Locomotive, Electric, E44

History: In Germany in the 1930s there was no money for new development of locomotives. Many senior folks in the rail industry were concerned they were rapidly falling behind the competition from other countries. Therefore, a group of companies developed three of their own prototype designs for electric locomotives, which were presented to the DRG. These companies were Wismar/SSW, BMAG/BEW and BMAG/MSW.

The new designs used a new technique of placing the traction motors in a so called "tram-hanging" design inside the bogies. This technique was already in use in Bavaria with some Bavarian electric locomotives like the E 73. Also, in Austria this technique had been in use since 1923 with much success. The base concept of all three prototype locomotives was the same, but between the prototypes there were many differences. The most successful design went into mass production as the E44 and went into service in 1934.

In the fifties and begin sixties the locomotives were in service in the long-distance trains, mainly in Southern Germany. The locomotives were renumbered to class BR 144 from 1968. In Western Germany the locomotives were taken out of service in 1984.

Railroad/Company: This set of items is comprised of more than one name. Please look at the component items for details on the specific roadnames and/or manufacturers.