Sixteen years ago (2008) Marklin released 86306 as a One Time Series: “Langer Heinrich” (Long Henry) ore hopper set along with steam locomotive 88971 to complete the train set. Comprising 20 large capacity hoppers the complete car set measures 39 inches (end to end).

The set was delivered in a cardboard box measuring 8 9/16 x 7 5/16 x 2 inches with display features (illustrated fold-out) for dealers at their store whereby individual cars could be purchased from the set. Sold also as a complete set with high price tag: as memory serves over $800 U.S.

Painted and lettered for the DB (Era III) 20 type Fad-50/OOtz large volume hoppers for ore or coal comprise set 86306.

So why post this set now some 16 years after its release? Simple answer: what a beautiful collection of hoppers. Each hopper is painted and lettered with its own car number, plus hoppers feature weathering and real iron ore load. Very realistic down to the smallest details, every car is unique thus this post includes photos of both sides of each hopper.

Included in the caption is the item number followed by car number to help assist in identifying these cars.

Based on the post-war prototype which ran from Ruhrgebiet to Emden, Germany the Langer Heinrich was double-headed by 2 Class 44 Steam Locomotives.

The heavy weight of the Marklin cars may require 2 Class 44’s for pulling power thereby creating the prototype train. Marklin 88971 was the loco designated for this set which features a 5-Pole Motor: last generation motor.

Note: hopper 14 is incorrectly identified with car #612 206 in Collection: Marklin Spur Z (2015), correct number is 612 208.