With the shortage of raw materials as a result of the war most Reichsbahn (and Reichspost) eagles after 1941 were no longer manufactured from metals (Aluminium, Bronze etc). Consequently trains and carriages after this period used Decals or painted on eagles instead. Given the difficulty of preserving or removing such paintings or decals, most were lost at the end of the war or shortly thereafter. The majority were simply painted over as part of the de-nazification effort.
Decal Sizes:
- 600mm (24″) for engines
- 680mm (27″) for engines
- 720mm (28″) for passenger cars/motor cars
- 900mm (35″) for tenders
Additional photos are available on the Reichsbahn Bus/Trucks/Cars page.
Decal period photos:
A Decal has recently surfaced for sale. These were made by C.A. Pocher of Nurnberg) – the same maker as for Helmet decals for firefighters in the period. The decal measured 17.25 by 29 inches. The decal is made of a waterproof material which sticks to surfaces when the backing is dampened. This is a very rare example.
Painted Eagles:
Painting of aluminum eagles:
The eagle below (behind Albert Speer) appears to have been painted a dark colour. The colorisation of the image may be the incorrect color although it does appear to be a dark color (green or black). It has been suggested this is not painted and soot from the train. This is also possible although the rest of the train seems clean and generally the rules around keeping the trains and eagles clean would men it would be unlikely to have this much soot accumulated.
Although it is rare to see Reichsbahn eagles painted, below is an example of a camouflaged eagle. This one is a APAG maker. period painted eagles had the whole color painted to match the vehicle. The one below was most likely off a bus or truck given the color. Examples of painted Reichspost eagles can be found here including one the same color as below.
