Micro Metakit 08104H German DRG Class BR 14 Express Locomotive Olive Green Livery

   

Model Overview:

Micro-Metakit's model of the BR 14.1 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and mechanical precision. It features a fully functional four-cylinder compound drive system, with the inner pistons and crankshafts operating in unison with the outer drive rods—an extraordinary engineering achievement at this scale. The model is powered by a high-performance, brushless, ironless Faulhaber motor and boasts exceptional running characteristics.

Additional highlights include a fully detailed cab interior, a removable roof, and an operable boiler hatch revealing intricate internal boiler fittings. Both the locomotive and tender feature a meticulously recreated brake system. The entire model is handcrafted from premium materials including brass, nickel silver, and stainless steel, exemplifying Micro-Metakit’s commitment to realism and quality.

Prototype Background:

Locomotive: Deutsche Reichsbahn BR 14.1
Road Number: 14.152
Depot: Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Builder: J.A. Maffei, Munich (Works No. 2463)
Year Built: 1922
Configuration: 2’B1’ h4V (Atlantic type, four-cylinder compound)
Tender: 2’2’ T20
Livery: Olive green, reddish brown, and black

Historical Context:

Until December 31, 1908, the Palatinate Railways operated as an independent railway company in the Bavarian-controlled left bank of the Rhine. On January 1, 1909, it was absorbed into the Royal Bavarian State Railways. At the time of integration, the Palatinate Railways was the largest private railway company in Germany, operating approximately 870 km of track across key routes such as Ludwigshafen–Neustadt–Kaiserslautern–Saarbrücken and Wörth–Winden–Landau–Zweibrücken. Its strategic importance in both east-west and north-south German rail traffic was considerable, particularly in competition with the Grand Duchy of Baden State Railways on the opposite side of the Rhine.

To meet the growing demand for powerful express locomotives, comparable to the Bavarian S 2/5 and S 3/5 or the Badenian IId, the Palatinate Railways commissioned a new class of 2’B1’ Atlantic-type locomotives from J.A. Maffei. These engines, designated Class P4, were fitted with four-cylinder compound engines and a sectional American-style frame. However, the P4 suffered from a relatively low axle load of just 16 tons, limiting acceleration capabilities for heavier express trains.

The first series, delivered in 1905–1906, included 11 locomotives—some named, such as Pfälzerwald (No. 289), v. Frauendorfer (No. 290), v. Ulmer (No. 291), and Neukastel (No. 133). The original livery featured a striking combination of purple-violet, black, and red with red lining. Following integration into the Bavarian system, the color scheme was gradually changed to the standard Bavarian green.

Despite their innovation, the P4s proved underpowered and were soon displaced by the more capable S 3/6 class before World War I. After the war, many were left in poor condition due to French occupation. Although ten units were reclassified as BR 14 under the Deutsche Reichsbahn, all were withdrawn from service and scrapped by 1925.

A 1:10 scale model of locomotive v. Frauendorfer is preserved and displayed at the Deutsches Museum’s transport exhibition in Munich.

Technical Specifications – Palatinate P4:

• Length: 18,712 mm

• Service Weight: 74.3 tons

• Axle Load: 16 tons

• Top Speed: 100 km/h

• Driving Wheel Diameter: 2,010 mm

• Leading Wheel Diameter: 960 mm

• Trailing Wheel Diameter: 1,216 mm