"Dolphin" returns to Praha after more than 20 years
posted on 13th Sep 2026 11:02
A diesel unit with power cars VT 18.16.07 and 10 will appear on Czech tracks after long time, as the Dresden-based company Maertens Reisen has organized a special excursion from Dresden via Karlovy Vary to Praha for 17 - 20 September. The revived train will also participate in the Steam Locomotive Festival in Benešov u Prahy.
This is a significant event, as these units, also known as SVT Görlitz, are well-known in the Czech Republic thanks to their earlier "Vindobona" and "Karlex" services. We have included a description of the extensive restoration, carried out by SVT Görlitz gGmbH, in issue of our Czech magazine ŽM 8/26. Indeed, in terms of technical and organizational complexity, this restoration project is currently unparalleled on the German railways.
Typically, only a single locomotive or carriage is restored to operational status, rather than an entire unit. The last such activity ended in 2004 when Deutsche Bahn attempted to reactivate a TEE VT 11.5 unit. However, new safety and fire regulations drove costs so high-reaching approximately 5 million EUR, that the project was halted, leaving only a few refurbished carriages.
As part of the 7th steam locomotive festival, the VT 18.16.07/10 will operate the ceremonial Protocol Train No. 1 from Praha via Kutná Hora to Benešov u Prahy on Friday, 18 September. On Saturday, 19 September, it will be showcased at an exhibition in the Benešov depot, and in the evening, it will operate the "Vindobona" retro-express (Ex 10071/10070) on the route between Benešov u Prahy and České Velenice and back.
