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.
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!
Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972) and Archistories ARC-104171 Transfer Table Shed 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 8800 special Golden Loco (1972)
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.
Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972)
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.
Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972)Note: plating reveals texture in the casting similar to gold-leaf which is not seen in painted versions Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972)
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.
Original presentation box for Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972)
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
Archistories “Dorpede” Fire Station #402191Archistories “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.
Archistories “Norbertus” Bridge is packaged with a keystone dated 1945, it is a masonry bridge constructed of cut stone that serves as a small bridge for single track train. Faller’s “Laasan” Bridge is a much earlier bridge and the first cast iron bridge in Europe, the original bridge was destroyed in 1945 giving these two bridges an interesting connection.
The Archistories bridge is suitable for crossing small stream, path or road, it is a sturdy build kit with heavy cardboard frame and structure. The railing provided with this kit is sturdy as well. It is a very easy to build kit for a small railroad.
Faller’s bridge is not only based on a prototype, it is based on a very early bridge erected in Poland at the end of the 18th century. The filigree cast iron spans are dynamic and lively from several vantage points, it is primarily used for small cars and trucks plus foot traffic. The kit was very easy to build, but mine was missing the #3 parts thus missing ‘L’ shaped sections had to be modeled with leftover card-stock.
Marklin factory truck crossing bridge is from the recent release cast metal truck set: 89023.
If it is possible to visit a late 19th century western United States town built by gold perhaps this station in its small dimensions satisfies that goal. Measuring 5 inches in length x 2 1/2 inches in overall width x 2 inches in height the “Goldtree Station” by Archistories is the fictional hub and gatekeeper for the outside world, it greeted new comers with grand dreams of making it rich and goods to keep a decidedly inhospitable landscape habitable.
This year marks the important anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad: 150 years East and West coasts joined by rails at Promontory Point, Utah. And a good time to consider modeling a western gold rush community in Z starting with this nice building exclusively sold by ZScaleHobo.com. And Marklin’s “Bumble Bee” locomotive and its passenger set from a few years back are a good train set for this station.
A fairly simple to build kit featuring partition walls which aid in realistic lighting effects, filigree parts which add realism to platform supports, and a mix of building materials including terracotta roof tiles and wood construction.
Goldtree station signage is laser cut with an appropriate American style font of the 19th century.
Railroads grew quickly after completion of the Transcontinental Railroad as did towns throughout the United States. Station and depot types changed too thus small stations with attached freight depots largely disappeared in the teens and 20’s, they were replaced by masonry structures supporting a network of hubs as people and goods were transported all over the United States. Towns who’s singular purpose supported the gold rush either grew independent of it or largely ceased to exist.
Note: exclusive worldwide dealer for this item is Zscalehobo.com
Construction notes: the ingenious feature of this Archistories kit are snap-in window frames and glazing, pre-cut glazing snap into place with gentle pressure followed by window frames, filigree timber sections are finally glued in place and permanently seal windows. Open freight doors are possible but interior detailing will need to be designed by the builder. *use glue sparingly and use great patience with light paper parts which cannot be realigned after gluing, plus snap-in window frames are prone to easy breakage, fraying and distortion.
Another important construction note: Part F10 is a delicate filigree part comprising the main entrance framework, after removing this part from the part sheet two more tabs need to be removed from either side of door frame: brackets should be flush to the structure. In my interpretation of this building it was missed thus reflected in the photos. A second important point is to install the 4 brackets (Part H4) for freight room before attaching roof.
Marklin 88035- Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad 2-6-0 “Mogul” locomotive featuring brass construction (2004-2006)
Just now arriving at dealers in very limited quantities is the Marklin train set 81772 for the MHI Program, it is another version of the V36 diesel locomotive in Z. Each release thus far has included modifications to the original prototype built as a solution for moving goods with less detection than steam trains during the war years.
Based on the Era IV V236 prototype of the German Federal Railroad (DB) featuring a roof cupola this train set includes interesting farm themed loads: hay bales, tractor and trailer.
Referred to as a “Nurnberg” roof cupola this modification relocates the operators’ controls and seat to the top of the cab thus allowing full 360 degree views.
Marklin 81772 + MBZ R16066 (Field Barn)
Type low side Klm 441 cars make up the train set and include tall stakes that can be installed. The interesting car type with metal sides and no hand brakes was released a year ago with and without hay bale loads. Hay bale load is molded composition and painted to reflect the color of natural hay. Tractor and trailer are wonderfully detailed including painted grill on tractor and rolling rubber tires. This set includes the very best tractor ever released for Z gauge.
New generation motor powers the loco which features leading and trailing LED’s. Locomotive runs smooth due to excellent weight and motive power.
Marklin 81772 + MBZ R16066 + MBZ R16069
A great collection of rural farmsteads are available in laser-cut kits by Marklin, Archistories, MBZ and Faller. MBZ’s “Granary” is one such rural building associated with grain and feed storage with very striking design.
Archistories new releases as of late Spring 2019 include 2 very interesting railway buildings: Makeshift Yard Tower and Distant Railway Office (Milepost 271).
Makeshift railway structures are a common feature of many railroads, they may include a recycled boxcar, repurposed building, or even a revamped “Donnerbuchse” (thunderbox) coach constructed by Archistories in kit form for Z. Built in the 1920’s thunderbox coaches were built entirely of steel and iron owing to their virtually indestructible nature and long life. Comfort was a secondary feature of these open coaches: rail and coach noises were amplified due to lack of sound buffering which led to the nickname “thunderboxes.”
A modification to the prototypical coach includes a bump-out which widens the mid section of the coach for viewing station. Further recorded in the model building are rivet heads along steel sheeting sections and heavy steel open frame steps and platform structure. This is a small building model, but it is packed with details and all edges are crisp: precision planning and implementation. Superb kit and remarkable achievement in a very small building. Light air-brushing to suggest dirt and grime is all that is needed with this perfectly pigmented kit.
Note: building kit presents two challenges: curling the roof section and assembling the stairs. Roof section: An un-tapered dowel, paintbrush, or other round implement is all that is needed to careful round out the roof section. Stairs: assemble one side of stairs at a time applying a small drop of glue with a toothpick followed by great care and patience with other side. Magnifying goggles, tweezers and toothpicks are required along with glue.
Distant railway offices are unknown in the United States in the form of this German example with 2 mechanical levers comprising a very small interlocking plant. Signage provided with the kit is lettered “Milepost 271” suggesting a particular point on the railway far from urban center. Perhaps the building further served as mail post. Kit includes two sets of signage with no hard-fast rule about placement.
Note: easy build kit comprising well made parts. Even with this tiny building no parts arrived damaged, distorted or missing: excellent kit!
The recent release 88001 steam locomotive continues Marklin’s limited release Museum locomotive series this time based on the class 80 steam locomotive in Bochum-Dahlhausen Museum’s collection.
Housed in a wooden box the locomotive comes with a numbered certificate with stated limitation of 499. Locomotive features photo-grey paint scheme with operating number 80 030.
The class 80 locomotive is a tank locomotive: coal bunker is behind the cab with water tanks welded to the sides. The model features the new generation brush-less motor and finely detailed running gear. Locomotive features metal construction with fine detailing, glazed cab windows and LED lights.
Marklin 88001 leading train of 8661 cars variously lettered SMI’s
Built in the late 1920’s for switching/shunting work, class 80 030 was built by Hohenzollern, its service life extended nearly 50 years retiring as an industrial switcher for the coal mining industry.
Marklin 88001, Marklin 8661 SMI cars variously lettered, and Archistories “Makeshift Yard Tower (111181)”Marklin 88001 leading train of Marklin SMI 8661 car types produced in 1996
Marklin’s very large laser-cut kit for the Hamburg Dammtor Station was broken into 2 parts on delivery and sold separately: station kit (89792) + bridges and arcades (89793).
The bridges and arcades modeled the elevated approach based on the prototype which includes shops and approach bridges. The shops portion of the kit could be built along one side of the elevation, but it did not include enough solid brick for both sides presumably giving a choice between dividing it 50/50 between the sides. Or the other option leaving one side complete and the second side un-decorated so to speak. If your layout includes 360 views perhaps finding a solution for completing both sides is for you as it is for me.
I have two complete kits including the one depicted that I will be using for a Christmas layout, this kit I divided the walling and shops equally between the two sides leaving large sections on both sides bare card-stock. What to do?
Archistories the company well documented by me on this site came out with a solution: “Masonry Slab Sheet” (ARC 806181), it simulates shaped and tinted concrete or natural slab rock. In the case of the Marklin 89793 in will provide natural stone retaining walls extending past the arcade shops. Installing on a layout will require a smooth transition from masonry built elevation to natural fill elevation. Photos are readily available on-line to view the Hamburg station as it looks today.
Note: my photos show installation of sheet sections directly to the original unfinished sides, but after completion I may redo the attachment after installing a thicker base perhaps 1/16″ inches. Projecting the slab stone out from the sides a little maybe much more natural in appearance.
The height of the elevation is 1 1/8 inches thus one sheet of Archistories ARC 806181. There is a correct orientation to the sheet with top and bottom either end of the vertical sheet, further the vertical sheet has a top and bottom which can be delineated after careful observation.
