches (n-coaches).�
The constantly growing demand for increased traffic volume and the fact�that the 3yg had only been designed for a short service life, led to the�appearance of the first prototypes for the new n-coaches in 1958. Based�on the findings of the preceding new developments and prototypes, three�basic types emerged with five 1st class compartments in the centre of the�coach and two large 2nd class cabins (AB4nb), three large 2nd class cabins�(B4nb) and two large 2nd class cabins and baggage compartment with�space for the train conductor (BD4nf). Although prototypes had also been trialled�with side panels made from aluminium, standard steel and corrugated side�walls, metal panelling made from stainless steel (V2A) was eventually chosen�for mass production. Since the coach paintwork corrosion protection was not�required for this material, the n-coaches were abraded under the windows�using a peacock eye pattern. This abrading pattern and the silver surface of the�V2A quickly earned the n coach the distinctive nickname 'Silberlinge'.�
Except for a few models fitted with lightweight design Minden-Deutz bogies,�the n-coaches were fitted with block brakes (MD42), which were replaced with�disk brakes (MD43) in later series. In order to change passengers as quickly as�possible, the otherwise common end entrances were abandoned and positioned�approximately a third of the way along the coach as double entrances�with hinged-folding doors. The basic design of the n-coach proved so successful�that between 1960 and 1980 a total of about 5000 coaches were constructed by different coach manufacturers as well as at the Karlsruhe and Hannover�refurbishment facilities (Aw). At first, conditions in the extremely cramped�conductor's space in the BD4nf were less than ideal, and it was soon nicknamed�the 'rabbit hutch' by staff, leading to discontent and safety concerns.�As a result, Aw Karlsruhe rebuilt the conductor's cab, producing a�control car in 1972 with a fully-fledged conductor's cab without any�through access to the next coach. These changes meant that the Karlsruhe�version differed significantly from the previous 'rabbit hutch' with its�passageway between the coaches.�From the mid-1980s, the Federal Railways started to modernise coaches�that were in some cases already 20 years old. Following several design�studies, the positive features of the individual programmes were combined�at Aw Hannover in the new Hannover design. New features also consisted�of the mint green paintwork or new sliding windows with plastic frames. This�design, which was also installed by PFA Weiden or OFV Verona using alternative�interior colours, can still be found in modern n-coaches that have been�painted in the DB AG corporate colours.
Other conversions were performed on the control cars. The two designs that had�been introduced earlier were only suitable for either diesel or electric traction,�depending on the control panel installed. For this reason, a new conductor's cab�was designed at Aw Wittenberge, based on the DB standard driver's cab of the�BR 111, so that the control cabs could be deployed with greater freedom.�Numerous 'rabbit hutches' and also Karlsruhe versions were subsequently�converted to the Wittenberge model. In order to meet the demand for push-pull�trains, DB AG also included standard 2nd class coaches in the conversion programme.
