Product Features and Details
Model: Fleischmann Gtl 4/4 has extensive detailing -livery and -lettering it also has inset windows and interior details in driver's cab. Like all Fleischmann models it has prototypical "daylight" between boiler and chassis and a fully operational, finely detailed Heusinger valve gear. Addtional details include brake blocks between the wheels and triple headlights at each end which co-ordinated with direction of travel. Model also has cast metal chassis and powerful can motor with flywheel, all 8 driving wheels are powered. Finally model is equipped with a digital dcc interface and slot-guide mechanism at each end with automatic PROFI-couplings for true close coupling and pre-uncoupling. Standard NEM 362 coupling socket.
Prototype: Bavarian GtL 4/4 locomotives were supplied by Krauss to the state railway. In 1911, two were delivered and, in 1914, they were followed by a further eleven engines. As a result of their positive experience with the GtL 4/4 the Bavarian Group Administration (Gruppenverwaltung Bayern) of the Deutsche Reichsbahn decided to procure more examples of this locomotive. With a rating of 450 horsepower, they were the most powerful Bavarian branch line locomotives. A total of 117 locomotives were made. Almost all railway depots in Bavaria which served branch lines had the GtL 4/4 in their stock. From 1921 to 1927 Krauss supplied another 108 engines that were somewhat heavier and differed from the original versions in the design of the driver's cab. The last 17 locomotives from 1927 were again even heavier than the previous engines, which was due to the increased size of water and coal tanks. Boiler, drive and power remained unchanged over the entire procurement period. The locomotives were designated as DRG Class 98.8-9 by the Reichsbahn, and were given the numbers 98 801 to 98 917. The two last remaining Bavarian GtL 4/4 which used to be based in Schweinfurt in the 1960's' have become the darlings for railway fans. Towards the end of her career, 098 812 used to run on the branch line from Bad Neustadt (Saale) to Königshofen (im Grabfeld) and pulled both passenger and freight trains. The loco is preserved in running condition as a museum locomotive by the Ulmer Eisenbahnfreunde.
