Kit BK22: Hamburg Z1 motor tram

Brief History of Hamburg Z1a Triebwagen (Motor Car) built by Falkenried

In 1894 the electrification of the existing horse-tram system in Hamburg began. This work was carried out at the Falkenried Wagon Factory and they manufactured all the electric cars for Hamburg up until 1936. During 1895-1896, they produced four cars per week, which was a high output rate, especially when one considers that mass-production was unknown at that time. The cost per car was then 22,000 Reichmarks. Production reached a total of 387 cars in 1897 when initial electrification was completed.

From December 1895, the Z1a cars (in their original unvestibuled form of type U, B, N1, N2, N3 versions) were fitted with two motors and in 1903 the cars were fitted with lifeguards to comply with police regulations. The cars were numbered 601-909 and 501-587. Later in 1905, the numbering was changed to 1148-1163 and 1325-1695, the reason for this being the confusion with the number of the trailer cars (Beiwagen).

After the First World War, the entire fleet was in need of a major overhaul but due to the shortage of materials, the work was not completed until 1925. During this time, the cars received new longer 2.20 metre wheelbase chassis, new motors with an increased power output and lengthened, enclosed platforms. The livery changed from green to all-over cream and new numbers were assigned. Z1a, Z1b and "three-window" cars received the numbers 2052-2176 and 2202-2698, all classes being mixed together within these sequences.

During 1943 many cars were destroyed and in 1946 the Z1a class was reduced to 250. During the first few years after the Second World War, it was not possible to carry out a much needed general overhaul, apart from a change of livery to cream and red.

The general overhaul started in 1950. This included a change in electrical equipment. In 1951, 10 cars received new A.E.G. controllers and became single-direction cars, followed in 1953 with a further 38 cars. During 1952, 40 cars received new controllers and were named Z1P (P=Pendel). In 1954, a further 14 cars received a quick overhaul but with no new controllers.

In March 1955, 92 Z1A cars remained in passenger service and these continued until 1959. The class was finally scrapped in 1961. The sole survivor is car number 656, which was originally built in October 1894. It was later renumbered 1588, then 2392 and finally 2300. This car has now been restored to its original unvestibuled 1894 condition as number 656 and may be seen at the Verein Verkehrsamateure und Museumsbahn site at Schönberger Strand, near Kiel.

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 23 Hamburg Z2 motor car, with a different window arrangement.

Bibliography

• Höltge, Dieter und 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 U, B, N1, N2, N3)
• Hoyer, H. 1989. Die Hamburger Strassenbahn. Wagenpark Teil 2: 1921 bis 1945. Verein Verkehrsamateure und Museumsbahn e. V., Hamburg (VVM).
  (Vestibuled cars of types N5, 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 Z1a, Z1b, Z1P )