This month’s entertainment was a comprehensive three-hour 35mm slide presentation by former Chairman and Vice-Chairman Raymond R. Berger on electric traction in Germany. This show examined a variety of electric railway operations in all parts of Germany in the last 40 years, including some that were motorized or abandoned. Comparisons between older equipment and current fleets gave the viewer a deeper sense of the growth and development that surpasses that which we’ve experienced in the United States.
Ray also discussed the work of Paul Dittmann. Mr. Dittmann’s study of the BMT in 1925 — how it emerged from a suburban steam rail network to become an efficient rapid transit configuration — was the basis of a similar transformation which he orchestrated in Germany. One can still find similarities to the BMT in Germany today.
The purpose of this presentation was to enhance the awareness of the similarity and differences of German operations. Mr. Berger also contrasted the growing suspicion and hostility towards railfans in American cities with the welcoming attitude of German rail operations.