Fast Train-running in Germany.

Since the Great War, the German railways have been unified to form one big transportation undertaking. From time to time there have been recorded in these pages the steady improvements effected in every branch of German railway working. Now the Berlin authorities are setting out to secure a world record for fast passenger train running. Following the sensational success of the “Flying Hamburger” daily service between Berlin and Hamburg, fast services of a similar type are being prepared throughout the country.

A number of new six-axled motor trains are being built to the “Flying Hamburger” design, while other trains, styled “rail-Zeppelins,” are being constructed. These “rail-Zeppelins” are composed of three cars, carried on eight axles. Another design of fast train consists of a steam railcar furnished with apparatus enabling the necessary head of steam for operation to be generated after only one minute's heating of the boiler. Through the employment of light train units such as these, it is hoped to bring every important German centre within half-a-day's journey of Berlin.