Development since 1975 Narrow-gauge railways in Saxony

transporter wagon train of mügeln railway network near oschatz

by beginning of 1975 – year of planned shutdown – there still 6 narrow-gauge railways in operation in saxony. thum–meinersdorf section of thumer netz still had cargo service, , part of wilkau-haßlau–carlsfeld railway still operational. 2 small tracks used industrial siding paper mills. condition of rolling stock good, since shutdown of other railways freed additional rolling stock. however, tracks in disrepair , required many slow zones. remaining operations @ thumer netz ceased @ end of 1975, , passenger service terminated between oschatz , mügeln.

at 4 railways kept, necessary repairs , renewal of tracks , rolling stock made slow progress. 1977 first modernized passenger car – so-called reko car – put service. reconstruction of remaining cars progressing slowly, end of 1980s half of existing passenger cars updated.

a complete change in direction came in 1981, when soviet union cut oil exports east germany. oil (and hence diesel) in high demand, direction changed move freight , passenger transports rail service. in addition, planned railway service terminations of dr scrutinized, , – first reaction – decided keep railway between oschatz , mügeln of mügeln railway network. tracks of segment rebuilt 1984. however, pressnitz valley railway still dismantled, , in 1986 operations ceased.

until 1989, one-half of still existing tracks had been rebuilt. 1987, last of rolling stock heberlein brakes retired – after more 100 years in service – since shutdown of pressnitz valley railway freed enough rolling stock vacuum brakes. 1989, saxon rolling stock converted air brakes. end of 1980s, first einheitslokomotiven , neubaulokomotiven retired due frame , boiler damage. replacement of aging fleet of steam locomotives, dr in 1989 announced plans import diesel locomotives romania 1995.