Kit BK23: Hamburg Z2 motor tram

Brief History of Hamburg Z2 Triebwagen (Motor Car) built by Falkenried

The development of the Z2 started towards the end of World War One. The main differences from the earlier cars were the increase in width to 2.20m and the number of windows being reduced to four. They were also fitted with improved Siemens motors and N5 2.00m wheelbase trucks.

The first 25 cars came into service in 1921, with open platforms and finished in S.E.G. green livery, fleet numbers being 1769 - 1793. They were later renumbered 2177 - 2201.

In 1925 the Z2 cars were refitted with enclosed platforms giving total protection to the driver. The colour was also changed to cream. As the motors were not air-cooled, the cars were restricted to pulling one trailer.

From 1921 to 1925, due to the economic crisis, no new cars were manufactured by Falkenried. In 1926 production started again and 50 cars were produced with N6 2.20m wheelbase trucks. The cars were numbered 2699 - 2748. These cars had narrower metal window frames in place of wooden ones.

In 1936 the original Z2 cars were refitted with N6 trucks and renumbered 2674 - 2696.

During 1936 - 1937 car number 2724 was fitted with a motorised Z2b trailer car for test purposes.

In 1943, 7 of the original cars and 12 of the later models were completely destroyed.

In 1946, cars numbered 2701 - 2709 were changed to single-ended cars and the colour changed to cream and red. The remaining cars were changed at a later date, the cars again being renumbered 2519 - 2533 and 2534 - 2570.

In March 1956, the front of car number 2548 was fitted with all-metal, rubber-framed windows with curved glass and low voltage equipment for the rail brakes and signals. In 1957 the rest of the cars were rebuilt to the same standard, being renumbered again to 2700 - 2751.

In September 1961, they rebuilt number 2730 back into a two-directional car. This remained in service until August 1963 with the number 2760.

In March 1965 all the cars were scrapped except tor two, these being number 2710 which is in a museum in the U.S.A. and 2734 which is in a steam shed near Hamburg.

Kit special features

• This kit has an unmotorised 4 wheel truck. A matching ME28D09 motorised truck is available separately.
• The whitemetal trolley pole is non-working.
• The transfer sheet supplied contains the Hamburg HHA logo, lettering and numbers.
• The kit is suitable for towing kit 24 Hamburg Z2B trailer car.
• The kit has a sister car 22 Hamburg Z1 motor car, with a different window arrangement.

Bibliography

• Höltge, Dieter and Kochems, Michael. 2008. Straßen- und Stadtbahnen in Deutschland. Band 11: Hamburg. EK-Verlag GmbH. ISBN 978 3 88255 392 5.
• Hoyer, H. 1977. Die Hamburger Strassenbahn. Wagenpark Teil 1: 1894 bis 1921. Verein Verkehrsamateure und Museumsbahn e. V., Hamburg (VVM).
  (Unvestibuled cars of types N4)
• Hoyer, H. 1989. Die Hamburger Strassenbahn. Wagenpark Teil 2: 1921 bis 1945. Verein Verkehrsamateure und Museumsbahn e. V., Hamburg (VVM).
  (Vestibuled cars of types N6 )
• Hoyer, H. 1994. Die Hamburger Strassenbahn. Wagenpark Teil 3: 1945 bis 1978. Verein Verkehrsamateure und Museumsbahn e. V., Hamburg (VVM).
  (Vestibuled cars of type Z2 )