► The Bi-29 type was developed to supplement the 2-axle Standard Corridor coach (‘thunder-boxes’).  However, to protect 2nd class passengers from draughts, an enclosed entrance replaced the open end platform. The company Gebr. Schöndorff AG in Düsseldorf built 27 230 in 1929, after which it ran in service until 1965 with Deutsche Bundesbahn. From then, for a further quarter of a century, it was then rebuilt to serve railway staff as living and sleeping accommodation. Windows were pan-elled over and welded up, seats removed and beds, cupboards and wash-basins installed. The exterior was painted blue. It was finally taken out of service in 1990.This carriage is typical of those in our historic train. In 1990 it was clear that the 4 wooden-bodied TWE carriages we had been using were, from a safety point of view, no longer fit for service on the line.  So we took a decision to build up a train from steel-bodied stock. Carriage 27 230 escaped scrapping at Osnabrück in 1990 and we began its conversion into our beloved ‘Bistro-Café’. The interior was modelled on the (then) only 5-year old Bistro-café carriages found in Inter-Regio trains on DB. Outwardly the carriage it appears in its original form. Typical details are the end ladders and signal lamp holders at the ends and its designation as a 2nd class passenger coach of 1950, quite in keeping with the other stock.

Type: ...........................................Bi-29

Manufacturer: ........................... Gebr. Schöndorff AG

Year: ......................................... 1929

Lenght over buffers: .............. 14.040 mm

Total weight: ............................ 20,3 t

Maximum speed: ................... 90 km/h