OWNING A LOCOMOTIVE: One million euros for the life dream of a train driver

Roland Sandkuhl: A Train Driver Living His Childhood Dream

Roland Sandkuhl has been a train driver for over 30 years, but it was only a year ago that he fulfilled his dream and started driving his own locomotive. This red beauty is not only his pride and joy but also a symbol of his courage and willingness to take risks. He is one of the few self-employed train drivers in Germany and is always available when extra manpower is needed.

Self-employed with His Own Locomotive

Roland Sandkuhl is one of only five self-employed train drivers in Germany. With his own locomotive, he takes on assignments that lead him across the entire country. Whether it's transporting sleepers to Lower Saxony or empty wagons to Bremen, Sandkuhl is always on duty.

A Passion Since Childhood

His love for trains began in childhood. As a boy, he would spend hours watching the large locomotives and was often invited by train drivers to ride along. These experiences shaped his career aspiration and made him the enthusiastic and experienced train driver he is today.

Challenges on the Track

Although the daily routine as a train driver may sometimes seem monotonous, there are always special challenges. Recently, Sandkuhl had to stop at a level crossing and use a special key to ensure the crossing remained closed until he passed through.

Technology and Practical Solutions

Roland Sandkuhl not only bought his locomotive but also equipped it himself. This includes a workbench in the engine room and a camping toilet for long journeys. To finance his dream, he took out a large loan and invested almost a million euros.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

A special insight into his daily life is provided by a visit to a special diesel filling station for locomotives. Here, Sandkuhl refuels up to 600 liters of diesel before starting his next assignment. His day often ends at the station in Bremen, where new wagons are prepared for the next day.

A Fulfilled Life

Despite the challenges and risks, Roland Sandkuhl regrets not a single moment. He looks forward to his work every day and has found his happiness in living his dream – driving through Germany with his own locomotive day after day.

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[martinlatvian]

That locomotive is more shiny and clean than my neighbors Porche.

[liam_weight]

Great to see self-employed people, in any industry. There's no reason this couldn't be the norm for trained individuals, just like it is for taxis, lorry drivers, or pilots!

[AndrewTheRadarMan]

This locomotive is basically Germany's equivalent to an F40 PH. Old and reliable and still used to this day

[tvm]

1 million Euros!!! That’s a truly gutsy move for someone to make. I’m not sure he made a business analysis before taking the plunge! He’s following his dream and I wish him the best from India! 🇮🇳

[kiefershanks]

I had no idea an individual could do this at all. Very cool.

[matasofutpemata]

here in romania we have a wisdom say'n:, ,be careful what you wish for because it might happen".

[chartreuserailfanning]

Imagine owning a GP38 and being contracted by Union Pacific to do their work for them, never knew you could be an independent locomotive driver in Europe.

[cleenlivin]

That is so cool! The thought of an individual being an owner operator of their own locomotive and contracting out their services is very interesting. Issues like maintenance, right away approvals and such had to be daunting. The workspace in that locomotive is really nice!

👍 👍👍👍

[chrislauterbach]

He has to carry his own insurance. I wonder how much that adds to his expenses.

[LegoWormNoah]

I share your dream. I could take out a loan, but I'd need to find some way to work with my SD40-2 and pay it all back

[BHudak]

Lets hope he will not hit the wall (ETCS instal costs). Good job!

[koiyujo]

this man has his dream I would love this as well if I wanted to do as well

[henkmagnetic]

Absolutely amazing. What a dream to fulfil. Best wishes to profitable future.

[EverythingTrains]

My dream! But my country wouldn't allow such😢

[BritishRail]

Well done for living the dream buddy. I am going to do this someday myself and have a private railway.

[boweandrew]

Wow so exciting those buffer and screw couplers are amazing

[NathanBaker]

Would it have made more economical sense to have an electric instead of a diesel?

[southern_railman]

Man this is so cool.

Can we get this going in America please? 🙏

[testplmnb]

he could hire another 2 train drivers to make the locomotive availiable 24/7

[Andre]

Thats kind of crazy to buy Diesel locomotive in green obsessed Germany/EU.. I hope they will not ban use of diesel loco anytime soon. Or maybe he could switch to electric :-) I hope his dream will continue :-)