Record attempt: 111 people pull locomotive using muscle power instead of diesel

A remarkable feat of strength and community took place at the Brezelfest in Speyer, Germany, as 111 individuals united to pull a 111-ton diesel locomotive and two accompanying wagons a distance of 111 meters. The organizers reported that the collective effort was completed without incident in just over two minutes.

Uwe Wöhlert, chairman of the Speyer Transport Association, expressed surprise at how quickly the task was accomplished. The event featured 19 teams from the region, comprising a diverse group of participants ranging from weightlifters and wrestlers to employees from city utilities and administrative offices.

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In good two minutes the locomotive was at the finish. Everyone was surprised how quickly the whole thing worked.

The locomotive, a Baureihe 220 model retired in 1984 and now housed at the Technik Museum Speyer, along with its two wagons, presented a formidable weight of 111 tons. Participants utilized two 50-meter ropes, laid over their shoulders, to achieve the pull, with some individuals walking within the track bed.

This muscle-powered event was officially registered as a world record attempt with the Rekordinstitut für Deutschland (RID), and a notary observed the proceedings. Extensive preparations were undertaken, including complex static calculations to determine the maximum pulling force of 111 participants, as well as the precise number and strength of ropes required, and the design and construction of a traverse for attaching the ropes to the locomotive.

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It must be made static calculations for the maximum pulling force of 111 participants, calculated the number and strength of the ropes, planned and built a traverse for attachment to the locomotive and arrangement of the ropes.