“Step back in time,” I say, gesturing towards the former Straßenbahndepot Lechhausen. This unassuming building holds within it the echoes of Augsburg’s streetcar history.
The historische Wagenhalle Augsburg-Lechhausen, as it’s also known, wasn’t always a quiet repository. Imagine the clatter and clang of trams arriving and departing. It was a vital hub for the city’s ever-evolving transportation network. The Straßenbahndepot Lechhausen was completed in 1931. It added another facility for the growing tram network.
Initially, a single-track line connected the depot to the main network. This line branched off from the Line 1 terminus at Stätzlinger Straße. Locals wanted the Line 1 to terminate at the Wagenhalle. Despite the protests, the Line 1 continued to Stätzlinger Straße. Finally, after the war, the terminus was moved to the Wagenhalle. The single-track section remained until 1964.
The friends of the Augsburger Straßenbahn invite you to explore the historical Wagenhalle in Lechhausen. They share the tram history of the Fugger city using numerous exhibits and artifacts. The story begins in 1881 with the horse-drawn tram. It moves through the electrification in 1898. It continues through modern, inner-city rail transport. You can follow the continuous progress in construction and technology from the “Funkenchaise”.
Consider Triebwagen 165. Built in 1926, this tram represents the 157-174 series. Although theoretically operational, it can’t run currently. The Straßenbahnbetriebshof where it resides lacks a track connection. Triebwagen 179, built between 1936 and 1940, is also housed here. It was destroyed in World War II, but rebuilt in 1950. Currently, it is not operational.
Look around at the KSW 503. This “Kriegsstraßenbahnwagen” (war tram car) from the 501-510 series was built in 1948. While some of its siblings are still running special trips, KSW 503 resides here in Lechhausen.
Notice the Groβraumwagen 520, built in 1956. It is waiting for restoration. And the Gt 5 535. This tram was once used in Aachen. Augsburg acquired it in 1973 after Aachen shut down its tram operations. It is not operational and can be found in the Beiwagenhalle Lechhausen.
Today, the Wagenhalle Lechhausen is home to the “Freunde der Augsburger Stra\u00dfenbahn”. This association preserves Augsburg’s tram history. They maintain a collection of historic tram cars. The location is not normally open to the public. Due to the small size of the hall, it is unsuitable for a tram museum. However, they host an annual open day.
Though the Wagenhalle no longer connects to the city’s tram network since 1994, when Line 1 was extended to the Ostfriedhof. And while rides aren’t possible due to the lack of overhead lines and track connection. The spirit of Augsburg’s Straßenbahn lives on within these walls. The association leased the car hall from the transport companies.
So, as you stand before this building, remember the Wagenhalle Lechhausen. Remember the trams that once rumbled through its doors. Remember the dedicated volunteers. Their hard work keeps Augsburg’s transport heritage alive.