In mid 1980s Hellenic State Railways took the crucial decision to buy 12 4-car DMUs for their first luxurious InterCity services, during the total modernization of greek railway system. A cooperation agreement between West German AEG and East German LEW was signed, marking the reunification of Germany in the late 80s. The train was designed and based upon East German passenger coaches while in 1989, the Greek InterCity was nominated as "Best Train of the Year" in Leipzig. By the end of 1989, all 12 InterCity railcars were delivered to Greece, completely changing rail services.
For 20 years, 4-car AEG/LEW Dmus were the flagship of Hellenic Railways running all over Greece, from Thrace and Macedonia to Peloponnese (via the newly constructed standard gauge line to Korinthos in 2005). However, the policy of OSE for non renovating reliable - and highly paid - rolling stock in combination with luck of proper maintenance and economic crisis led to the end of AEG/LEWs dominance. In this video, the first of a series of compilation, some rare footage of the last "survivors" is presented.
Scenes Filmed and Edited by Alexander Sikalias
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