Fleischmann - 845710 - Tank Car, Wine Barrel - Deutsche Bundesbahn - 546 180

Model Information: Model introduced in 2017. Wine tank wagon with brakeman‘s cab.
A total of 553 tank wagons - 180 of which were closed vehicles - were delivered by MAN to the German Winery Association (Deutschen Weinkesselwagen-Gesellschaft m.b.H.), Kitzingen, and to other European countries from 1919 onwards.

Like the H0 model, the new design in N Gauge features a close coupler with guide mechanism (NEM 355) and movable sliding doors that let you look inside the wagon at its two wine barrels.

Highlights: Two movable sliding doors; Replica of the wine tank; Finely detailed; With close coupling mechanism.

Prototype History: Wine barrel cars are freight cars with wooden wine barrels installed on them. They can be referred to as foudre, from the French term for these large wine barrels. A two-barrel car was designated as bi-foudre.

This special type of tank wagon was set up by private wine merchants from several continental European countries. Most of these cars were built in the first quarter of the 20th century. Due to regular thefts and high repair costs, they were later manufactured in a closed construction, partly with roof domes. From the 1960s, they were replaced by tank cars.

Road Name History: Deutsche Bundesbahn was the Western Germany DB before reunification. After World War II, Germany (and the DRG) was divided into 4 zones: US, British, French and Soviet. The first three eventually combined to form the Federal Republic of Germany (the West) and the Russian zone became the German Democratic Republic (the East). German territories beyond the Oder were ceded to Poland except for the northern part of East Prussia, which was ceded to the Soviet Union in 1945.

From 1949, the new governments assumed authority for railway operations. The DRG's (or DR's) successors were named Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB, German Federal Railways) in West Germany, and Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR, German State Railways) in East Germany kept the old name to hold tracking rights in western Berlin.

Unlike the DRG, which was a corporation, both the DB and the DR were federal state institutions, directly controlled by their respective transportation ministries. Railway service between East and West was restricted; there were around five well-controlled and secure checkpoints between West and East Germany, and about the same number between East Germany and West Berlin. Four transit routes existed between West Germany and West Berlin; citizens of West Berlin and West Germany were able to use these without too much harassment by the East German authorities.

The DB started in 1968 with changing the locomotive and passenger car serial numbers to the UIC norm. In 1970 the DR followed. The DB started experimenting with the Intercity trains in a new livery (bright orange).

In 1989, the Wall fell. Train frequency rapidly increased on the existing East/West corridors; closed links which had formerly crossed the border were re-opened. On 3 October 1990, Germany was reunified; however, this was not immediately the case with the railways. Administrative and organisational problems led to the decision to completely re-organize and reconnect Germany's railways. The so-called Bahnreform (Railway Reform) came into effect on 1 January 1994, when the State railways Deutsche Bundesbahn and Deutsche Reichsbahn were formally reunited to form the current German Railway Corporation (Deutsche Bahn).

From Wikipedia

Brand/Importer Information: As a high-quality company we set the standard when it comes to prototype fidelity and functionality. Our aim is to enthrall novices and experts alike and to be the enduring long-term partner for a fascinating hobby that spans all generations. We achieve this with the true-to-detail design and the reliability of our models and with innovations that offer a new dimension in the play value and fun factor. The high commitment to quality that has characterised Fleischmann for more than 125 years has ensured our company?s position as an internationally leading brand for model railways.

Small-scale greatness. Its comprehensive range in the N scale makes Fleischmann the international market leader in this sector. There are over 350 highly detailed models to choose from in the space-saving 9-mm gauge. Continuous and targeted extension of the range will allow Fleischmann to expand its competitive edge in the future.