Builder: Malte Sommer
Region: Europe & Middle East
Category entered:
Year entered: 2022
Brand of building bricks used:
LEGO
Since 2026, the Brick Train Awards have accepted models created with other LEGO®-compatible construction brick systems.
About (German) Heeresfeldbahn Motordraisine by Malte Sommer
by Malte Sommer
@steinestahl
facebook.com/steinestahl
Draisines were light, makeshift vehicles that, originally powered only by muscle power, were used especially by railway pioneers. In addition to inspection and maintenance tasks on the route they also made it possible to move light material quickly or to conduct reconnaissance and security duties.
The text on the back of the attached original photo from June 10, 1943 clarifies the use in addition to purely railway work:
“with the draisine to the front. The paths and roads, which are often impassable, especially in bad weather, have made the draisine a frequently used means of transport. The commander-in-chief of an army group, Field Marshal Küchler (3rd from left - author's note), also uses such a vehicle for his frontal investigations."
Over time, draisines were also motorized. A variation often encountered was to attach a motorcycle to one of the sides of the vehicle. The front wheel was removed. As on the road, the power was transmitted to the rails via the rear wheel.