In order to avoid steam powered trains with high personnel cost for lines with low passenger numbers the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft (DRG) – the German railways in pre-war times – developed four axle diesel powered rail cars delivered by the Waggonfabrik Wismar as from 1928. These vehicles were numbered 855 through 871 and were delivered as single class or twin class versions.  The footprint with inset double doors at the tapered ends has been copied from the Eilzugwagen. In many vehicles the original post office compartment has been removed in favour of additional seats. As from 1932 the initial green livery of the vehicles was changed to the more elegant two colour paint scheme in “wine red – crème”. The prototype of the ESU model was stationed in Mainz. Other vehicles were stationed in Frankfurt/Oder, Guben, Kassel, Stuttgart, Ulm and Waren/Müritz.

Initially the Diesel engine of the VT 858 delivered 150 HP via a four gear manual gearbox to a jack shaft that in turn was linked to the two wheel sets of one bogie via the driving rods. The four radiator groups with four elements each were located on the roof.

Since coal was much cheaper than diesel oil at the time these rail cars could not win points due to their low fuel consumption. Various exceptions provide proof that the ability to add three coaches (six coach axles) with a total load of 85 tonnes was regularly utilised. The range of vehicles added was quite diverse: some passenger coaches in the livery of trailers, covered freight cars or baggage cars from passenger or freight service have been documented with photographs.

The DB saw little need for refurbishing the partly damaged passenger rail cars during World War II and only rebuilt rail car 859 with great expense and deployed it as VT 65 903 until 1957. The DR kept VT 856 as the only one of its class until 1960. 

Due to the ESU LokSound V4.0 M4 decoder running a diesel rail car like the VT 858 is pure pleasure. The decoder can automatically register with Märklin® and ESU central units / command stations. Due to the integral PowerPack the old-timer diesel rail car moves smoothly even at low speeds and on dirty track. 

Besides the realistic diesel sound one can hear the squeal so typical for rail vehicles passing turnouts or going through tight curves. Of course, these diesel cars have an integral smoke generator producing the exhaust fumes synchronised to load and speed by the LokSound decoder. This model facilitates all prototype lighting options.

Directional lighting can be turned off at the end were trailers are coupled. Lighting for shunting mode and the train end signal Zg2 valid until the 1950-ties have been realised. Cab lighting also works subject to direction of travel. Of course, there is also interior lighting for the passenger and the baggage compartment.