Re: A 2 ft 6 in gauge 0-8-0T heading into the Steyr Valley in Austria

699 103 had an interesting history. This class of engine, designated as class KDF 11, was built for the German army in World War ll. At one time there were proposals to build 4,000 of these engines for agricultural narrow gauge lines in the Ukraine. These proposals were shelved until 1944 when 55 engines were ordered from Franco Belge in La Croyere, Belgium. Only a small number of engines were actually delivered in 1945 before the end of the war. 8 engines were shipped to Austria, and one each to Germany, Poland, and Finland.The remaining engines were sent to France after the war ended.

Amazingly, 9 engines still exist and several are operational in Austria and France. One engine is running as Welshpool & Llanfair Number 10 "Sir Drefaldwyn" in Wales. As built, the engines had a four-wheel tender (a four axle tender had been planned), and small side auxiliary water tanks.



The engines that worked on the Austrian Federal RR narow gauge lines were eventually converted into tank engines by replacing the tender with a coal bunker attached to the rear of the cab, and with enlarged side tanks for water.

Here is 699 103 on a freight train at Molln, 19 miles from Garsten (not my photo, photographer unknown).



(to be continued)