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t first, Gottfried Rieck did not know
that he had not only resurrected a
train – there was also a connection
with a legendary engine driver, Claudius
Ritter von Klaudy, His Majesty the Emperor's
engine driver. Klaudy had been born in
1833 in Moravia; at the age of 18 he started
his technical training. Just like Gottfried
Rieck, he was only 23 years old when he
was charged with great responsibilities in
the realm of the Austrian State Railroads
due to his circumspection and organizing
talent. Even the media of the day mentioned
him: in 1875, "all journeys of the court,
namely the larger and more arduous, were
entrusted to his proven leadership." It was
also mentioned that he was "a simple and
genuine engine driver under whose direction
one can sleep peacefully." Emperor Franz
Joseph thanked him by making him a
Generalinspections-Commissär 1. Classe
extra statum
and bestowing 32 medals on
him during his lifetime.
A
The
ENGINE DRIVER
of the Emperor
Claudius Ritter von Klaudy
(DW)