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.
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.
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.
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.
