DRG Class 23

3,100 mm (10 ft 2 in) +
2,050 mm (6 ft 8+3⁄4 in) +
2,050 mm (6 ft 8+3⁄4 in) +
3,500 mm (11 ft 5+3⁄4 in) =

• Engine10,700 mm (35 ft 1+1⁄4 in) • Tender

1,900 mm (6 ft 2+3⁄4 in) +
1,900 mm (6 ft 2+3⁄4 in) +
1,900 mm (6 ft 2+3⁄4 in) =
5,700 mm (18 ft 8+3⁄8 in)

Length:
• Over headstocks21,640 mm (71 ft 0 in) • Over buffers22,940 mm (75 ft 3+1⁄8 in)Height4,550 mm (14 ft 11+1⁄8 in)Axle load18 t (18 long tons; 20 short tons)Adhesive weight53.92 t (53.07 long tons; 59.44 short tons)Empty weight80.14 t (78.87 long tons; 88.34 short tons)Service weight88.32 t (86.93 long tons; 97.36 short tons)Total weight148.2 t (145.9 long tons; 163.4 short tons)Tender type2′2′ T 26Fuel typeCoalFuel capacity8 t (7.9 long tons; 8.8 short tons)Water cap.26 m³ (5,700 imp gal; 6,900 US gal)Firebox: • Grate area3.9 m² (42 sq ft)Boiler:
• Pitch3,050 mm (10 ft 1⁄8 in) • Tube plates5,200 mm (17 ft 3⁄4 in) • Small tubes54 mm (2+1⁄8 in), 113 off • Large tubes133 mm (5+1⁄4 in), 35 offBoiler pressure16 bar (16.3 kgf/cm²; 232 psi)Heating surface: • Firebox15.9 m² (171 sq ft) • Tubes90.4 m² (973 sq ft) • Flues71.3 m² (767 sq ft) • Total surface177.6 m² (1,912 sq ft)Superheater:
• Heating area64.1 m² (690 sq ft)CylindersTwo, outsideCylinder size550 mm × 660 mm (21+5⁄8 in × 26 in)Valve gearHeusinger (Walschaerts)Train heatingSteam

Performance figures
Maximum speed	110 km/h (68 mph)
Indicated power	1,500 PS (1,100 kW; 1,480 hp)

Career
Operators	Deutsche Reichsbahn Deutsche Reichsbahn (DDR)
Numbers	23 001 – 23 002 35 2001-2 from 1970
Retired	1975

The German Class 23 (Baureihe 23 or BR 23) engines of the Deutsche Reichsbahn (DRG) were standard (Einheitslokomotiven) steam engines that were conceived as a replacement for the Prussian P 8 by the Schichau Works. They were given the same boiler as the Class 50s which were developed in parallel and, like them, the newly developed 2'2' T 26 tender with its front wall that protected train crews during reverse running.

In 1941 the two prototypes were built and delivered. The procurement of 800 locomotives had been planned, however the constraints of the Second World War meant that they never entered full production.

After the war the two locomotives, with operating numbers 23 001 and 23 002, went to the DR in East Germany and were variously stabled in Berlin, Brandenburg an der Havel, Jüterbog and Halle. In 1961, number 23 001 was given a Reko boiler with combustion chamber, developed for the Class 50. In 1970 the locomotive was given EDP number 35 2001–2. Number 23 002 was to be reconstructed, but was retired however in 1967 due to damage to the frame and scrapped. Number 23 001 was scrapped in 1975 in Cottbus, as it could no longer serve any useful purpose.

After the war, the design of these Class 23 locomotives formed the basis for the new DB Class 23 and DR Class 23.10 locomotives which received the same class designation.

References

Weisbrod, Manfred; Müller, Hans; Petznik, Wolfgang (1976). Dampflokomotiven deutscher Eisenbahnen, Baureihe 01–39 (EFA 1.1) (in German) (3rd ed.). Düsseldorf: Alba Buchverlag. pp. 174–177. ISBN 3-87094-081-6.

Classes of Deutsche Reichsbahn locomotive

Express train tender locomotives