Make the Connection #417 - 1955 Hechtlok by Arthur Franke

[Otto Puzzell]

For one easy point: What was this, by whom, from when?

Only a correct, complete and specific answer will earn a point; tag-on's to other guesses will not. So, be specific and complete!
 

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[Otto Puzzell]

Up

[sixtee5cuda]

Porschelok, sometimes called Hechtlok.  A small-gauge train or tram.  I think this particular one is powered by Porsche.  Built around 1960, probably by Sollinger Hütte

[sixtee5cuda]

Do you need more information from me?

[Otto Puzzell]

The information I have is different, other than there is a Porsche connection.

[sixtee5cuda]

Information from another source:

1954 VW-Porsche Escher Kleinbahn Prototyp located in a museum in Hamburg.  This was the first of the series built.

These trains were built between 1954 and 1971, for use in parks and botanical gardens.  The engine has been referred to as both "VW Industrial" and "Porsche marine".

[Wendax]

I know that this last piece of information follows what is written on a plate at the Prototyp museum, but I think they mixed up the street Express (http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=19214.0) and the railbound Express trains. There is a very detailed website about these two kind of trains which are closely connected. According to that site, the puzzle picture shows the so-called Hechtlok which began its duty on July 8, 1955 at the Berlin zoo. It was not commissioned by Henry Escher who was responsible for later versions, but by Arthur Franke. It is not clear yet, who built this Hechtlok, probably the same companies as for the later ones, i.e. Piotrowski for the bodywork amd Sollinger Hütte for the chassis. The Hechtlok was driven by a 1200 cc VW engine, and it carries the big VW logo at the front. Later versions for Henry Escher had Porsche engines and were known as the Porschebahn. Attached is a photo showing the opening of train service at the Berlin zoo.

[Otto Puzzell]

Thank you for the update. Either way, sixtee5cuda right.

Sorry for the red herring, fish-car man. 

Title amended.