Category Archives: Accessories for Z

Black Forest Railroading – “Höllentalbahn”: Marklin 87507

BR 85 003 tank locomotive without smoke deflectors traveling across *Ravennabrücke* Viaduct (circa 1933)

Sometimes photographs are key evidence for prototypical modeling this one capturing the moment a BR 85 tank locomotive crosses the Ravennabrücke Viaduct in the Black Forest. Trailing behind are 5 coaches and baggage car of the type included in the new release “Höllentalbahn” Passenger Car Set: Marklin 87507.

Built in 1926-27, the Ravennabrücke Viaduct replaced a much earlier bridge (circa 1885) whose foundation sidings can be seen on the right. A rack railway was originally used until the BR 85 tank locomotive was designed and built in the early 1930’s .

This photograph and others in our collection are mostly stamped as belonging to Lokomotivbild-Archiv, Reichsbahn-Filmstelle, Berlin or Deutsche Reichsbahn and each includes numerous classifications and hand-written historical details. The photograph in this post however appears to have the correct operating number crossed out in the upper right (85 003) with the incorrect number more boldly represented on the photograph: only 10 class 85’s were produced. Our collection of vintage photographs from the Deutsche Reichsbahn archives will be included in upcoming posts including narrow gauge class 99’s so stay tuned.

Onto the model 87507, included in the 5 car set are coaches and baggage car: 3- type Bie 2nd class coaches, 1- type ABiwe 1st and 2nd class coach, and 1- type Pwie baggage car. And based on prototype from Era IIIb thus circa 1960. A great set featuring matte paint and very fine extensive lettering, it is also the announced mate for the upcoming release of 88889: BR 85 007. The new loco will be delivered with a build kit for a locomotive inspection station. And of course the new loco will have improved running gear detailing and new brushless motor, plus added treats include warning stripes painted on buffers and painted boiler bands. Please look for a future post featuring my favorite steam locomotive and its coach set! Plus more BR 85 historic photos too!

Without further ado:

Marklin 87507.1 (1st and 2nd class standard mainline coach)

Marklin 87507.2 (2nd class standard mailine coach)

Marklin 87507.3 (standard design baggage car)

Marklin 87507.4 (2nd class standard mailine coach)

Marklin 87507.5 (2nd class standard mailine coach)

Siding: Archistories Viaduct kit is a worthy candidate if you plan to model something similar to the above scene. Check it out at Z Scale Monster Trains or Z Scale Hobo. Note: your partner will enjoy the peace and quiet as you build this fun kit!

Archistories #128171 + #129171 (extension “add-on” kit)

FR and Marklin compatibility in container freight

Marklin 98062 (special imprint for Post Museums Shop)

A very important freight car type for railroads of all nations trading globally are those transporting containers. Depictions of this freight started appearing about 20 years ago in the Marklin Z line-up with several sets for DB (82360: 1997-1999), DB AG (82367: 1999-2001) and SBB (82368: 2000-2001); individual cars and train sets with this freight appeared later, but all conformed to a rather standard container based on 20 and 40 foot containers placed on Lgis 598 or Sgs 693 car types.

Variations in length and lettering have been offered thus far by Marklin, but another company worth a look at is FR (Freudenreich) whose line includes numerous interesting container freight cars lettered for international shipping companies interchangeable with the two Marklin car types. Marklin compatible couplers are also standard on FR freight cars.

More solidly constructed than Marklin, FR in partnership with MCZ Models produce containers which are finished along all seams and use the same pin specs as Marklin (NEM380 specification) thus fully compatible with designated container cars offered by both companies.

Marklin 82662 with FR/MCZ Models container lettered for HYUNDAI (prototype: 40′ high cube) *all other containers Marklin

Marklin 82662 loaded with FR/MCZ Models container lettered for ScanDutch (prototype: 40′ standard 42R1 reefer container)

With two exceptions all FR containers are interchangeable with Marklin: FR #46.818.40 (4 car set sold out) and #46.818.14 (4 car set currently available) feature permanently cemented containers.

Not all containers are shipped by sea some are transported only by truck and rail owing to unique possibilities for model railroaders.

Note: FR and MCZ Models containers available at ZScale Monster Trains: http://www.zscalemonster.com/mcz/ and FR trains available directly from FR Freudenreich: https://fr-model.eshop.t-online.de/

Marklin’s 8800 Golden Lok from 1972

Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972) and Archistories ARC-104171 Transfer Table Shed

In two years Marklin “mini-club” will be 50 years old, and this loco too! The common theme of course is gold in celebration of this milestone. The 1972 Nuremberg Toy Show would introduce ‘Z’ as Marklin’s new model railroad gauge; they touted it as the smallest in the world, it would eventually be eclipsed by T gauge thus becoming the second smallest gauge today, but who cares at this point.

Marklin produced the gold 8800 locomotive on the occasion of the 1972 Nuremberg Toy Fair and announcement of their new ‘Z’ gauge model railroad. Presented in a special box the gold locomotive was given to Marklin’s business partners (some have suggested it was a gift for members of the press?) at the 1972 event. Edition size is unknown, but it is fair to say limited. Interest in the model has waned over the years after reaching auction prices of $2000 twenty years ago (based on other collectors’ information and not verified by this author), today examples sell for $150- $300 sometimes missing the original box.

Many details about this model have been gathered over time from numerous sources thus some inaccuracies maybe unavoidable, as new information comes forward I will seek to update this post.

Note: plating reveals texture in the casting similar to gold-leaf which is not seen in painted versions

Looking out for counterfeit versions: one dealer told me years ago following high auction prices that Chinese firms were making fakes. I haven’t seen any fake versions, but another dealer told me fake ones have 5 chrome gears whereas originals have 5 openings in the oil pan with 4 bronze gears and 1 chrome one. The locomotive also featured the original 3 pole motor which was used in mini-club locos until the introduction of the 5 pole motor in 1998. Original shells were gold plated metal casting thus no tarnishing will further distinguish it as authentic. An original box is another helpful article to find with this loco, it featured wood grain in its design as other mini-club locos, but also featured metallic sheen too. Note to collectors: original complete box is perhaps equal in value to the locomotive.

Original presentation box for Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972)

“Goldene Lok (Golden Lok)” and “Goldiloks (Goldilocks)” are nicknames given by collectors for the locomotive, but Marklin may have originally named it “Goldene (Golden)”. Produced in gold perhaps distinguishing it as being made during the Olympic year of 1972?

First fold-out: “She is a delightful present for her (you?) and much more” -Google Translate

Box features multiple fold-outs and text: “it (locomotive) is the symbol of the <Golden> chance 72” thus marketing the new gauge as “the first world record of the olympic year.” Further describing the attributes of the new small gauge we have all come to know and appreciate.

Note: 50 years on and this little loco runs like a top due to the extremely good design and manufacturing at Marklin: here’s to fifty more!

Siding: rough performance and shaking with steam locomotives maybe due to bent side rods, if the side rods are bent inward they can impede smooth running, bending the side rods outward with great care should remedy it

Z -Modellbau: “Vanoli” Koff II

One of the smallest locomotive types offered by Z-Modellbau is the Kof diesel who’s line-up includes this Swiss one plus German, Austrian and Norwegian variants. Painted and lettered for the private firm “Vanoli” this class Kof II features dark gray and yellow paint scheme.

Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982

Locomotive features full metal construction and brush-less motor making this one of the smallest locomotives in Z with its own motive power. Unique coupler design interfaces with Marklin, it is otherwise unobtrusive. Non functioning headlamps are very precisely painted in. Fully glazed operator’s cabin plus separately applied parts include coupling hoses.

Because of its short length the locomotive can potentially have difficulty thru turnouts otherwise the operation is smooth with very sensitive braking characteristics.

Paired with a funnel flow car the scale of this locomotive is truly impression considering it too can easily pull a line of freight cars through a yard. Unique in recent offerings by Marklin are second release freight cars which feature authentic ‘weathering’. The Swiss firm Wascosa has been featured numerous times in the Marklin mini-club line-up, but for the first time Wascosa’s paint and lettering scheme was applied to the newly produced funnel flow car type in set 82530 (2013) which included 4 blue Wascosa cars as part of the 20 car set, it was later released in ‘weathered’ variants (item #82482- 82485).

Administration building for the DB can be seen along the tracks, this laser cut building was included with Marklin turntable 89982.

Fire Station Laser Kits by Archistories + Wespe Fire Truck

Archistories “Dorpede” Fire Station #402191

Another very interesting European style (German) building for Z gauge is offered in two versions by Archistories: “brick in-fill open timber” (ARC 402191) and “stucco open timber” (ARC 401191 not pictured). Although this description rather generally portrays their difference a further examination reveals contrasting materials for roofing and hose tower sheathed in “saw tooth” green tinted timber versus the continuation of stucco on the other.

Two very different buildings with the same footprint are thus offered as “Kallental” fire station (stucco) and “Dorpede” fire station (brick in-fill). Framework construction is an architectural design found in Germany and widely modeled in Z and other gauges. Archistories kits offer features not found in other kits including true to scale design, partition walls and fine detailing. The latter translates to many separately applied parts that require time and patience but worth it in the end. The two fire stations also include hinged doors which if properly installed can be opened and closed to partially conceal a fire truck.

Archistories “Dorpede” Fire Station #402191 (Wespe Model truck not included in building kit)

Window glazings are scored thus giving the builder precise parts for installation. Plus layered construction with multiple parts create a precision model few could dispute as anything short of a very good building for a layout.

At just under under 300 parts this is a building kit that should not be rushed with some very tiny windowsills capping the most difficult parts to install.

The finished building represents a solid well maintained public works building featuring large garage and hose tower used for hanging and drying hoses.

Every fire station needs a fire truck, but few are offered in Z. An exceptional fire truck delivered fully painted is produced by Wespe Models of Romania, it offers very fine detailing and hand painting.

Wespe Models, “Opel Feuerwehr,” #CAV 22007

DB Tank Locomotive: Marklin 88955

Marklin 88955 class 74 Era III tank locomotive for German Federal Railroad (DB)

The class 74 tank locomotive painted and lettered for the German Federal Railroad is a recent release sort of (2017-2018), I got mine recently but it proved to be a rather difficult loco to get a hold of: I should have pre-ordered it! Other locos in this series with improved running gear based on the first generation 8895 (2000-2006) were much easier to find than this one. Perhaps some dealers have these in inventory, it is or should be a fairly popular loco lettered for the DB and based on Era III: a perfect loco for small railroads and regional passenger traffic.

Several subtle modifications exist within the evolution of this tank locomotive for Z including brass bell prominently installed behind stack on the 88955. Identifying tank locomotives is easy, it is hard to miss the water tanks installed on the sides of the locomotive and coal hopper behind cab. Plus “tender-less” operation. Motor in the model is mounted vertically with worm-gear facing down, motor is 5 pole type with long brushes (part #89871) extending from the armature alongside the chassis providing current to the circuit board and LED lights. LED lights in this locomotive are bright and trailing lights continue to be rendered with paint versus working. Also features plastic couplers at both ends for push/pull operation.

Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen”

Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” . Plus Faller 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen.

The curious coach seen here with 88955 is the graffiti car issued by Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg) as one time release in 2008 (600 total): Marklin 98085 “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” and Miniatur Wunderland’s Car #10.

Faller’s continuing series of laser-cut building kits included this nice train station from a few years ago: 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen (based on 1915 prototype).

Siding: here is a link to Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg: https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/

Holiday Releases Week: Halloween Cars in Z – Marklin

Marklin came up with the idea to release Halloween themed cars as part of two starter sets beginning in 2003; they included track, loco and set 00832 included a couple of ceramic jack-o-lanterns.

Unfortunately the starter sets included the standard class 89 steam locomotive that usually goes in starter sets, but the locos came in black; they would have been better if painted with Halloween theme?

The four cars total for Halloween included 2 per set released 2003 + 2004 respectively. Set 00815 included two cars (type 8600 and 8615) painted with glow-in-the-dark pigment.

“Ghouls” – Type 8600 refrigerator car from starter set 00815 (2003) Note: features glow in the dark paint

“Pumpkins and Ghouls” – Type 8615 car from starter set 00815 (2003) Note: features glow in the dark paint

And set 00832 also included car types 8600 and 8615 (2 cars total in set) with bright orange and black paint scheme.

“Scary Face” – type 8600 refrigerator car from starter set 00832

“Jack-O-Lantern” – type 8615 car from starter set 00832

After writing this post I realized there are any number of interesting Halloween themed trains including haunted houses, dead trees, candy corn loads for custom painted in orange gondola and on and on. A fun project to break up the long term goals of more serious layouts: we all need more projects?

Siding: collectors tend to sell these cars in pairs so keep an eye out, value for Halloween cars range from $25-$50 a piece; they are the most valuable part of the starter sets and the locos are not special so I recommend going for the cars only and saving some dough.

Holiday Releases Week: Easter Cars in Z – Marklin

I have to admit, I did not start collecting Marklin Z based on their holiday releases, they came later after settling in for the long haul collecting Marklin. For collectors, Marklin’s holiday releases are “One Time Series” thereby making them limited and eventually rare. For train collectors who concentrate on prototypical railroading holiday themed cars will probably not cut it.

But collecting trains can have an outlaying interest: making fun and not so serious holiday layouts or novelty layouts which are theme based diverging from serious railroading which is ever present in most railroaders’ mindsets.

Kids and grand kids or those young at heart will respond with joy and amazement at one other version of model train collecting with Marklin’s theme based releases: Halloween, Christmas and Easter. Roughly speaking the first limited holiday releases were for Christmas in 1997. Plus this is an excellent opportunity to have the family creatively contribute to your hobby.

This week I thought I would share some of these cars from my collection which is complete for Christmas, incomplete for Easter and complete for Halloween.

Today is Easter! The first Easter release in my collection is a complete dealer display including wooden bunny which holds silver tray with one Easter egg ornament perched atop. This One Time Series for 2000 was released with 5 color variations of the paper insert including orange, blue, yellow, green and red. The design featured 3 colorful bunnies gracing the sides of a type 8615 box car with brakeman’s cab used mostly on holiday releases. Dealer displays included backlit graphic sign which slide into a custom made Marklin display which could be switched out for future releases.

Marklin 00811 Dealer Display “Bunny with silver tray” . One Time Release 2000 included type 8615 boxcar with acrylic Easter egg. 5 color variations of paper insert including: orange, blue, yellow, green, and red.

Marklin 00811 Easter car with 3 bunnies and chick

The One Time Release for 2001 is the “Frohe Ostern (Happy Easter)” car featuring flower design which also incorporated the type 8615 car.

Marklin 00000 Easter car with dogwood flower design. Note: ‘m’ symbol lower right indicating a limited release car. Note: may have been given to Marklin employees(?).

2003 was the year of the ‘chick’ with Marklin’s Easter release depicting yellow chick: 00813.

Breaking with tradition the type 8615 car was swapped out with a sliding wall boxcar for the 2016 Easter release: 80416.

An adorable “Happy Easter” design followed in 2017 with a design depicting two bunnies against colorful blue background: 80417.

Skipping a year due to hole in my collection we proceed to this year’s release combining a relatively new technology being used at Marklin: laser cut card-stock constructions. In this year’s release bunnies are depicted as cardboard cut-outs: a bit of sculpture as interesting cargo: 80419.

Marklin 80419 Note: car has a slight curl or warp suggesting a defect in manufacturing, if you get hold of this car consider returning it for exchange.

Marklin Easter releases are far more encompassing than simply a freight car in an acrylic Easter ornament, they include a large colorful gift box with Easter basket and grass.

Marklin Laser-cut Signal Bridge: 89601

Marklin laser-cut building 89601 + Marklin 88031

The recent release Marklin 89601 Signal Bridge is an inexpensive but extremely impressive building for Z modelers. One of the more important buildings to include in a layout is a relatively modern signal bridge thereby incorporating multiple possible era’s within a German model railroad. Marklin’s new release class 24 steam locomotive 88031 provides interesting scale to the new building, it represents an extensive redesign of the ’24’ with new coupled tender and improved running gear: side rod action on this locomotive is lively and expressive in a way early versions are not.

A very interesting small build kit with a very reasonable price based on a preserved prototype in Germany, 89601 is not an easy kit to build, it has it’s challenges, but it is none the less a good and recommended kit to try.

For one the building exhibits excellent scale in one particular way: trains running along side her are magnificently modest as they travel along under her wing. The scope of the building includes an attached shed and transecting observation and control room with controls depicted in cut-out illustration.

Such structures are common enough that their omission on a model layout should be reconsidered.

Build Notes: consider attaching all small parts after building the structure, these parts include small window sills and architectural decorative moldings as these may be exposed to excessive handling during completion of the building. Further veering away from printed instructions consider adding steel roll-down sheeting on two windows with attached parts otherwise omit in accord with personal preferences. Presumably the sheeting is covering adjacent windows rapping a corner to allow more wall small within the structure (?).

Another build note: extension over tracks is supported by a modeled steel framework which is a delicate part and inserted into a cardboard base, photos for this post do not show the main structure and supporting structure comprising base for track-over extension cemented to a base therefore they appear crooked or “out-of-sync” with each other, please disregard building will be perfectly lined up after permanent cementing.

Another build note: consider filling gaps between parts with wood glue followed with painting part ends/seams to create a seamless edge-to-edge appearance. *building depicted in this post document the building without any finishing touches.

Marklin Cast Metal Truck Set: 89023

Marklin new release diecast truck set features 4 trucks and a forklift: two trucks are factory weathered.

Several Era’s are represented in the set including Era 2-6 with interesting and advertising for a brewery truck and Marklin factory truck. Features of the set include custom weathering for two trucks but also fine graphic printing and painted details including grill and lamps on Marklin truck.

Attractive paint schemes for trucks found in several earlier releases including the factory, museum sets and insider models.

Forklift included with the set in bright safety yellow paint scheme, it features remarkably good casting and details.

Siding: set appears to be cast and painted in Germany

Z Trains Weekly

World of Z scale trains!