Monthly Archives: March 2016

Collecting Marklin Z and Preserving Train History: 88300, 88301, 88302

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from top – side 1:

Marklin 88300: V300 Diesel Hydraulic Loco, Insider Model 2009

Marklin 88301: ML 2200 C’C’ experimental loco, builder: Krauss-Maffei, 1957 paint scheme

Marklin 88302: ML 3000 C’C’ factory paint scheme after 1957-1958 rebuild

side 2:

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Collecting Marklin Z is bigger than acquiring model trains, it is a collaboration with Marklin: preserving the history of trains. Every collector of trains in all scales is participating in train history simply by collecting model trains, books and ephemera. Our passion for trains is passed on to the next generation, thus block by block trains are well documented and understood thanks to model train manufacturers and their collectors.

Historical preservation is at the heart of some Marklin Z releases including the experimental locomotives: ML 2200 and ML 3000.

The German locomotive maker Krauss-Maffei produced a variant of the 4 axle V200 locomotive in the 1950’s for the Yugoslav Railroad with lower axle loads and improved air conditioning thus the 6 axle ML 2200 was born. Delivery of three ML 2200 locomotives 1.77 meters longer than the V200 took place in Belgrade May 27, 1957. Marklin’s One Time Series 88301 is a model of the ML 2200 prototype.

 

The ML 3000 represents a rebuilt ML 2200 with increased power and improved transmission. The failure of negotiations to secure an order for ML 3000’s with the DB ended any potential success this locomotive would have for load restricted routes in Germany, the surviving prototype was used in Bavaria before it was leased in 1963 and later purchased by the DB. Marklin #88302 is modeled on the ML 3000 prototype.

In 1963 the DB leased the ML 3000, it was reclassified V300. The locomotive was repainted with the DB color scheme otherwise unchanged. In 1964 the DB purchased the V300, it was used in express and freight service. The service life of the V300 lasted roughly 17 years before it was scrapped. Marklin model #88300 represents the V300, it was a limited production release for Insider members.

As a point of comparison there were 4 total locomotives produced of the ML 2200/ ML 3000/ V300 variants and 86 total locomotives produced of the V200. Maybe the V300 would have been more successful than the V200 if negotiations with the DB had not failed to secure an order for them.

 

Blue? Prussian Blue rolling on the rails

Marklin Magazin has been published by Marklin for a number of years, it is a glossy well produced magazine with contents covering Marklin trains and train history. And it is included with your ‘Insider’ membership! So what’s with the title of this post Prussian Blue? Prussian Blue is the traditional blue used in blueprints and since 2001 the characteristic color used for Marklin Magazin’s special edition cars. Marklin Magazin’s “Car of the Year” is often Marklin’s car with new tooling for that year, pigmented in Prussian Blue and lettered for Marklin Magazin. Sometimes a theme is introduced such as the 2002 release 80812: type Lgjs 598 flat car loaded with tanks corresponding to printer’s ink used in the production of the magazine. Or the 2006 release 80816: type low side car with brakeman’s platform loaded with real rolls of paper, Marklin notes 20 metric tons of paper are used for each issue of Marklin Magazin. New releases of Magazin special edition cars are available from your dealer through Walthers, but they sell out quickly.

Faller 2016 Releases: 282780 + 282781

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Available later this year (2016) are two laser cut kits by Faller featuring half timber and stucco townhouses with further variations in roof sheathing. Kits 282780 and 282781 build on the continuation of new laser cut kits offered by Faller and other manufacturers. The realism achieved by laser cut kits is completed by correctly pigmented cardstock and architectural correct designs. Matte surface features are more closely related to original architecture than has been previously available for modelers.

Faller July 2016 Release: 282704

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Several very interesting new releases have been announced by Faller for 2016 including the Bahnhof Hulinghausen train station. Borrowing from the manufacturer’s website is their description: A monument! Laser-cut model of the station building in Herscheid-Hüinghausen put into operation in 1915, with a characteristic hipped roof à la Mansard and an adjoining half-timbered goods shed. The station area forms today the operating central point of the museum line Sauerland Local Railway. The proposed release is July 2016.

*Available as a pre-order from http://www.ajckids.com/products/Faller/282704 .

Faller Osterode-Sud 282705 laser cut station kit

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A perfect train station for a briefcase layout is without doubt the Faller Osterode-Sud station, it measures just 2 3/8 x 1 5/8 inches which makes it ideally suited for a rural diorama for the smallest layout.

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For several years Faller has released laser cut kits for z on a limited basis including a lumber mill, farmhouse and town hall. The laser cut kits tend to be priced higher than the plastic Faller kits, they include many more parts and probably a higher investment in design time. The architectural design of this kit is half  timber and stucco with terracotta roof tiles typically found in Germany.

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Kit features numerous parts including individual stucco sections, each is cut out from a larger sheet and individually glued in place thus giving a realistic impression of stucco infill. Note: tweezers and magnifying goggles are required due to the many small parts. Window glazing is included in the kit as well as interior lighting masking material which I did not use, it is required when lighting plastic kits due to translucence which is not a factor with laser cut kits, but you will gain window details such as curtains when using the masking material included with the kit. Faller 282705 is a challenging kit comprising numerous small parts in a small size. Some dry brushing could be used to add realism but not required. Signage is included as add-on details, I would recommend some improvement to graphic signs for future kits; the included signs are difficult to cut out with precision from the paper sheet, perhaps the station signs on heavy card stock would be better.