Model: The Modellbahn Union KLv 12 maintenance is an exquisitely detailed model that stands out. This model is thoughtfully designed with a smooth-running motor, a sturdy metal chassis, power pickup from both axles for reliable performance, and a factory-installed 6-pin Zimo sound decoder, adding an immersive audio experience to the model.
Prototype: Starting in 1953, the DB (Deutsche Bundesbahn) acquired a variety of handcars for railway service purposes, including the Klv 11 and Klv 12 types. By 1963, approximately 800 of these handcars had been produced by different suppliers. The main distinction between the Klv 11 and Klv 12 models lies in the number of doors. Noteworthy manufacturers involved in building these purpose-built vehicles were Beilhack (our model), Draisinenbau Hamburg Alpers, FKF, Industriewerke Karlsruhe IWK, and Sollinger Hütte SH. The handcars, designed to be simple and cost-effective, gained popularity.
To power these vehicles, an air-cooled Volkswagen industrial engine with a displacement of 1.2 liters and 28 horsepower was utilized. The engine's output was transmitted through a clutch and a manual gearbox sourced from the automotive industry, providing four forward gears and one reverse gear. With a top speed of 70 km/h and a total weight of around 2,250 kg, the handcars performed admirably.
The Klv 12 models found utility not only with the DB but also with private railways, mines, and industrial companies in subsequent years. Handcars were even sold in other European countries. The final decommissioning of these vehicles by the DB occurred in 1997. Thanks to their sturdy construction and easy maintenance, numerous handcars are still in use today, particularly in museums.
