Can you imagine a place where trains have been reborn since 1927? This is the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide. Today, we’re standing before a place of great significance. It is a place where the pulse of Berlin’s S-Bahn history never stops.
Originally named Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide it became Hauptwerkstatt Berlin-Schöneweide after the Deutsche Bahn took over. For almost a century, this workshop has maintained, rebuilt, and modernized Berlin’s S-Bahn trains. But its story goes beyond just S-Bahn trains.
In the early days, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide was vital for equipping the new electric S-Bahn trains. As Berlin’s transportation evolved, so did the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide. It stepped in to help with the maintenance of Berlin’s U-Bahn and trams.
During World War II, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide faced hardship. It was damaged and many workers were sent to the front. After the war, dedicated workers rebuilt it.
In 1950, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide took on the trains of the Buckower Kleinbahn. From 1954, it also became the main workshop for East Berlin’s trams. The Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide even rebuilt trams. This helped various transport companies in the GDR.
Between 1962 and 1990, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide converted old S-Bahn cars into U-Bahn cars for the DDR-Verkehrsministerium. In 1975, the workshop was renamed Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Roman Chwalek Berlin-Schöneweide. This honored Roman Chwalek, a former minister.
After reunification, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide became part of Deutsche Bahn AG in 1994. In 1995, it became part of S-Bahn Berlin GmbH. In 1996, the first new S-Bahn series 481 train left the factory after completion.
To keep up with technology, a train simulator was installed in 1998. In 2019, a new simulator was put into use. Since 2019, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide has been upgraded with new facilities. This includes a bonding hall, a grinding hall, and a dismantling hall.
The Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide also contributed to the Berliner Pioniereisenbahn. It helped build the tracks and train cars. The workshop also reconstructed cars for the Oberweißbacher Bergbahn. In 1962, it developed the SKL 24 track motor trolley.
The architecture of the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide reflects the New Objectivity style. The mix of brick and plaster still shapes the site’s atmosphere.
Today, the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide stands as a testament to Berlin’s industrial history. It is a place where trains are given new life, and where the spirit of innovation continues. Remember the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk Berlin-Schöneweide. Think of the countless hours of labor, dedication, and engineering. It keeps Berlin moving.