Rheingold/TEE coaches

Introduction
Construction
Bogies
Interior
Coloring

Interior

All Rheingold and later TEE coaches were 1st class and were provided with a complete climat control system.

The coaches which were built until 1968 had an airconditioning system of type "Jettair" (Luwa). This system worked with water as energy carriers, which exchanged the heat from the water to the air, the air flowed into the interiors. To heat up the water they could use the steam of the locomotive (as was usually used in epoch III) or with the help of the electric central trainwire. Cold air was generated with a compressor which was installed under the coach.

Some parts of the coaches were not connected with the airconditioning system, like the toilets and entrances, here in the summer the temperature was of course higher than in the rest of the coach.

This climat control system lead many times to problems with the air supply. The energy for the system was supplied by axle driven generators which were installed on each coach (from 1967 this is reconizable by the letter "h" in the type indication).

The coaches which were built after 1968 had all a climat control system which worked with air as energy carriers. The energy needed for this is get from the central train wire (reconizable with the letter "z" in the type indication) instead of an axle generator. See also epoch IV.

All Rheingold and later TEE coaches were very luxury, with different wood sorts and upholstery in tasteful coloring. Much attention was given to the lighting. All compartments and gangways were closed by doors which were almost completely of glass. Everything to make a clear and light impressions. Each seat was equiped with a reading lamp, and also the mirrors in the toilets had lighting. All floors in the coaches had carpet of velours.