Panzerzug II (PzZug II)

History

The concept of armored trains was not new during the First World War (1914-1918), as the U.S. Federal Army used the system in the Civil War against the Allies to protect vital railroads and vital bridges from destruction . However, by the time of the First World War, the concept had developed considerably, initially through rough development and later a more standardized approach. Armored trains are just that, trains with armor protection and artillery-level firepower at the same time being defended by machine guns. Some systems include special infantry vehicles that support infantry. This allows mobile firing platforms to be compromised in close-quarters engagements, while foot units can move on when they spot enemy infantry, or scout out for an ambush position.

There were also doctrines involving cavalry units that could fight alongside infantry under the protective fire of armored trains.

Despite its slow modernization during the Industrial Revolution, it was the Russians who led the attack in unique and standardized armored trains. However, other world powers followed suit, including Austria-Hungary, the German Empire and the United Kingdom. As a solution, Austria-Hungary developed their Panzerzug I (PzZug I) in 1914.

Hungarian railway manufacturer Magyar Allamvasutag (MAV) took over the project and used its own locomotives for driving. It was built from 1914 to 1915 and included specially designed gun carriages, locomotives and several infantry vehicles.

But only the successor model Panzerzug II (PzZug II) achieved a usable form. With the war deadlocked, construction has progressed rapidly and is now reduced to a network of trenches.

By 1916, the MAV had completed ten units of combat service, operating on the Russian front as well as in Italy and Romania.

The PzZug II was significant for the Austro-Hungarian army, as it laid the foundation for subsequent designs that followed the general approach to armored train design. While the train system can be of any length depending on the mission, it is usually seen in a three-car arrangement, with gun carriages at the front, locomotives in the middle, and infantry machine gun carriages at the rear. The front mount was equipped with a turret-mounted 70mm gun to accommodate enemy artillery concentration and fortifications.

A high dome with viewing slits covered the armored superstructure behind the turret position. Defensive aiming machine guns governed the sides of the car. All gun mounts in this line feature a simple four-wheel design. The locomotive had a traditional layout at the time, with a pipe in front. The wheelhouse is located in the stern and is fully protected by plate armor, with a viewing slot for situational awareness and an access door that can be closed in the event of a fire.

The locomotive turned out to be a six-wheeled unit. Finally, the infantry vehicle, with machine gun portholes on both sides. This car was mainly used to protect the train from infantry attacks overwhelmed by machine guns.

In practice, these developments were used to support infantry units that the platoon's artillery system could reach. They have also proven useful in protecting critical areas, including bridges and bases, and in patrol and reconnaissance operations where rail lines provide access.

These platoons are inherently not very fast, but are still mobile fire platforms, much like tanks or battleships - an armored platoon could very well change the direction of a battle in a matter of seconds. Many commanders at the time valued armored trains for their ferocity and imposing design on the battlefield.

Specification

Basic

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Performance

Performance

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Armor

Not available.

Changes