Description

Filmed during our visits to Germany throughout 2026, sit back and watch the powerful DR Class 99.23-24 2-10-2T locomotives in action across the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) network, alongside German mainline steam with ‘The Rodelblitz’.

Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) Network
The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen network is Germany’s largest narrow-gauge steam railway system, operating more than 140 kilometres of metre-gauge track through the Harz Mountains of central Germany. Centred on the historic town of Wernigerode, the network includes the Harzquerbahn, Selketalbahn and the famous Brockenbahn, which climbs to the 1,141-metre summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany.

Much of the system was built between 1886 and 1899 and, remarkably, survived Germany’s division, with trains continuing to run close to the former Inner German Border throughout the Cold War. Today, powerful 2-10-2T steam locomotives continue to haul daily services across the Harz network, making it one of Europe’s most atmospheric and authentic steam railways.

The powerful DR Class 99.23-24 2-10-2T locomotives, built in the 1950s for the former Deutsche Reichsbahn, form the backbone of operations on the Harz network. Designed for steep gradients and severe winter conditions, these metre-gauge locomotives deliver exceptional adhesion and power, hauling heavy trains to the summit of the Brocken and across the wider network.

Filmed during the 2026 winter and autumn seasons, this product showcases services from across the HSB network. Highlights include the daily Doppelausfahrt (double departure) from Eisfelder Talmühle, the balloon loop at Stiege, snow-covered scenes on the Brockenbahn and much more.

Winter 2026 Visit
Extensive footage from our winter visit in February 2026 features scenes from across the network, with a dusting of snow adding to the winter atmosphere.

Autumn 2026 Visit
The Harz is renowned for its stunning autumn colours, and October 2026 delivered exactly that. Featuring scenes from all three routes across the network, the footage includes multiple views of the daily Doppelausfahrt (double departure) from Eisfelder Talmühle.

German mainline steam – ‘The Rodelblitz’
‘The Rodelblitz’ is featured from February 2026, showcasing the annual mainline steam-hauled service between Gotha, Eisenach and Arnstadt. Hauled by DR Class 41 2-8-2 No.41 1144-9, the train is seen at various locations throughout the day. The footage also includes the locomotive being serviced and turned at Arnstadt Museum.

In addition, enjoy selected aerial footage captured using drone technology, with each sequence carefully edited to preserve the authentic sound of the locomotives.

Product Overview:

This product features no commentary, allowing you to fully appreciate the sound of the steam locomotives working hard. Short titles are included throughout informing you of the date, locomotive and location. Please note this product has been produced in English and using UK PAL encoding.