Schwerin

[shipstamps]

The train ferry Schwerin is depicted on the 15pf. value of the German Winter Relief Fund issue of 1937. She was built in 1926 by F. Schichau, Elbing. The novel feature about this vessel, her curious hinged bow, is clearly shown on the stamp. This is raised to let trains run into the hold and then lowered again, closing and sealing the end of the vessel. The Schwerin was built to take two trains and over 100 passengers, and is on the WarnemundeGedser service, making it possible for trains to run direct from Berlin to Copenhagen. Her dimensions are 334 ft. x 59 ft. x 19.8 ft., is of 3,133 gross tons, and has twin screws. The vessel was equipped on ocean liner standards by her owners, the German State Railways. SG645

[aukepalmhof]

Built as a train ferry under yard No 1170 by Schichau Werft, Elbing, Germany for the Deutsche Reichsbahn (German State Railways).
15 April 1926 launched as the SCHWERIN.
Tonnage 3,133 grt, 1.107 net, 800 dwt., dim. 106.8 x 16.53 x 4.4m.
Powered by two 6-cyl. triple expansion steam engines manufactured by builder, 4,400 hp., twin shafts, speed 15.5 knots.
Accommodation for 800 passengers and two trains with a rail length of 161 meter.
She was the first vessel fitted with a bow-door, and the wagons were loaded via a bowramp.
November 1926 completed, homeport Rostock.

01 December 1926 used in the service from Warnemünde to Gedser.
During World War II for a short period transferred to the German Navy as minelayer and troop transport
09 April 1940 she transported some of the German invading army troops to Denmark.
25 April 1940 she returned to the ferry service.
22 February 1944 alongside at the Neptun Werft in Rostock for boiler repairs, was she severely damaged by a RAF bombing raid and sank.
20 April 1944 salvaged by Bugsier und Bergungs AG, Hamburg, towed to Warnemünde and laid up.
1945 Allocated to Russia, but saw not service again.
10 September 1948 Sold to Werner Hinrichs, Waremünde for scrapping.
15 September 1950 demolition commenced.

Germany 1937 15pf +10pf sg645, scott B113.

Source: http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz various web-sites. Navicula.