New book by the railway enthusiasts from Jünkerath about the formerly planned right bank Mosel railway

The right bank Mosel railway was planned over 100 years ago, but was never completed. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, there is an exciting story behind it, which the railway enthusiasts from Jünkerath have documented in a 384-page book.

The Mosel route, as we know it today, runs through the Cochem Tunnel, thereby cutting off the Cochem Krampen and its municipalities. This severely limited their economic participation, leading to the formation of railway committees demanding a connection of the area to the railway. Initially without success.

Only with the increasing fear of an aggressive war, perceived in the behavior of France, did the Prussian government and the German Empire decide at the beginning of 1914 to build several strategic railway lines. One of these is the line from Ehrang to Neuwied, which should finally connect the municipalities of the Cochem Krampen. The route was to run alongside the existing Mosel route from Ehrang as a so-called 3rd and 4th track to Bengel and then independently through the Alftal down to behind Aldegund on the left side of the Mosel. Near Neef, it would switch to the right bank of the Mosel, continuing from there to Koblenz. The section from Koblenz to Neuwied was also planned and constructed as a double track.

Due to the tense political situation, the right bank Mosel railway received high priority. To meet the planned completion date, work began early on the design and construction of certain parts that required a longer construction time. These included the Quinter Viaduct, the Salm and Lieser bridges, the Neefer Bridge, the viaduct through Bruttig, the Treiser Tunnel, the station facilities in Treis, and the mighty and beautifully designed Kronprinzenbrücke at Engers over the Rhine. Ultimately, the lost First World War prevented the construction of the line. Even partial solutions, such as the rerouted Carden to Neef designated as a melioration railway, could no longer be realized for financial reasons.

The documentation created by author Martin Kreckler over many years shows the political, military-strategic, and technical-economic considerations and achievements, as well as the work carried out on this planned route. The reader also gains deeper insights into the operational practices and perspectives of the railway administration at that time, which were largely dictated by economic interests, particularly the important operating medium, the steam locomotive. Site plans, facsimiles, drawings, and historical photos make the book a comprehensive documentation that is equally interesting for railway enthusiasts and those interested in local history.

The presentation of the book will take place as part of a slide presentation on March 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the railway museum in Jünkerath.

Book orders and further details can be found on the homepage of the railway enthusiasts from Jünkerath www.eisenbahnmuseumjuenkerath.de .

The railway enthusiasts from Jünkerath look forward to your visit.

Image captions:

Image 1:
The Quinter Valley Bridge, also known as the "Quinter Viaduct," is part of the military-strategic railway line Ehrang - Neuwied. The elegantly designed bridge was completed as one of the few structures of the so-called right bank Mosel railway. The photo was taken during construction in spring 1920.
Photo: Ivar Arstadt, Collection: Martin Kreckler

Image 2:
The 2593 m long Treiser Tunnel shortens a Mosel bend opposite Cochem. The photo shows the northern portal on the Treis side on December 20, 1919. Officials and guests attended the breakthrough celebration.
Collection: Corporate Archive Bilfinger SE, Mannheim

Image 3:
The bridge arch girder is being constructed. No part seems to be the same as the other. The filigree construction elements are riveted together. Initially, the ton-heavy iron parts to be assembled rest on wooden piles driven into the Rhine bed.
Collection: Berlin-Brandenburg Economic Archive e.V.

Image 4:
The Prussian freight locomotive of the G12 type, later series 58, was intended for heavy freight traffic on the new Mosel railway. The locomotive was procured starting in 1917.
Photo: Carl Bellingrodt, Collection: Martin Kreckler

Image 5:
The book cover features the 570 m long Quinter Viaduct, built from 1917 to 1923.
Photo: Ivar Arstadt, Collection: Martin Kreckler