“This is one of only two remaining Treidellokomotiven” I begin. “Can you imagine the power these machines once held?”
The Treidellokomotive before us isn’t just a relic. It’s a silent witness to a bygone era. It’s a testament to human ingenuity. A time when barges weren’t self-propelled. They needed help to navigate the canals. The Treidellokomotive provided that help.
This specific Treidellokomotive was built by Siemens. It’s one of only two left. Its original purpose? Pulling cargo ships along the Teltow Canal. This was a revolutionary method. It was the first time such a system was used worldwide. The Treidellokomotive system was later adopted even by the Panama Canal.
Imagine the scene a century ago. These electric locomotives chugged along the canal banks. They pulled heavy barges. A special power plant in Schőnow supplied the 500-volt electricity. This wasn’t just for the Treidellokomotiven. Nearby factories also benefited from this innovative power source.
The Treidellokomotive’s design wasn’t simple. To prevent tipping one rail was slightly higher than the other. The locomotive could only move forward. Despite its limitations it could haul 1200 tons at 4-4.5 km/h.
World War II brought an end to this efficient system. The Treidellokomotive infrastructure was destroyed. The locomotives were dismantled. The need for them vanished as ship traffic ceased. Only two survived. One rests proudly in Berlin’s Technikmuseum. You are standing before the other. Restored to its former glory it sits under glass.
This Treidellokomotive stands near its original working area the Teltow Canal. It’s a symbol of Berlin’s industrial past. It’s a reminder of a clever system that once defined canal transport. It’s a story of innovation resilience and the passage of time. Let’s move on to the next fascinating part of our tour. But take a moment to fully appreciate the Treidellokomotive’s legacy before we leave. It is truly remarkable.