MÁV XII, class of 562 Hungarian 0-6-0T locomotives
The MÁV XII is a tender locomotive class built by the Hungarian State Machine Factory between 1907 and 1913 for use on secondary railway lines. The engine features a large boiler, two horizontal cylinders, and sturdy wheels visible on the frame, designed to handle moderate loads on routes with curves and slight inclines across Hungary.
Built between 1907 and 1913 at the Budapest State Machine Factory, the MÁV XII class served primarily on secondary lines transporting coal, timber, and minerals across Hungary. From the 1970s onward, diesel locomotives gradually replaced steam engines, marking the transition from the steam era to modern railway operations.
The MÁV XII represents a chapter in Hungarian railway history where steam engines were central to connecting communities and moving goods across the country. Visitors can observe how these machines shaped daily life and local connections through their reliable service on regional routes.
The MÁV XII in Bélapátfalva is displayed as a stationary exhibit where visitors can view the locomotive up close and study its construction details. On special occasions, you may gain access to the cab interior to see the controls that engineers once used to operate the engine.
The MÁV XII featured a Mallet system that allowed the engine to handle steep grades better and pull heavier loads at moderate speeds. This technical solution made the locomotive particularly suited to the hilly routes through the Bukk Mountains region, where many secondary lines navigated challenging terrain.
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