ESU 31181 - Steam locomotive, H0, T18, 078 164 DB, black, Ep IV, prototype condition around 1971, LokSound, double smoke generator, shunting coupling, DC/AC

ESU 31181 - Steam locomotive, H0, T18, 078 164 DB, black, Ep IV, prototype condition around 1971, LokSound, double smoke generator, shunting coupling, DC/AC

Prototype information

The T18, developed by the Vulcan locomotive factory in Stettin, was the result of a request from several Prussian railway directorates for a tender locomotive that would be able to reach at least 90 km/h both forwards and backwards. The T18, 462 of which were built by various manufacturers between 1912 and 1927, is considered the most successful regional railway passenger train tender locomotive and was used by the German Reichsbahn DR until 1972 and by the German Federal Railway DB until 1974. The symmetrical chassis enabled equally good driving characteristics in both directions, and the boiler, which was essentially based on the G8, had already proven its suitability by the time the T18 was produced. With an output of 1140 hp and a top speed of 90 km/h, increased to 100 km/h from the eleventh machine delivered, the locomotives were also used to pull light express trains. Shortly after the Second World War, the German Federal Railway (DB) resumed experiments with pushed trains (push-pull trains) in order to shorten the turnaround times of local trains. To this end, several of the 424 locomotives remaining with the DB were equipped with an indirect push-pull train control system from the Hagenuk company. When the train was pushed, the driver sat in the control car and transmitted the driving commands via a control device to the stoker on the locomotive, who operated the controller. As soon as the driver initiated braking, the controller was automatically closed by compressed air from the control car. Later, the push-pull train control was removed from most 78.0-5s and the locomotives were used again in light passenger and freight train service. The DB brought its Prussians together in Baden-Württemberg in the early 1970s. The German Reichsbahn of the GDR was able to rely on 53 locomotives of the 78 series after the Second World War. To improve the driver's view, some of the Stralsund depot's machines were fitted with small smoke deflectors.

Model details

You can certainly see from the photos that our T18 (BR78.0-5) looks good and has different lanterns, feed pumps, wiring, cab roofs and coal boxes depending on the era. What you may not immediately notice from the photos is that cylinder steam is a new function for ESU steam locomotives. This was created in the prototype when condensate was blown out. Since cylinder steam does not escape in every driving situation in the original, our H0 model behaves accordingly. Of course, you can adjust this function as you wish, as you are used to from ESU. The smoke visible in the photo did not have to be enhanced by an image processing program. Even though some machines at the DB were equipped with push-pull control, the majority of the locomotives were always in front of the train, which meant that the locomotive had to be moved at the destination station. That's why we also supply our models with digitally remote-controlled couplings. These work with the ESU universal coupling 41000, but also with the Märklin® close coupling, as well as standard bar couplings. As you know from other ESU locomotives, many prototypical lighting functions can be switched. For example, shunting is typically done with just a single headlamp at both ends. In the dark, the chassis and cab lighting support the H0 personnel in their work. Deep inside the metal frame, the powerful bell-shaped armature motor with flywheel works and, tamed by the LokSound-5 decoder, ensures smooth driving characteristics and prototypical tractive power. By removing or attaching the pickup and pressing a switch in the locomotive floor, you can switch between two-wire and center-wire operation.

Technical details

Chassis, frame, water tanks and smoke chamber made of metal
Universal electronics with plug-in pickup and switch for switching between two-wire and center-wire operation
Bell-armature motor with flywheel
Two traction tires to increase traction
LokSound 5 decoder for DCC, Motorola®, M4 and Selectrix® operation
Independent registration by RailComPlus® to suitably equipped DCC central units
Independent registration to Märklin® mfx central units
PowerPack storage capacitor for uninterruptible power supply
Clocked double smoke generator for sensor-controlled smoke emission and cylinder steam synchronized with the LokSound
Double loudspeaker with large Sound capsule for maximum sound enjoyment
Digitally remote-controlled couplings
Chassis lighting
Spring buffers
Metal wheels
Etched plates for self-assembly are included
Pipette for filling the smoke generator is included
Minimum radius 360mm
Length over buffers = 170.1 mm

 

Characteristics:

Manufacturer:	ESU
Item number:	31181
number of pieces:	1 piece
EAN:	4044645311813
Product Type:	Steam locomotive
track:	H0
scale:	1:87
model series:	T18
Company number:	078 164
Railway company:	DB
country:	EN
epoch:	IV
Metal model:	partly made of metal
AC wheelset:	available
grinder:	present, removable
Electricity system:	DC/AC
operation mode:	DCC sound
interface:	21 MTC (NEM660)
Digital decoder:	Yes
Energy storage:	Yes
engine:	5-pole motor
Motor with flywheel:	Yes
Traction tires:	2
Length over buffer:	170.1mm
Minimum radius:	358mm
coupling:	Shaft NEM 362 with KK kinematics
digital coupling:	Yes
Interior design:	equipped with interior furnishings
Interior lighting:	digitally switchable
Driver's cab lighting:	digitally switchable
Headlight:	LED headlight
Sound:	Yes
Spring buffer:	Yes
Smoke generator:	Yes
Weight:	374.6g
Age recommendation:	14 years and older
WEEE No.:	DE62103961
BattG registration number:	21002525