• 1/72 scale German Kriegslokomotive BR 52 plastic model kit by HobbyBoss (Kit No. 82901)
• Represents the legendary Deutsche Reichsbahn Baureihe 52 (BR 52), one of the most widely produced German steam locomotives of World War II
• Known as a Kriegslokomotive (War Locomotive), the BR 52 was developed to meet the enormous logistical demands of wartime railway transportation
• Introduced in 1942, the BR 52 became a vital component of Germany's military and industrial railway network
• Developed as a simplified, wartime production version of the earlier DRG Class 50 steam locomotive
• Designed for rapid mass production, reduced material consumption and reliable operation under demanding wartime conditions
• Features the distinctive 2-10-0 wheel arrangement, known in German railway classification as 1'E
• Equipped with five coupled driving axles and a leading axle, providing substantial traction for hauling heavy freight trains
• Powered by a traditional coal-fired steam boiler and two-cylinder steam engine
• Designed primarily for heavy freight transport, military supply trains, troop movements and railway logistics
• The BR 52 was particularly important for transporting supplies, equipment and military vehicles across occupied Europe
• Its simplified construction reduced manufacturing complexity compared with earlier German locomotive designs
• Wartime production methods emphasised efficiency, standardisation and the use of fewer strategically important materials
• The locomotive was designed to operate in harsh weather and difficult railway conditions
• Special attention was given to improving operation in the severe winters encountered on the Eastern Front
• Certain locomotives received cold-weather modifications, including protection for vulnerable equipment and improved frost resistance
• The BR 52 became one of the most recognisable locomotives associated with German WWII railway operations
• More than 6,000 BR 52 locomotives were built during and immediately after World War II, with additional post-war production and rebuilds
• Manufactured by several German and European locomotive builders under wartime production programmes
• The BR 52 served on railway networks throughout Germany, Eastern Europe and other European regions
• Its robust design made it suitable for hauling military freight over long distances
• The original locomotive developed approximately 1,600 metric horsepower (PS) in indicated power under specified operating conditions
• Designed for a maximum operating speed of approximately 80km/h
• Featured a large cylindrical boiler, prominent smokebox, external running gear and traditional steam locomotive cab
• The five coupled driving axles created the distinctive long wheelbase associated with heavy European freight locomotives
• A separate tender carried the coal and water required for steam generation
• The BR 52 operated with several tender configurations, including conventional and specialised wartime designs
• The Kondenstender (condensing tender) was used on selected BR 52 variants to recover water and extend operating range
• Conventional BR 52 locomotives were frequently paired with the distinctive 2'2' T30 tub tender (Wannentender)
• The locomotive's mechanical layout makes it an interesting subject for enthusiasts of steam engineering, railway technology and industrial history
• During WWII, German railway operations played a major role in supplying military formations across extensive railway networks
• The BR 52 was used to haul freight wagons carrying fuel, ammunition, equipment, vehicles and other military supplies
• Locomotives of this class also operated on railway routes supporting troop transportation and industrial production
• Allied attacks on railway infrastructure and rolling stock made railway logistics increasingly difficult during the later stages of the war
• Despite these challenges, BR 52 locomotives continued to operate across numerous European railway networks
• Following World War II, surviving BR 52 locomotives were distributed among several European railway administrations
• Many remained in service for decades, particularly in Eastern Europe
• Post-war operators included railway organisations in East Germany, Poland, Austria and other European countries
• Several examples have been preserved in railway museums or restored for heritage railway operations
• The BR 52 remains an important symbol of wartime industrial engineering and European railway history
• 1/72 scale provides an impressive display size for this substantial steam locomotive
• The locomotive's long boiler, multiple driving wheels and separate tender create a distinctive railway modelling subject
• Ideal for collectors of WWII German military vehicles, historical railway models, steam locomotives and military transport equipment
• Excellent companion to HobbyBoss BR 86, BR 57, German WR 360 C12 diesel locomotive and WWII railway artillery models
• Suitable for creating WWII railway stations, military supply depots, freight yards and Eastern Front railway dioramas
• Can be displayed alongside compatible 1/72 scale military vehicles, railway wagons, figures and railway accessories, available separately
• Offers excellent opportunities for recreating historically inspired German wartime locomotive finishes
• Suitable for realistic black locomotive bodywork, red running gear, metallic mechanical components and weathered steel surfaces
• Ideal for practising coal dust effects, soot staining, rust streaks, oil deposits, grease marks and railway grime
• The boiler, smokebox, chimney and external mechanical components provide interesting opportunities for detailed painting
• The driving wheels and connecting rod areas are excellent subjects for realistic metallic finishes and operational weathering
• The locomotive's large surfaces allow for subtle paint fading, dry brushing and accumulated dirt effects
• Suitable for creating a dramatic wartime railway diorama with military freight wagons and logistical support vehicles
• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of German railway engineering, WWII logistics, military rail transport and historic steam locomotives
• A distinctive addition to any collection of HobbyBoss railway models, WWII German military subjects and European steam locomotives
• Brand: HobbyBoss
• Kit Number: 82901
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: German Kriegslokomotive BR 52
• Railway Classification: Deutsche Reichsbahn Baureihe 52
• Locomotive Type: Steam-Powered Heavy Freight Locomotive
• Wheel Arrangement: 2-10-0 (1'E)
• Historical Period: World War II
• Country: Germany
• Category: WWII Military Railway / Steam Locomotive Plastic Model Kit
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for modellers aged 14+
