First diesel locomotive enters regular service in Germany

On August 13, 1925, Germany's Deutsche Reichsbahn placed its pioneering diesel-electric locomotive into revenue service on the Berlin-Hamburg line. Designed by Borsig and MAN with a 1,000-horsepower engine, it represented a shift from steam dominance. Engineer Rudolf Diesel's earlier work enabled this efficient, cleaner alternative suited for Germany's industrial needs. The locomotive hauled heavy freight with greater reliability and lower operating costs. This innovation paved the way for widespread dieselization in Europe and North America after WWII, reducing coal dependency and influencing modern locomotive design.