The n-Wagen ("n-coaches") are a type of passenger coach used by Deutsche Bundesbahn and subsequently Deutsche Bahn. With two double-leafed doors per side to enable a high passenger throughput rate, the coaches were conceived for short dwell times in commuter and regional transit. Succeeding the yl-coaches, 5,000 units were built from 1958 to 1981, with some remaining in service still today.
Origin of the name The UIC classification identifier letter "n" is an abbreviation for Nahverkehr ("local transit"); the complete description is local transit passenger coach (Nahverkehrswagen) with a length of over 24.5 meteres, open coach with centre aisle in 2nd class, centre aisle or side corridor in 1st class, two centre doors, with 36-pole control cable for push-pull operations.
The term Silberling (from German Silber, "silver") derives from the coaches' stainless steel body, which was originally unpainted, giving them a unique silver look.
Technical data Total length: 26,400 mm Distance between bogie pivots: 21,500 mm Empty weight: 42-47 t Maximum speed: 120 or 140 km/h (varies by type) Number of seats: 96 seats in second class in Bn coaches 2×24 seats in second and 30 in first class in ABn coaches.
Type overview Type Year built Number Notes ABn 703 1959 – 66 798 5 cars with central control (ABnz 703), 20 cars with multi-voltage heating ABnr 704 1965 – 67 34 ABnrz 704 1968 – 77 380 ABnrz 708 1977 1 Karlsruher Versuchszug (Karlsruhe experimental train) Bn 719 1969 – 76 1070 Bn 720 1959 – 63 1019 Bnz 723 1965/66 30 Multi-voltage heating Bnrz 723 1966 40 Bnrz 724 1969/70 180 Field hospital car, steep roof Bnrz 724.1 1989/90 18 remodeled from Bnrz 725 Bnr 725 1966 – 68 190 Bnrz 725 1967 – 77 449 Bnrz 728 1977 – 80 100 Steep roof Bnrz 729 1977 2 Karlsruher Versuchszug (Karlsruhe experimental train) Bnrz 734 1977 1 Karlsruher Versuchszug (Karlsruhe experimental train) BDnf 735 1978 – 81 71 Rebuilt from BDnf 738, cab car w/o door BDnf 738 1959 – 64 229 Cab car with front passenger door, 20 cars with multi-voltage heating BDnrzf 739 1969 40 Cab car with front passenger door, cab removed later on BDnrzf 740 1971 – 77 310 Cab car, model Karlsruhe BDn 742 1961 – 64 29 no cab, rebuilt from BDnf 738, 20 cars with multi-voltage heating Indicator z: Central control (Zugsammelschiene) Indicator r: disc brakes
See also Rail transport in Germany History of rail transport in Germany
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