Travelling along the train tracks HANOVER, GERMANY, NOT A BIRD, Not A Plane this converted 1955 VW Bulli Bus has no need for a steering wheel as it is running on rails as a TRAIN.
Images show a beautiful bright red Volkswagen 1955 Bulli "rail bus" originally started its service at a rail depot in Plattling, Bavaria where it played a role in signal maintenance.
Years later, the Klv-20 ran out of time and retired from service in the 1970s.
According to mediadrumworld.com this vehicle was famed for its no-wheel setup, the converted bus still runs on rails like a train or tram.
“It’s the experts from the Classic Vehicles department of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWNO) who found the Bulli, which is also known as the Klv-20,” state reports.
“Its design is a mix of a train and a Volkswagen bus, and the manufacturer inaugurated its return during the Bulli & Coffee event in Hanover on June 2nd, 2024, held to mark International VW Bus Day."
After being retired from service the VW was moved to the Palatinate region in southwest Germany, and in 1988, a railway enthusiast in Hesse bought the rail bus.
Now, the Klv-20 is part of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ collection of classic vehicles in Hanover.
“Aside from Volkswagen’s 1955 Bulli rail bus, the experts from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also found the original sales brochure of the Klv-20, which details the specifications of the converted vehicle," states reports.
“The wheels are made of steel, 550 mm in diameter. They have rubber elements between the wheel rim and core, which reduces noise using a system called ‘Bochumer Verein’ (but regular wheels can also be used if needed).
“The axles, which connect the wheels to the vehicle’s body, are fitted with roller bearings for smooth operation, and each wheel has internal shoe brakes activated by a brake pedal using an oil-hydraulic system. “There’s also a mechanical handbrake for one pair of wheels, which can be locked for added security.
“The vehicle has three well-padded seat benches: one in the driver’s compartment with two seats, and two in the passenger compartment, each with three seats.
“The two benches in the passenger compartment can be removed to create space for transporting goods.
“The driver’s compartment has two doors, and the passenger/load compartment has a wide wing door for easy access.
“The engine is located at the rear and can be accessed from the outside through a separate door.”
ENDS