Diesel Locomotive BR V320 H.F. Wiebe, Museum Locomotive Wittenberge

Info about the original

In 1955, the German Federal Railways (DB) diesel locomotive type plan already included plans for a large twin-engine diesel locomotive as the V320 series. However, due to structural changes, the DB itself postponed development. However, Henschel was not deterred and developed a locomotive at its own expense under the internal designation DH 4000, which was equipped with two independent engines and hydraulic power transmission. After six years of planning and construction, only one locomotive, the V320 001, was built. The V320 proved itself to be excellent. With two engines, each delivering 1900 hp, it reached a top speed of 180 km/h and was approved for 160 km/h. Its design served as a model for the entire DB V160 family. As it became apparent that the electrification of the main lines could be completed much faster than originally planned, the heavy diesel locomotive lost its priority. DB did not order any locomotives of this type, which was the largest German diesel locomotive to date, but instead leased the lone locomotive from the supplier and used it for express train service from the Hamm depot and, in May 1965, from the Kempten depot. In service from 1968 under the operating number 232 001, the lease agreement expired in 1974. The 232 001 was returned to the manufacturer Henschel, where it was converted into a freight locomotive. This was followed by a locomotive life with private railways, which began with its sale to the Hersfelder Kreisbahn. After several years with the Teutoburger Wald-Eisenbahn, the locomotive was finally sold on to Italy. In 1998, Wiebe purchased the locomotive, brought it back to Germany, and has been using it on its own trains throughout Germany since 2000. However, since bearing damage in 2015, a refurbishment has been ruled out and the V320 001 has been on display in the historic locomotive shed in Wittenberge ever since.