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High Speed Train SVT 137 234

Updated: Sep 26, 2023

SVT stands for Schnellverbrennungstriebwagen in German. Translateable as fast train with combustion engine. The DR 137 234 was a high-speed train of the type “Leipzig” (German: Bauart “Leipzig”).

History: The big success of express train 877 "Flying Hamburger" (German: “Fliegender Hamburger”) and the "Type Hamburg" (Bauart “Hamburg”) developed from the 877, soon led to a desire for more seats. As a result, the type "Leipzig" was developed as a three-coach-train that offered 139 seats. In addition to the 2nd class, there was also a 3rd class section. The trains 137 233 and 234 received a diesel-electric propulsion, while the numbers 137 153 and 154 had a hydraulic power transmission.

With the SVT 137 233 and 234, test runs were carried out by the Grunewald Locomotive Testing Office to measure air resistance. On February 17, 1936, one of the two trains reached a speed of 205 km/h, which had not been reached by any comparable rail vehicle before.

From May 15, 1936, this type was mainly used in what was then the high-speed "FDt" network on the Berlin-Breslau-Beuthen route. According to the timetable, they covered this distance in just 4 hours and 17 minutes, the average speed reached was 109 km/h. This

train connection is also known as the “Flying Silesian (German: "Fliegende Schlesier"). On August 22, 1939, the express service of the Deutsche Reichsbahn was stopped because of the preparations for the invasion of Poland and the trains were shut down.

After the war, the trains came back on track. In 1959, SVT DR 137 234 was withdrawn from regular service and converted into a government train for the East Germany Government. Later, he was finally acquired by the Eisenbahn-Kurier-Verlag. In the Leipzig-South depot, the train was then restored by 1993. Today the SVT 137 234 is in the SFW Delitzsch (famous repair workshop for historic trains) and is being refurbished by the SVT Diesel Express Railcar Development Association.

More details in German language you can get on the SVT fan page: Link



The MOC represents the train in its original colour scheme before the 2nd World War. The proportions (mainly the length) are a little compromise, so the train is able to pass curves and turnouts down to R40. The interior is only indicated, since the motorization components require a certain amount of space, especially in the middle car. Since the train was operating on its own only, there is no magnet coupling at the ends of the train. The train is equipped with two train motors, on in each of the Jacobs bogies. The instruction covers the motorization with PF motors and an alternative battery box. But the motorization with Powered Up components or even the still popular 9 volt train motors (part 590) is perfectly possible.


MOC stats:

Length: 157.2 studs

Width: 8 studs

Height: 13.6 studs

Weight: 2600 grams

Parts: 2869


I provide a detailed step-by-step building instruction. At the end of it, you find an overview of all needed parts.

A print-ready sticker sheet is available too (in case the model contains stickers). I provide it in the widely used PDF-format in high-resolution and print-ready.

Furthermore, I provide the parts list in Excel format. This makes it easy to filter out needed parts and create order lists.


Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any damages or injury on parts and humans happen while following my instructions. Everything you do is your responsibility and under your personal risk.


Link to the instruction and sticker files:


Link to more pictures of the model:

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