Information about the model

In 1912, the Royal Bavarian State Railways began to electrify the first routes. Among the first 17 electric locomotives were two that were technically completely different from what was currently usual and were extremely innovative even then. While electric locomotives usually had the rod drive known from steam locomotives, these two machines already had a single-axle drive, as is standard on all modern electric locomotives today. Single-axle drive means that each driving axle has its own electric motor.

The two locomotives were ordered in 1912 and delivered in 1914 and 1915 by Krauss (vehicle technology part) and Bergmanns Elektrische Werke (electrical part). They were stationed in Freilassing and used on the steep Freilassing-Berchtesgaden route. The two locomotives were originally called EG 4 X 1/1 in accordance with Bavarian custom. With a total weight of 56 t, they could produce a maximum tractive force of 9300 kg, and the maximum speed was set at 50 km/h. They proved to be excellent, but no replica of this locomotive or further development of this drive concept was initially made, and it was not until 20 years later that single-axle drive became popular. The locomotives were obviously too far ahead of their time.

The two Bavarian EG 4X1/1s were still in existence after the First World War and were taken over by the German Reichsbahn, Group Administration Bavaria. From 1923, the complicated designation was replaced by the simpler EG 1, and from 1926 onwards the DRG assigned them the E 73 series. The two locomotives were always based in Freilassing, and in addition to their main route they were also used in shunting duties in Salzburg. The DRG was obviously very happy with them too, because they were not taken out of service until 1937 and 1941. One of the two locomotives was converted into a snow plow, which then served faithfully for many years.