The armored trains were subordinate to the army high command, which they then assigned to the individual army commanders.
The Armored Train Unit
At the end of the World War, probably in October 1918, the Imperial and Royal Army High Command issued instructions for armored trains that were as uniform as possible, but without prohibiting the special equipment for individual companies. Accordingly, an ideal armored train unit should always consist of a battle squadron and a train squadron. The battle squadron is divided into:
- A platform car without side walls - in order not to hinder the exit from the following armored car - as a lead car, loaded with superstructure material. He had to detonate any explosive charges in the superstructure in order to prevent damage to the combat vehicles.
- Three armored cars, as gun cars or as rifle cars, equipped with embrasures for machine guns, individual cars with anti-aircraft defense and observation tower with searchlight and range finder.
- Two armored light tank locomotives.
The armor of the armored cars and the locomotives consists of an outer 11 to 15 mm and an inner 6 to 8 mm thick inner armor, armor plates or sheet iron. A 3 to 6 cm thick layer of wood or a layer of gravel was to be placed between the armor plates. The train relay consists of:
- a chancellery and officers' caravan,
- two personnel carriers,
- a workshop and props wagon,
- a kitchen and provisions wagon
- and an ammunition wagon.
Armament, Ammunition, Crew and Equipment
The armored train's armament consists of one or two 7 cm guns, six M. 7/12 machine guns and 30 bolt-action rifles. The platoon carries 500 shrapnel, 250 grenades, 50 canisters, 100 hand grenades, 10,000 rounds for each machine gun, 120 rounds per bolt-action and a 7/12 belt tamping machine.
The commander is an officer, the deputy is a staff sergeant or sergeant. From the railway regiment came two train drivers, two locomotive drivers and two stokers, four brakemen, a corporal and a pioneer as party leader, a total of twelve men. Each gun has a platoon commander, a foreman and two gunners and a private and a sapper for the searchlight. From the infantry came eighteen men to operate the machine guns, as well as an armorer, an accounting officer, a cook, a shoemaker, an officer's servant, and a reserve man. The equipment consists of superstructure equipment and material, explosives and detonators, workshop equipment, lighting and heating material, signaling equipment, medical equipment, cooking kettles and cooking boxes, gas masks and other small items.
Use of Armored Trains
The armored train is an auxiliary weapon that, with its great firepower, has a high material and moral effect in surprising deployments. The route conditions, the condition of the tracks and the engineering structures and the terrain on both sides of the route are decisive and must therefore be explored. The radius of action is - depending on the water and coal supply - about 50 km. A depot station must therefore be set up to supplement the supplies for the trains.
When attacking an enemy position, the armored train is deployed under cover and supports the troops with surprise fire attacks. He eludes the artillery fire by quickly changing position. Depending on the condition of the track, the armored train can, after breaking through, push into the enemy's rear and flank, if necessary in cooperation with the forces of a railway company to clear the tracks. Minor track interruptions are repaired by the forces of the armored train.
In defense, the armored train works through its great firepower, offers the troops the opportunity and time to collect themselves, supports the counterattack and helps in the recovery of the wounded. The interaction of the crew of the train with their machine guns is intended for outdoor use with the troops.
When retreating, the armored train hinders the enemy from pushing after them and allows their own infantry to occupy rear positions. Participation in the demolition of the railway facilities and the clearing of the terminal and depot stations is essential.
In special cases, the armored train can also bring supplies through endangered areas to the front lines. In the replenishment service, the division of the battle squadron and the addition of normal freight cars is recommended. The armored trains were also used to rescue the wounded from the front lines.
When driving in enemy territory, it is important to consider securing the return journey. This happens due to the fire effect and repeated rapid driving on the route. If necessary, the division of the battle squadron is to be made, which secures the return journey with a locomotive and an armored car. If necessary, another armored train, such as a handcar, should be used. The armored platoon also dispatches and supports infantry reconnaissance patrols. If the return journey is no longer possible, the weapons are to be rendered unusable and the train is to be destroyed. The crew has to fight their way through.
The relevant provisions and service books apply to the use of weapons. Special rules are not specified. The commander usually stays in the enemy car and directs the firefight. He indicates destination and distance. The commanders of the individual cars can order open fire against targets that appear favorable, or when the connection to the commander of the train is disrupted. Communication takes place via telephone or speaking tube. To avoid misunderstandings regarding directions, the inside of the carriages will be painted red on one side and white on the other. Cooperation with the other weapons, especially with the artillery, is to be aimed for at every opportunity. Intended deployments of the armored train must always be discussed with its commander,
Gunfire will also sometimes have to be fired for reasons of moral effect. Gunfire is aimed at targets that are not worthwhile for the machine guns.
The traffic and signaling regulations must be observed as far as possible, and the technical conditions, such as the heating-up time for the locomotives - up to 3 hours - and the maintenance work must also be taken into account. The care of the locomotive depends on the condition of the water, it may need to be washed out once a week. The means of transport must also be inspected at regular intervals. The support of the heating house staff is to be requested, major repairs are carried out in the workshops.
The training of the crew in their use - in construction and operational service - and in combat duty is to be continued when they are at rest. Practice drives on public transport routes must be coordinated with the military authorities. The team can also be used for work in the station area for railway operations, eg ramp construction.
Gun carriages with one or three 7 cm guns were added to the MG armored trains. A gun carriage attached to Panzerzug V had a 10 cm gun.
A heavy combat unit had two of these tower cars, two locomotives and a machine gun car in the middle of the train. In a heavy armored train with two locomotives, a feed water supply of 4000 liters was carried in the car. The wagons had steam heating, a toilet and snow plows. When repairs were necessary, improvements were made again and again, such as the fitting of searchlights.
Locomotives and wagons were put together as required.
The armored trains were mostly manufactured in the workshops of the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV). After Italy declared war, the Villach railway workshop also manufactured two armored trains, which are listed as IX and X in the scheme and were first used in the Tarvisio area.
