A pair of wonderful diagrammatic pocket maps showing the F-Zug or “Long-Distance Train” intercity services (in blue) and the Trans-Europe Express (TEE) services (in red) of West Germany in the summer of 1969. The first diagram shows southbound routes, while the second shows northbound. Each diagram also serves as a schedule, with arrival and departure times denoted clearly along each route line. A few non-standard angles don’t detract from the excellent draftsmanship on display here: I particularly like the sweeping 90-degree curve between Cologne and Duisburg, with no fewer than 13 routes shown.

Of particular note is the prominence of the area around Cologne and the Ruhr – enlarged many times over for clarity – which dominates the map in terms of both stations and routes. 

The evocative route names in the list to the right are also rather wonderful – Rheingold, Rembrandt, Porta Westfalica among them – and so much more interesting than the bland numerical designation so many European trains receive today.

Our rating: Making a complex network look simple. the current DB Intercity map (PDF link) could look to this as inspiration on how to do it right. Five glorious stars.