Once upon a time hobby railroaders dreamed. These enthusiasts founded the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum in the 1970s. Now look around. This museum stands as one of Frankfurt’s largest technology museums.
The Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum preserves operational 600 mm narrow-gauge field railway vehicles. It is located in Frankfurt am Main-Bockenheim. The museum is part of the Route of Industrial Culture Rhine-Main.
Since its opening, the facility has expanded several times. Multiple vehicle halls and track systems now occupy the Rebstockpark grounds.
Before you stands a testament to dedication. The Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum faced numerous relocations. Regular train operations and restoration work were challenging. Finally in 1985, a breakthrough arrived. The association built a vehicle hall and permanent track on the Rebstock grounds. The Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum finally opened in 1987.
Inside, discover a world of locomotives. The museum boasts over 70 locomotives. Around 200 wagons of all types fill the space. Among them are 20 steam locomotives. Also there are 34 diesel locomotives, 4 petrol locomotives, and 4 electric locomotives. Thirteen special vehicles round out the collection.
Most locomotives are privately owned. The museum owns many wagons. Currently 13 steam locomotives are operational. Machines from Heilbronn and Henschel are here. Decauville, Orenstein & Koppel and Jung locomotives stand ready. Borsig, Hanomag, Baldwin, and Krauss are also represented.
The Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum holds a unique treasure. It has the smallest Mallet articulated locomotive. O&K built it with 30 horsepower. The museum also houses the only operational En2t Heeresfeldbahnlok with Luttermöller drive. This gives the locomotive excellent curve running. A Deutz CV type petrol locomotive is here. It is the oldest original motor locomotive in the world. The German Museum Munich loaned it. It has been in the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum’s vehicle list since early 2015.
Imagine riding on these historic wagons. A steam locomotive pulls you through Rebstockpark. You experience the world of the field railway.
Consider the passionate work of the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum association. They lovingly restore field railway vehicles. They keep them alive for future generations.
The museum even has its own bus stop. It is named Feldbahnmuseum. You can visit on event days and during vintage car meetings. Visitors immerse themselves in the field railway’s working world. They marvel at the vehicle collection. The Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum is a member of the Hessian Museums Association. It is also a member of the German Museums Association.
Take a moment to appreciate this living history. The Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum preserves a vital part of industrial heritage. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era. A time when these little trains played a big role.