Rail bus - The savior of the branch line in the model and original
What is a rail bus?
A rail bus is a lightly built, track-bound traction vehicle with an internal combustion engine that was mainly used for local transportation on branch lines. From the 1950s onwards, rail buses were the main form of passenger transport on underutilized lines in Germany. They were cheap to buy, low-maintenance and could also be operated on lines with low axle loads. The simple design with mostly red paint, wide windscreens and distinctive diesel sound is typical - a real cult object of German railroad history.
History and development of the rail bus
The origins of the rail bus date back to the 1930s, when low-cost alternatives to steam-powered trains were sought in the countryside. The breakthrough came in the 1950s with the **Uerdingen rail bus VT 95** (later BR 795) and its twin-engined brother VT 98 (later BR 798). The GDR also produced its own models from 1953, such as the **VT 2.09** (later BR 171/172), which fulfilled similar tasks. Rail buses were used both solo and with sidecars or driving trailers - the so-called "savior of the branch line" was born. The rail bus is a cult vehicle of the branch line model & prototype.
Types and nicknames of German rail buses
Overview of the most important types
| Series / type | Nickname |
|---|---|
| VT 95 (BR 795) | Uerdingen rail bus, "piglet cab" (occasionally) |
| VT 98 (BR 798) | Uerdingen rail bus, "Savior of the branch line" |
| VT 2.09 (DR) | "Piglet cab" (GDR) |
| Wismar rail bus | "Pig snout" |
| Esslingen railcar | "Esslinger" |
Typical areas of use and eras
Railbuses shaped eras III and IV like no other traction unit in local transport. They were an integral part of rural rail transport from the 1950s until the 1980s. Even in Era V, they are sometimes used as museum vehicles, special trains or by private railroad companies. The vehicles were particularly popular on lines such as the
- Hunsrückbahn
- Teckbahn
- Allgäu branch lines
- Saxon and Thuringian branch lines (DR)
- Museum railroads such as Hochwaldbahn, VEB, DEV
Model conversions for the model railroad
The popularity of the rail bus is also reflected in the world of model railways. Almost every major manufacturer has at least one version of the rail bus in its range - both analog and digital, in various scales and period colors. Typical features such as window arrangement, coupling systems, interior lighting or drive unit are reproduced in great detail.
Manufacturer overview for rail bus models
| Manufacturers | Rail bus models |
|---|---|
| Märklin / Trix | VT 95, VT 98 (BR 795/798), also digital mfx with sound |
| Lilliput | VT 95, Esslinger, Era III and IV |
| Roco | VT 98, with sidecar and driving trailer |
| PIKO | VT 2.09 (BR 171/172), "piglet cab" in DR livery |
| Bemo | Wismar rail bus T41 for H0m |
| Kress | Rail bus double-decker Alma |
Buy selected rail bus models in the model railroad store
Advantages of the rail bus for model railroaders
- Ideal railcar for branch lines
- Easy operation with a sidecar or as a solo vehicle
- Space-saving on compact layouts
- Versatile use in eras III-VI
- Large selection of manufacturers and variants
- Nostalgic character with high recognition value
Conclusion: Rail bus - classic with cult status
Whether as the "savior of the branch line", "piglet cab" or "pig snout" - the rail bus is an integral part of German railroad history and a highlight for every model railway layout. Thanks to its compact design, high level of authenticity and nostalgic charm, it is ideal for rural scenes, museum railroads and realistic local traffic in the model. If you want to enrich your layout with a classic full of history and emotion, there is no way around the rail bus. The savior of the branch line in the model and original is clearly the rail bus.