This train, 175 015-7, one of the series VT 18.16, is a 'Dieselhydrolicschnelltriebzug', a diesel powered Expresstrain. Beginning in 1963 these trains were built by the VEB Waggonbau Goerlitz to showcase the technological know how of the former Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR), the railroad of the former Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR) and to compete with the West German Bundesbahn's Trans-Europ-Express series VT 11.5 series. The trains consisted of 4 units (later also 6 units) with a engine on both ends, 1st and 2nd class compartments, including sleepers, were standard and a dining car with a 23-seat capacity provided meals cooked to order. VT stands for Verbrennungstriebwagen (combustion rail car), 18 stands for 1,800 hp (900 hp on each end - later 1,000 hp on each end) and 16 stood for a maximum speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) for the 4 unit trains. Train personnel was carefully screened and selected based on political trustworthiness. The train operators were called 'Pilots' and the other personnel were called 'Stewardesses'. Trains operated routinely between Berlin and Denmark and sometimes Sweden, and between Berlin and Czechoslovakia and Austria. They primarily served diplomats, foreign dignitaries and East German political bigwigs. The trains were gradually taking out of service and by the beginning 1990's only one train was in operating condition and was used as a museums train. Length: 98.06 m (4 car units) Max Speed: 160 km/h (4 car units. This picture was taken on 31 December 2013 at Bln- Lichtenberg were 175 015-7 is parked on a siding, Sig...