Information about the model

Until the mid-1960s, the DB purchased numerous special wagons with lifting sliding roofs and sliding walls. However, studies have shown that in many cases the opening roof can be dispensed with and optimized access from the side is sufficient for most loads. Thus, from 1966 onwards, the Hbis 299, initially known as the Klmmgs, was built. The design was largely the same as the most recently built sliding roof wagons of the Tbis 869 type, but the accessibility of the corners was improved in particular. The central column was only 320 mm wide, whereas it was 1000 mm on the sliding roof wagons. The wagons proved their worth in operation and were accepted by the loaders.

By 1970, 2,950 had already been built, and the maximum number of 8,444 was reached in 1975. From 1974 onwards, the wagons were fitted with spark protection plates ex works, and some of the older wagons were retrofitted with them. From 1984 they were given the national secondary type letters -ww. Around half of the wagons built were equipped with the "Daberkow" transport protection system. These became Hbis-t in 1979 and Hbils in 1984.

However, from the mid-1980s all transport protection devices were removed. In 1991, 754 wagons were given reinforced lockable partitions and were henceforth designated Hbills-x. In 1994, DB AG took over a total of 8,403 wagons of all types of BA 299. In 2000, 2,500 wagons were still in use at "Railion", the largest proportion being Hbis-ww with around 2,700 wagons. Eight years later, just over 1,000 Hbis-ww and 90 Hbills-x were still in use for freight transport. In combination with newer sliding wall wagons, they now stand out due to their almost delicate appearance.

The original color was unpainted aluminum, the undercarriage was black. During use, this resulted in all shades of dirt, and when the address fields were relabeled, they were either light or dark, sometimes both. Some rented cars had advertising lettering from the owner.