Author Archives: garygraves

Lötschberg Tunnel: Railex Autotransportzug der BLS

Railex Autotransportzug (BLS) + Z-Modellbau Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin 8904 Autos

More than 8 years ago I shared a short post on the Railex Auto Transport Set for Lötschberg Tunnel. Today I revisit this set with an expanded post partly as tribute to 2 companies that cease to produce items for the Z Gauge Modeler: Railex and Z-Modellbau. Both companies expanded an idea: “What’s possible in Z?” Precision and execution of prototype accuracy has been the mission of both companies.

Z-Modellbau #3107 painted and lettered for the firm Vanoli is not associated in real life to the Lotschbereg Tunnel, but it is Swiss so therefore I use it for scale. The prototype locomotive for the tunnel is the BLS class Ae 4/4. Electric locomotives are used throughout Switzerland with countrywide limits on emissions: in Switzerland trucks are transported by rail.

Note: So far only Shapeways offers a Z Gauge class Ae 4/4 by Swiss Z Scale Models (Julian Ryf). Not to digress I will follow-up soon with a posting on my experience with printed Z models from the Shapeways platform.

There is little known about the company Railex except they were a German firm and one of the first to make precision Z scale locomotives and rolling stock, Railex was a company offering something else in Z. Marklin invented the scale and covered the gauge by offering electric, steam and diesel locomotives plus numerous accessories and well designed track sets which could be expanded, their unballasted track remains the benchmark for many modelers today. After more than 10 years, Marklin’s new gauge inspired a new company, Railex offered precision unpowered metal locomotives made of brass and nickel plated parts. And presumably a lot more expensive than Marklin. The unpowered locomotives could be powered by ‘ghost’ cars: motors hidden within box cars or coaches. I am not sure how successful ‘ghost’ cars were or if Railex manufactured them: were they after market retrofits? I don’t know the answer, examples I have seen over the years were non working and not identified. Today we know Railex by their products produced many years ago: their surviving legacy. And although most Railex locomotives and rolling are based on early German rail history today’s example is based on auto-transport cars used at the Lotschberg Tunnel in Switzerland. Along side my photos of the models please compare online photos of the trains operating today. Plus someone generously provided a movie.

Detail: 3 position coupler/draw-bar to allow wider gap between cars (Railex Autotransportzug (BLS) + Z-Modellbau Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin 8904 Autos)

Railex Autotransportzug is comprised of 5 cars: 2- open deck cars and 3- cars with roofs. Brass and stainless steel make-up the ingredients of these models, and the set utilizes a draw-bar coupling with 3 positions. The draw-bar is easier to use and operate than it appears, and the coupling is secure. Cars utilize a highly detailed filigree framework which demands delicate handling, but the parts are robust: not prone to bending unless roughly handled. And not for children!!! Signage is installed on the prototype at eye level and further up near framework for roofs, these signs are also installed on the Railex cars not that they can be easily seen which is interesting. Knowing all details are present on the Railex cars kind of completes the accurate portrayal of the prototype even if these details have to be sought out to see. I bought this set more than 20 years ago thus it was secondhand, it was delivered in a long black box with Railex sticker, set did not include cars. I used Marklin 8904 autos for the photos which is a great collection of 12 cars to assemble and glue. As a freight car set this is one of my favorites and one to look out for.

Railex Autotransportzug car detail: extensive prototypical signage

Railex Autotransportzug car detail: classic Railex logo

Railex Autotransportzug car with open deck for autos or high roof vehicles

Railex Autotransportzug car detail: stainless steel road bed with simulated timber car deck

Stainless steel roadbed sits atop suggested timber car floor. Note: stainless steel roadway was originally attached with double-stick tape, more than likely one or more will be pulling up from car body, my best suggestion is removing the entire loose section and scrapping off residue glue which will make part go flat instead of curling plus it will form a more permanent bond.

Z-Modellbau and its owner Dr. Andreas Scheibe produced the finest small locomotives for Z, he was unsurpassed by any manufacturer for the gauge. Dr. Scheibe has retired and his catalog of 45 distinct locomotives will be marveled at for many years to come. Z-Modellbau locomotives are powered by a maintenance free motors, they are highly detailed cast metal with very fine paintwork and lettering. Most of the locomotives are based on German prototypes, but other railroads are represented in his electric and shunting locomotive range including OBB, SBB, CFL, NS, NSB, and Banverket. Lacking electric lights, headlamps are suggested only but hardly noticeable. All of my Z-Modellbau’s were purchased from Quality Toy Trains in Napa, CA, but they could be purchased directly: made on demand with months to wait for delivery. No limitation was applied to production, but models are likely very small in number. Since operations ceased a used model sold for 3 times its original purchase price, but I won’t list values and prices since that is not the aim of my blog. I can’t think of a more valued company to the hobby of Z railroading than Z-Modellbau.

Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107)

Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin “Administration Building from Set 89982 + Marklin “weathered funnel flow car: wascosca” (82482)

Bringing examples together from 2 of the great manufacturers of Z is due no only to my passion for these articles, but Railex and Z-Modellbau’s key participation in the history of Z scale railroading.

Thanks for looking and happy railroading.

FR MY Diesel Loco Versus Marklin 88633 for DSB

Marklin released 88633 more than 10 years ago, it was their 4th NOHAB Diesel Locomotive. There have been another four released to date with little to no difference in appearance with paint and lettering for various railroads as the exception. This is a favorite locomotive type for me, I have all versions released by Marklin thus far. And one by FR which I would like to explore by way of contrasting the 2 companies interpretation of this locomotive. I chose DSB Class MY models with varying paint schemes to be close enough for this posting. Both companies are known for historical research based tooling and paint schemes, but when FR released their loco they claimed a higher level of accuracy concerning the NOHAB: time to consider the claim.

I will break down the post into the following categories: dimensions, weight, color, shell details, coupler system, wheel arrangement and mechanics.

Dimensions: buffer to buffer (FR 87mm / Marklin 86mm), body shell end to end (FR 81mm / Marklin 84mm), height from wheel flange (FR 19mm / Marklin 19mm) and width of body (FR 14mm / Marklin 15mm). Note: Marklin’s locomotive features buffers that are tiny and do not reflect what can be seen on prototypical locomotives (simple Google search will verify this conclusion). Further, Marklin’s DSB MY locomotive buffers appear to be comparable in size to the headlights. FR has modeled their buffers and body mounts more accurately to the prototype.

Weight: using a postal scale the FR weighs 1 1/2 ounces and the Marklin weighs 1 ounce. The weight difference is obvious in hand thus the FR model should be able to outperform the pulling capacity of the Marklin loco. Note: current Marklin Z NOHAB locomotive shells are cast with metal impregnated plastic which makes recent NOHAB’s a little heavier. Stayed tuned for a future post on this topic.

Color: as can be seen in the photos each locomotive exhibits different paint schemes which could be explained by the research each company performed. FR states the paint scheme they used is referred to as ‘economy without white striping.’ Examples can be found online with similar paint scheme as that used by Marklin.

Shell Details: this category maybe of particular interest to some collectors due to the number of differences. Marklin’s loco is clearly longer than FR, and Marklin 88633 is clearly wider. Roof is more rounded on the FR model. Roof equipment is slightly different on both models, but both appear accurate to their respective prototypes. Two styles of vents are used by each company, both are correct as can be seen from online photos of the prototypes. FR’s venting is very detailed almost 3 dimensional. One of the more consequential differences between the 2 models is body shape with the FR’s front and rear nose sloping at a dramatic angle versus the more squared off appearance on the Marklin, FR is closer in appearance to DSB ‘MY’ prototypes depicted in online photos, but the appearance of Marklin’s 88633 is very similar to other versions of the NOHAB painted and lettered for other railroads depicted in photos found online. Doors on the FR’s front and rear nose are cast versus suggested thru imprinting as on Marklin 88633 thus giving the Marklin a smoother finish. Add-ons for Marklin include lower step for cab access, on FR they include cab steps and railings. Marklin’s wider body shell gives its locomotive a boxier appearance, and its windows are small compared with the FR model. On the flipside, FR’s body shape is dramatic with narrower body and angled nose pitch plus those large windows.

Coupler System: connecting rolling stock to these locos could not be more different. Marklin uses their tried and true system which allows easy coupling and uncoupling with track #8587 whereas FR uses a simple wire which works well with the Marklin mini-club couplers, but it does not allow automatic uncoupling with Marklin uncoupling track section. If you display your locos the FR wire coupler virtually disappears.

Wheel Arrangement and Mechanics: one curious feature of the FR model is of course the snowplows which are standard equipment on Scandinavian trains, but missing on Marklin 88633. Marklin is missing the large pair of diesel tanks installed on the FR model’s chassis: not sure what is depicted between the Marklin’s wheel sets. The engineering and design of FR’s trucks conceal the wheels unlike Marklin’s design, I would further comment FR’s truck design is true to prototype, Marklin appears to be using a standard design they have used before which leaves top part 1st and 3rd pair of wheels exposed. Marklin wheel sets include metal gearing, FR fully nylon. Motive power on the Marklin 88633 is the very reliable 5 pole motor which was replaced in later models with motor featuring bell-shaped armature. FR has been using a similar motor for many years. And FR has been providing a choice: DC or DCC. FR’s digital (DCC) option includes extensive sound functions.

Conclusion: overall I would rate both locomotives as very good with the FR representing the prototype of a DSB MY locomotive more accurately plus FR offers a digital option. Marklin adopted a very interesting new casting feature: metal impregnated plastic thus current and future models have gained some weight which I will follow up on in a future post. Plus is there a difference between early versions of Marklin’s NOHAB locomotives and recent releases? I will follow up with a look at all released NOHAB’s to date.

Siding: FR Freudenreich has rebranded, the new company is named AB-Atelier Barkvieren. Packaging for the new company features red logo versus FR’s blue logo otherwise packaging is identical: clear acrylic boxes lined with dense white foam.

Faller 282800: Three-Sided Half Timber Farm Kit

As the title suggests Faller’s new 3 part farmstead is inspired by German timber frame construction, it is recognizable to all who have built model houses and buildings for German themed layouts thus there are many such kits in plastic and cardboard. This cardboard kit for Z scale by Faller contains the typical characteristics of Fallers laser-cut cardstock buildings including interior masking (introduced in their plastic kits years ago) and lightweight paper parts. Building the kits is fun but challenging particularly with the filigree paper ‘timber’ parts. So far I have built 16 Faller Laser-Cut Kits with no regrets or problems; they take good magnifying goggles, tweezers, small drops of good glue and PATIENCE. The finished builds are excellent, and I highly recommend them.

I divided this article into 3 sections mostly to show what the kit looks like built without alteration followed by 2 sections covering my attempts to add realistic color and texture. I am not a professional scenery modeler, and my steps taken should be considered as one way to do things not the only way to do things.

Section 1: How the Buildings Look Built with no Alterations

Note: end walls of barn were installed improperly, stucco wall should be installed other end so stucco wraps around building. Mistake is less noticeable further in build.

Note: roofing materials used by Faller are heavily detailed which is a nice feature, but they fray easily when bent from their flat original state. I score along the seem with 3 light scores with razor blade which significantly helps make a good bend.

Note: brick walls and fencing come with the kit to frame out the barnyard, there are numerous layout designs to consider along with Faller’s own suggestions.

Section 2: Attaching Buildings to a Light Birch Plywood for Later Layout Installation. Plus First Steps with Color and Scenery Construction.

Buildings glued to very thin birch plywood available from hobby stores which was first painted black.

Note: application of pigment with an airbrush to establish a layer of aging.

Note: dry-brush was used on roofing material to bring out texture, it was applied with inconsistent amounts of paint to mimic how roofs age with time.

Section 3: Fine-Tuning Paint and Textures. And Adding Cows and Shrubs

Note: fine brown ballast by Woodland Scenics was applied to ground surface.

Note: very thin birch plywood is prone to warping even at time of purchase, but it will be flat when glued to layout board.

Note: numerous dry-brush applications were used to enhance color and texture, I have gotten better results with my projects by not rushing things thus I came back to this model many times and tweeked this or that.

Note: Dark brown paint was applied to ground to suggest the varying shades of earth, grass will later be applied in patches to further layer the visual detailing surrounding the farmstead buildings. Dairy cows by Preiser were added to the pen. When this small diorama is ready to install on layout more animals will be added, flower boxes installed on house, tractor or other equipment placed somewhere in scene, and a tree or 2 will be added for shade. I will also open a door and add a figure too!

Thank you for having a look and happy railroading!

Marklin 88240: SBB Re 6×6 Electric Locomotive

Wait is over: Marklin USA has delivered Marklin 88240 to dealers.

New locomotive for SBB featuring new technology and tooling!! Based on prototype Re 6×6 electric locomotive in fire red paint scheme (Feuerrot) with road number 11666 “Stein am Rhein.” Re (‘R’: rapid) designation refers to higher cornering speed. I included the Google link below for further information on Swiss Locomotive Classification.

Extensive features are all in the details: highly detailed engine room which is unlit. Detailed buffer plates with realistic prototypical circular array of bolts. Separately applied grab rails which has been applied already to other locos. Very finely cast and painted vent covers along roof and atop roof. Snowplows are included as a part to install, I will detail installation later in post.

New technology applied to loco include split frame and sliding center wheel set with 4 very thin wheels unique to this model. Wheels have black spokes with highly detailed trucks.

How does it run? Loco requires a little more effort to place on tracks, but side lighting with flashlight does the trick. And it runs and performs perfectly, no one will be disappointed with this fantastic locomotive.

Snowplow Installation: Marklin includes snowplow parts inside box. Not sure why these were not factory installed as they are not exclusive for display purposes, loco will not be hindered from turning with snowplows installed. Maybe the reason is they are prone to falling off, they attach on one installation point. I applied a small dot of 5 minute epoxy to secure the parts. Refer to photos:

Snowplow is attached by pushing post into hole in coupler box.

Proper installation of snowplow does not interfere with coupler, frame or chassis: ‘v’ points to coupler forming the realistic snowplow shape.

Since it’s (88240) release Marklin has announced another Re to be released at the end of the year: 88241.

Marklin 88241 (planned delivery 4th Quarter 2024)

from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_locomotive_and_railcar_classification

Thanks for looking and Happy Railroading!

Marklin 88588: EuroSprinter 64

Developed and built by Siemens Mobility this global locomotive concept can even be found in the ranks of Amtrak. Marklin’s new release ES 64 (EuroSprinter 64) with article number 88588 is painted and lettered for MRCEdispolok in matte black. This is a partially retooled Z locomotive in that it features a 3rd pantograph (non-functioning) along with 2 electrically functioning pantographs. Very attractive locomotive and new member of Marklin’s Taurus locomotives in Z.

Faller 282795: Kandelhof Cinema

Kandelhof Cinema (No. 282795) was released last year, it serves as another interesting architectural offering by Faller for Z gauge. Faller is unique in that they offer both laser-cut cardstock kits and plastic kits. Faller’s build kits in cardstock or plastic share one thing in common: interior detailing in the form of masking. First designed for plastic kits Faller’s ingenious masking material provides window details (curtains and drapes) while also providing opacity after insertion of light inside buildings thus plastic parts don’t unrealistically glow. The mask material for laser-cut kits is unchanged from earlier versions for plastic kits even though the mask’s opacity is not an issue with cardstock kits, window details are thus provided for realism as an unchanged characteristic of Fallers kits.

This example based on prototype (Freiburg, Germany) comprising 4 story multi-use building which includes a cinema. Other parts of the building suggest apartments. Faller’s kit is a very good translation of the prototype with one difference: kit building is freestanding whereas prototype is abutted with another building. Faller thus added a garage and receiving area along with a wall of windows which make for a very interesting building irrespective of the prototype.

Characteristics of Faller’s laser-cut cardstock buildings are fairly lightweight paper parts and some fragile parts as well, but overall the buildings have a realistic scale and color. Packaging is top notch with shrink-wrapped sturdy box, but packaging doesn’t always ensure perfect delivery of the kits if factory errors occur. In this example my kit was delivered with heavy curled and folded parts, it took a bit of finesse to put things right as well as a bit of patience. The fragile parts of Faller kits are the roof pieces, they fray just by looking at them. I have found a little extra scoring on fold line of roof panel helps otherwise paper breaks and separates unrealistically. Movie poster signage was a bit disappointing, it looks nothing like those on the box’s packaging. Also color of parts varies with those found illustrated on the packaging, but this I found minor.

Modification: I made changes to the kit including framing out cinema signage and repainting shutters. The kit instructs cinema signage to be glued to cardboard parts before gluing to building, I didn’t think this would translate well thus I opted to frame out the 2 signs. In the second modification I decided to paint the shutters in a color complementary to those found on prototype: dark red/mahogany. Kit provided light gray shutters, I felt more contrast would work better thus I airbrushed the shutters before installation. Airbrushing has become an essential tool for me to add a little weathering or change color of cardstock parts without damaging the kits with other painting methods.

Overall I would highly recommend Faller kit 282795: good fun and good architecture.

Thanks for taking a look at this post and happy railroading!

Container Shipping in Z: Marklin and FR (“AB”)

By way of an announcement: German firm FR was recently rebranded as AB “Atelier Barkvieren.” This post will include a recent item produced by the newly minted firm. Not much is different between AB and FR comprising mostly Scandinavian models. Their current website reveals a noticeable reduction in locomotive offerings which might be temporary: wait and see. I hope for a fully recast range of items as before with prototypical rolling stock and locomotives of the highest quality plus high quality build kits.

On to the post titled “container shipping” which includes two recent offerings by the aforementioned company AB and Marklin. Why combine the two? Comparing similar car types by AB and Marklin reveals what is currently possible in Z. It might appear the AB model is more detail rich in some areas, but I would like to point out the differences without judging one as better than the other because each is as important to railroading in Z as the other.

The AB car painted and lettered for DB Schenker sits attached to a modified TAGAB Three-T class Os used to transport 40′ containers. Car type used in Sweden (Statens Jaravagar – SJ). Model features metal car frame and extensively printed container which is permanently attached to car body.

Marklin’s freight car set 82664 was recently released as a One Time Series for the MHI Program thus only available to MHI Dealers. Set includes 5 cars with containers painted and lettered for various firms. Twenty and forty foot containers detach from metal car bodies as they can be stacked too. End of car graphic details including essential prototype signage is not included. Warning stripes are painted on car frame ends. Containers feature precision posts which allow precise alignment stacked or installed on car frames. Era IV (1970-1990).

A modification I have seen over the years with this car type includes cutting off posts and gluing containers directly to car bodies: I don’t recommend this, it always turns out sloppy plus it is not necessary. And instantly the value of this set plummets.

Happy Railroading!

Starter Set: Marklin 81875 “Modern Freight Service”

Marklin’s new addition to their starters sets was introduced in 2023, it is still in production and widely available. The box consists of two-parts: cardboard top with molded styro-foam. Less clear in the photos are 2 tape seals: after the sets are made and packaged in Hungary each one destined for the USA is opened (tape seal cut), original transformer is exchanged for USA suitable transformer then re-taped and shipped to America. The big ugly warning sticker (this time!!!) was placed on the styro-foam bottom. As some may remember my post for the anniversary starter set, big ugly sticker was placed smack dab on the the front of the beautifully designed box top.

Heading the train set is a class 285 diesel locomotive mated with 3 freight cars lettered for VTG: 1- Eaos gondola, 1- Falns dump car, and 1- Shimmns sliding dump car. No one would say the freight cars are rarely seen as they have been in the Marklin mini-club line-up variously over the years, but this is the first representation of the Class 285 painted and lettered for RheinCargo (Neuss, Germany).

A port and rail freight service company RheinCargo’s logo sports two arrows of corresponding red and blue suggesting the dual enterprise of rail and port freight service. The company is of course large with their primary origination ports in Dusseldorf and Neuss, Germany also their headquarters and registered city.

Finding photos of the prototype Class 285 diesel is a bit limited, but it appears simply with logo against silver body with little imprinting otherwise. Smooth body locos are perfect for advertising thus it is kind of refreshing to see the loco simply presented without other graphics.

Marklin 81875 starter set includes all that’s needed to start in ‘Z’ including transformer and track. And of course the set’s basic oval of track can be expanded with track sets which are a good deal and cost less than ala carte track buys.

The handsome silver Class 285 locomotive is of course built with the new generation motor both silent and smooth. Does anyone miss the hum of the old 3 and 5 pole motors? Maybe performance wins out in the day, but I like the new and old technology equally.

Is this set something to add to a collection that is already underway? Perhaps not if budget is a concern, but seasoned collectors whom I have known over the years pick-up every starter set because each is unique and complete: everything you need in the box. For me the decision to put this in my collection was easy: beautiful locomotive!

Good luck railroading and be well!

Siding: Faller laser-cut cardboard building “Old Spinning Mill” is featured in this post, it is available under article #282742. Note: still available ask your retailer!

Marklin 81372: Train Set for Freight

Released to USA Dealers at the tail end of 2023 is the train set 81372: depicting a modern Era VI freight train painted and lettered for the firm EfW. Heading the train is the recognizable Class 212 known to mini-club collectors due to numerous versions released over the years. There have been fewer examples modeled after private firms, this one for the traction construction company operating out of Frechen, Germany.

Marklin describes the set as EfW (Westerwald Railroad Enthusiasts Transportation Company). I haven’t found information on the Westerwald Railroad Enthusiasts Transportation Company.

The train set includes a class 212 diesel locomotive and 4 DB AG type Fas 126 dump cars. Hydraulic dump cars include loads of gravel.

The locomotive on close examination reveals the logo for ‘EfW’. Crimson paint scheme is similar to that used by ‘DB’.

The set maybe based on the prototype used in Westerwald, Germany (concerning Marklin’s description). A Google search for Westerwald translates to “Western forest.” Westerwald comprises a mountain range and various mining activities: slate, iron ore, basalt, and clay.

Siding: cooling towers depicted in photos are laser-cut build kits by Archistories. And available from ZScaleHobo.com and ZMonster.com.

Just In Time: 88963 DRG Class 86 (new at USA dealers)!

New at USA dealers is Marklin 88963 tank locomotive Class 86 painted and lettered for DRG (German State Railroad) from Era II. An early German tank locomotive built in the years 1928 – 1943 for passenger and freight. Used on main and branch lines, Class 86 is one of the “Jack of All Trades” locomotive types. According to the Wikipedia page: 775 Class 86’s were built by various German Factories for use in the Mittelgebirge Region. Have a look at the Wikipedia Page for other historical details.

Marklin’s latest model of this fine locomotive is outstanding with great detailing of body and running gear. Two LED headlights illuminate its path, water tanks run length of boiler up to the cylinders, its a treat to watch the lively action of the moving locomotive.

Marklin’s first class 86 for mini-club was in production for a number of years starting 1980 until 2008, its item number 8896 painted and lettered for DB thus Era III. In 1996 the locomotive was reintroduced as a One Time Series for the MHI Program: painted “photo gray” and lettered for DRG with item number 88961. Both locomotives were powered by 3 pole motors.

As it happens (often) Marklin did not release a coach or freight set to go with this Era II locomotive this year, but there are plenty of good choices already produced including the very finely detailed 4 car coach set: 87681. The set is so good I am expanding this post to include lots of photos of it.

To fully appreciate the interesting architecture and detailing we look at each car independently thus next 4 photos are 87681-1: Baggage Car with 2 pair of hinged doors each side. Car number 101 976.

87681-2: 2nd and 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window (one side). Car number 35 909.

87681-3: 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window (one side). Car number 79 867.

87681-4: 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window. Car number 79 847.

Released in 2002, Marklin 87681 was offered until 2008, it followed the earlier release and first time introduction of identical car types as set 8768 (1990 – 1995), this set was painted and lettered for DB.

Final photo includes Faller’s new laser cut building: “Old Spinning Mill” article #282742. A good building design, but roof material is challenging to work with as its heavy texture gives way to damage during bending for assembly. Only trick I have found with this material is to score bending joints with a sharp knife otherwise material frays and you won’t have clean folds for assembly. Expect some less than desirable results.

Siding: hard to find ‘dealer old stock’ of this set thus the secondary/used market is likely only possibility. Check car numbers to confirm you have to a complete set.

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