Adler

Constructed by Robert Stephenson & Co. in England, the Adler was shipped in parts to Germany, as local locomotive manufacturing was nonexistent at the time. Assembly and operation were entrusted to British engineer William Wilson, who impressively maneuvered the locomotive at a speed of 23 km/h. For many people of the era, this velocity was astonishing, with some even fearing potential health risks from such “high speeds.”

More than just a technological marvel, the Adler symbolized economic progress and societal transformation. Though the original machine is lost to history, a meticulously crafted replica, created in 1952, resides at the DB Museum in Nuremberg. A second, operational replica, built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of German railways in 1935, was restored in 2007 following damage from a depot fire.

The modest but symbolic route between Nuremberg and Fürth marked only the beginning. Within a decade, Germany's railway network expanded to over 2,000 kilometers, making travel more accessible across social classes—from the opulent first-class plush seating to the wooden benches of fourth-class carriages.

The Adler heralded an age of adventure and change, transforming mobility and ushering in an era of industrial and economic growth. Its billowing steam and rhythmic churning remain an enduring emblem of the birth of modern transportation.

Scale 1:24 / G-45
Length 330 mm
Width 80 mm
Height 180 mm
Difficulty level: medium
Average construction time in hours: 120

Age recommendation: 14 years and up

Safety notice:
WARNING! Not suitable for children under 3 years. Small parts may be swallowed = choking hazard!