Railbuses in Germany actually look like buses and a few other countries do too. The “Economic Miracle” in Germany occurred during the 1950’s, and the class VT 98 railbus was part of this history. Marklin added this railcar to the line-up with the first one being released in 1988 as item #8112 “Chiemgau Bahn” and then the special imprint “McDonald’s” also in 1988. Versions abound but for this topic of discussion the focus is on special imprints which like the first two releases (8112) are also in part regional railbuses.
- 88701 – German Federal Railroad (DB) class 798 railbus lettered for “McDonald’s voll in Fahrt.” Sold as a starter set with track and transformer. Edition size: 1000. Koll’s #88701. Released 1988.
- 88817 – Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) class 798 railbus and class 998 trailer lettered for RAG. Special imprint collaboration between Railex and Z Club International. Koll’s #91702. Edition size: 3000. *Originally sold unpowered.
- 88164 – Prignitzer Eisenbaum GmbH class 798 railbus and class 998 trailer lettered for Prignitzer Eisenbaum GmbH regional rail line Berlin. One Time Series 2001. Produced in collaboration between Marklin and Eurotrain/idee+spiel cooperative.
- 88165 – Elbe-Weser GmbH (EVB) class 798 railbus and class 998 trailer lettered for EVB the Lower Saxony German regional rail line. One Time Series 2002. Produced in collaboration between Marklin and Eurotrain/idee+spiel cooperative.
Siding: 88164 + 88165 were only available to German Dealers that were members of the Eurotrain/idee+spiel cooperative.