I’m a curious person. I like to know the story behind things because it makes me feel connected to them.

But sometimes, I feel sad when I learn the story of things too late. 

And that’s what happened to me here.

I used to ride this train a lot during my commuting time in Berlin. But on November 12th at around 1:00 pm, I read the news that this specific train with its familiar face will go out entirely from Berlin’s public transportation grid. 

I started reading the story of that train because the name of it was so tempting to check out its history. It was called the “Coladose” or “Cola Can” train as it was painted all in red when it was born. 

The story of the Coladose train goes back to the German Democratic Republic (GDR) era (East Germany) when a wall divided Berlin and Germany into East and West. The prototype was developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the first cutting-edge technology, back then, was delivered in 1987. 

So why are they taking them off the grid?

Because their motors and braking systems became too old and obsolete. And the cost to convert them to a new efficient system is very costly. 

Here comes the interesting part of the story. Berlin announced an official farewell for the remaining 20 trains on the 12^th of November 2023. Four trains will meet every hour in a specific station from 9:57 am to 1:57 pm. The Four 485 trains traveling from all directions will meet at Schöneweide station and stand side-by-side for a silent tribute. After the five “rendezvous” two trains will leave the S-Bahn network. The other two will take a final trip, travelling in opposite directions along Berlin’s circular “Ringbahn,” stopping once at Beusselstrasse station before continuing to their final destination at Schöne. 

I really wanted to go to the final station that day but I was already very far away 😦

All of the pictures in this article are snapshots from “TRAMAGIC. About cities and streetcars” Youtube video. I thought they are the best shots I have found that documented the event and I wanted to share them with you. You should definitely check it out the video too! 

In the video, I saw how people were waiting for the trains to take their last pictures. I also heard the driver’s emotional speech that echoed in the train. It was something I regretted missing. 

I really appreciate how Germany respects its assets, how they gave an official farewell to the trains, and how the public reacted positively to it. It was heartwarming to know. 

And as someone interested in sustainability, I wondered what the future of the trains would be after going out of operation. I found out that they have a plan for that too! They are selling off several hundred seats from the trains, giving them a second life as furniture or souvenirs for rail enthusiasts. They are also donating some of the trains to the German Technology Museum to be part of its permanent exhibit. 

Sounds like a good plan to me! 😊