Delivery has started in the United States for a most interesting Z gauge diesel, it peaks my interest for 2 reasons: big big snowplows and Scandinavia. Plus it is another version of the well received NOHAB locomotive type as seen in Marklin’s Z gauge line-up.
Marklin’s 88362 is a regular production item that will undoubtedly generate a lot of interest. Scandinavian railroads are now represented more and more by Marklin for us Z-scalers which is wonderful to see, FR Freudenreich was solely representing the railroads of Scandinavia with few examples from Norway. This Marklin loco is unique as a specialized maintenance of way locomotive for Norway, it is owned and operated by Rail Network (JBV) as class Di3 628. As stated in Marklin’s description it is a modified former class Di3a with the installation of snowplows. One of the more characteristic traits of Scandinavian locos are the inclusion of snowplows, nearly all that I have seen over the years include plows of various size with this loco presenting very large plows of heavy construction.
When I saw the announcement for this locomotive I assumed plows would be made of plastic, it turns out they are metal and feature very good detailing including realistic profile and heavy beam construction. The plows are installed pushed into the buffer posts which might may not be concerning since the shell is made of metal impregnated plastic thus perhaps allowing a stronger joint, but care should be taken with this loco as it may not tolerated too much bumping. Track clearance with plows is as close as a hair width: almost!!! Very impressive to see the tight tolerances in design and execution. Very very high precision manufacture allows for models like this, each new technological advancement seems to have been applied to this loco. Made in Hungary 88362 is an attractive locomotive model with good paint detail work except on the one I received window trims are painted silver only on one end.
I would not try removing the plows which are tightly installed and maybe glued in place. Horns between windshields appear to be add-on parts: exceptional! Middle axle on each wheel set is free from gearing thus wheels easily turn on their own, but they do not sit with the same contact with track as the geared axles with their wheels: not something to dwell on. Beautiful smooth running performance even at low speeds, and it moves quick when throttled up. 3 headlights changeover with direction of loco, but there are no trailing lights, I hope future designs add red marker lights to this series of locomotive. Headlights on this loco are not bright unless full throttle is applied.
Big surprise: I read in description the locomotive comes with working warning lights above cabs, but to my surprise they pulsate simulating what would be seen with the prototype.
At a length of 4 3/8 inches this is a long locomotive adding 7/8 inches onto the same locomotive type with buffers only (no plows). Manual that comes with loco warns the user to carefully check layout compatibility to rule out signals, catenary masts, bridge railings, and tunnel portals being in the way of plows. As can be seen in this post’s photos plows swing out over tracks quite far. Marklin states minimum track radius for this loco is 195mm/7 11/16 inches.
Overall a very good release, it represents how far Z gauge has grown by applying all the latest and newest technologies: maintenance free motor, metal impregnated plastic (heavier: more pulling power), and pulsing light feature (warning lights). And of course more Scandinavian trains and specialized trains.
