Category Archives: Diesel Locomotives

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.

German Federal Postal Train: 81341

The motive power of this train set has origins to World War II. Designed to be less visible to Allied bombing than steam locomotives the Class V36 diesel locomotive was produced in small numbers with just over 250. Many V36’s survived well beyond the 2nd World War due to its reliability and easy maintenance, its removable side panels allowed easy access to the engine. Not sure how many perished before War’s end or their numbers Post War, but those that did survive seem to have served branch-line railroads for both passenger and freight plus shunting operations.

Marklin has thus far released V36’s alone and in train sets for various eras, this train set based on the 1960’s prototype for the German Federal Postal Service (Era III).

A couple of box cars along with one stake car are included in the set. Plus a Tempo 3- wheeler delivery vehicle painted yellow and lettered for the German Federal Postal Service.

The locomotive is small but fully capable of hauling the 3 freight cars in the set. Marklin describes locomotive’s construction mostly of metal. It might stall out in a turnout at slow speeds due to its short length, otherwise a good reliable locomotive in ‘Z’.

Z-Modellbau.de was the first to produce powered ‘Z’ gauge locomotives of this scale, but Marklin has caught up with their V36 models. Marklin has further surpassed what was possible in ‘Z’ with the release of Volkswagen Klv 20’s: 88025 + 88026. Of course all these developments are only possible due to the new generation motor Marklin is now using.

Set is delivered in Marklin’s current white box and includes: 1- Class V 36 Diesel Locomotive, 2- type Gmhs 53 boxcars, 1- type Rmms 33 stake car with a brakeman’s platform, and 1 Tempo 3-wheel delivery vehicle with movable rubber tires.

This is an MHI Release thus it is only available through MHI Dealers.

Siding: buildings featured in this post are Faller laser-cut kits recently released.

“50 YEARS MARKLIN Mini-Club!!!” SETS 81873 + 87402

Celebrating and commemorating fifty years of miniclub with two terrific releases: starter set 81873 and supplemental coach set 87402.

With reference to the first and second generation box designs, the new releases incorporate wood grain from the 70’s mini-club articles and later beige/orange stripes into box designs of the anniversary releases, further referencing mini-club history through depictions of Marklin’s clever advertising from the 70’s included on the starter set box.

A lovely passenger train with diesel locomotive, baggage car and 2 coaches in “Pop Colors” paint scheme further referencing the early 70’s: 1972 to be exact. A whole lot of effort went into these sets, Marklin designed something very special for the diehard mini-club collector.

Link to Marklin for a very special 50 Year chronology: https://www.maerklin.de/en/lp/2022/50yearsz#chronik

Talking trains: what comes inside the boxes?

Set 81873 includes everything you need to set-up a basic oval layout (according to Marklin: homage to set 8901) with train and transformer. The train (German Federal Railroad (DB): 1- class 216 diesel locomotive (includes new generation motor), 1- type Düm 902 baggage car, 1- type Aüm 203 1st class compartment car, and 1- type Büm 234 2nd class compartment car. “Pop Colors” paint scheme from 1972, Era IV.

Supplemental set 87402 extends the train set with 3 additional coaches painted variously: 1- type Bcüm 243 express train 2nd class slumber coach (bluish lilac), 1- type Büm 234 express train 2nd class compartment car (blue), and type Bcüm 243 express train 2nd class slumber coach (reddish violet).

Additional comments about 81873: I bought mine from a USA dealer, the set arrived with wear in the corners plus tape seals holding clear acrylic lid to styro-foam tray were slit open, it looked like an open-box item. It turns out the Marklin factory opened up sets destined for the USA to insert correct transformer. I have heard condition of some sets are better than others so wise to check with your dealer before buying. Additionally there is a big ugly ‘USA’ electrical warning sticker on the cover of the box which is too bad. Box appears to be fragile and susceptible to shelf scuffing, I have placed mine in an archival plastic sleeve just to be safe! Lastly plastic lid covering train in styro-foam tray is rigid plastic (great protection), it has a slight warm color: not neutral.

Big anniversary with 2 great items of celebration, I highly recommend these sets.

Siding: MHI (Marklin Handler’s Initiative) Release for “50 Years of Marklin Mini-Club.”

Smallest in ‘Z’: Marklin 88025

Marklin 88025 + 89805 (loco shed from set)

Based on the DB class Klv 20 maintenance-of-way vehicle Marklin’s 88025 is surely the smallest powered vehicle in ‘Z’ gauge history. Railex was probably the first to offer small locomotives for Z with their line of Kof shunting locos, but each was mechanical or non-motorized. Z-Modellbau is another evolution in small locos featuring various small locomotives including railcars and Kof’s. And they feature very good powered designs with brushless motors. But this new Marklin offering goes further, it is the smallest powered vehicle thus far for Z gauge railroading based on a modified VW bus used for MOW service.

Many photos of this vehicle exist with a simple google search, but I haven’t seen one featuring what appears to be a rack with bins on the roof, I am assuming it is a storage feature for tools, but I cannot verify this even after much research. Photos of the prototypes show headlamps covered over and non-functioning, instead they featured a pair of lamps installed either side of windshield, perhaps the prototype could not be modified for rail use while keeping the stock VW headlamps? Marklin’s model depicts headlamp area covered or as part of the body contour thus no functioning headlamps.

One of the recent examples of Marklin’s new technologies for Z is metal incorporated in the casting plastic for electric and diesel locos, adding a little weight in the shell is a genius move and adds to the overall better running of these locos, I tested this tiny crew bus through a turn-out without any skipping or hesitation: exceptional runner!

The impressive comparative size of the 88025 alongside the recent release 88484 (SJ RE 14).

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.

Marklin 81772: DB “Light Freight Train”

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.

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.

Marklin 81772 + Archistories 111181 (Makeshift Tower) + MBZ R16066 (Field Barn)

New generation motor powers the loco which features leading and trailing LED’s. Locomotive runs smooth due to excellent weight and motive power.

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.

UP + SP E8’s: joint collaboration Marklin/AZL

Marklin 88626 (only 46 prototypes were produced of the E8 ‘B’ unit)

The post war General Motors E8 diesel locomotive was built by their Electro Motive Division (EMD) in Illinois, it boasted a power reserve of 2250 hp for passenger service. Some units remained in service into the late 70’s pulling freight trains. Significantly longer than the F7 with significantly fewer produced than the latter, the E8 was designed with 2 – 6 axle trucks with 450 ‘A’ units produced versus more than 2000 F7 ‘A’ units.

Several prototypes were modeled in Z for the PRR, UP and SP railroads as a joint venture between Marklin and AZL, but aside from Marklin trucks/couplers and box the collaboration seems limited in scope with majority partnering coming from AZL.

Crisp graphics and accurate paint schemes plus detailed shells and trucks are equaled by what’s inside: heavy ballasting and robust brush-less motor.

Taking a look inside these locomotives reveal several unique design features of AZL versus Marklin including a heavily ballasted two-part frame. Holding the frame together are 3 pairs of phillips head screws which all but conceals the motor and transmission except for the circuit board which rests on top.

partial disassembly of E8 ‘A’ unit with showing skirting replacement part and extra truck included with loco

Servicing either of the trucks requires popping off the fuel tank thus revealing the middle set of screws: loosen only. Service one truck at a time by removing its designated pair of screws followed by gently prying the frame apart thereby allowing the truck to pop out. Repeat for other truck and test on track before reattaching fuel tank cover and shell.

one end of frame slightly pried apart allowing removal of truck, worm gear and pick-ups run length of frame

fuel tank and truck removed from frame, truck is held in frame within the recess in frame’s casting, two sides of frame secured with screws closes the space around top of truck frame thus securing in place

1 traction tire per truck and 2 powered axles per truck

locomotives come with Marklin couplers installed which can be replaced with provided skirting, also included is an extra truck, photo shows location of 3 screws per each side of frame

circuit board and LED light panel at one end are visible without shell, photo shows correct gap between two frame sides, drive mechanism is held within frame

Note: AZL gearing is comprised of nylon gears versus Marklin machined metal gearing, and AZL factory lubrication is grease versus oil.

brass worm gear and plastic skirting mount at frame end, frame is pried apart to allow truck removal

A full disassembly of the chassis and motor entails removing all 6 screws that hold the frame together with all components smartly fitted within. It should be noted that proper assembly of the frame leaves a consistent gap between the two sides: two frame sides do not touch. Transmission is properly fitted with plastic intermediary part positioned with prong ends down and engaged with holes in frame. Parts comprising motor and transmission must be seated properly for reassembly of frame, it is very important not to force these parts together.

truck gearing is permanently installed versus the take apart nature of Marklin trucks

inside and outside view of frame sides: worm gears held in place with nylon guides seated prong side down in designated holes

Inside view of the frame sides reveals a straightforward design concept

underside of frame shows normal gap between frame sides

The 3 ‘A’ units come equipped with prototypical skirting to replace the Marklin coupler which is simply installed following removal of shell, un-clipping coupler and spring, and sliding new skirting part with prong ends into frame recepticle.

LED light panel sits in slot with skirting bracket held in place with pressure from frame sides

skirting bracket is a two outlet plug which accepts the 2 prongs from the replacement skirting part, coupler is held in place with a removable metal clip otherwise the coupler includes the Marklin style coupler and spring, LED light panel is seen at the top of the frame assembly held in place with a designated slot

unique removable metal clip system for the coupler otherwise a normal Marklin set-up

Pulling power is further improved with traction tires which in combination with the heavy cast metal frame evenly distributed across the wheels ensure smooth operation. No need at all for adding extra weight to these locos!

Roof equipment varies between the prototypes thus the models reflect prototypical accuracy.

roof equipment varies between the locomotives

Very impressive locomotives from the stand point of aesthetics and performance unfortunately the installed Marklin couplers do not allow use of the only appropriate coaches produced by AZL. Maybe coaches are in development?

Siding: Marklin 88629 (PRR) is the fourth locomotive in this series

Z-Modellbau: 3111 Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) class 200 locomotive

The Dutch Railways (NS) diesel electric locomotive “Sikken/Locomotor” (nicknamed SIK or Goat) is a shunting locomotive built starting in 1934 with the final locomotive built in 1951: 169 total. Operated from the outside of the locomotive, it did not feature a dead man pedal. No air compressor on the locomotive required its whistle to use spent exhaust air. A very simple and reliable shunting locomotive featuring original paint scheme modeled expertly by Dr. Andreas Scheibe of Z-Modellbau.

The Z-Modellbau 3111 locomotive features brushless/maintenance free motor, metal construction and marklin compatible couplers.

Note: Z-Modellbau’s coupler design is unique featuring a non-distracting thin metal system which does not engage with the Marklin uncoupler track, it is nonetheless a very unique and proven coupler design.

Siding: Z-Modellbau locomotives are delivered in a foam lined small blue box with brief instruction booklet.

Siding: Archistories ‘Gantry Crane’ ARC-114111 is available at zscalemonster.com and zscalehobo.com. Crane features swiveling platform and can roll on deck with its brass axles. Build is moderately difficult, I recommend building one their house kits first to become acquainted with Archistories build kits.

Marklin: 88135 newest ‘Ludmilla’ diesel

After reunification in Germany the class of diesel locomotives nicknamed ‘Ludmilla’ were reclassified BR 232 by Deautsche Bahn (DB AG) with their former life as BR 132’s of the East German railway system (DR- Deutsche Reichsbahn: 1949-1993) built starting in 1968 by the firm Voroshilovgrad (Russia).

This heavy weight freight locomotive is still in widespread use within Germany and Poland with 400 operating units. It is a beautiful and particularly impressive locomotive with two cabs and a length of 68′ 3 3/4″. More than 700 locomotives were built between 1973-1982 with 3000 hp motors and operating speed 75 mph. Other class ‘Ludmillas’ were soon retired after German reunification, but the class 232’s are still in use today nearing 50 year service record.

Marklin’s recent 2018 release of 88135 is painted and lettered for DB/Railion (Era V), it is now designated as ‘sold out’ at the factory. 88135 is the latest release in the series which includes: 88131 (2009), 88132 (2014), 88133 (2013), 88134 (2016), and 88135 (2018). Plus sets: 81450 and 81451.

Note: Marklin 88131 is based on the BR 234: rebuilt 232 with bogies allowing an increase in the operating speed (87 mph)

Note: Marklin 88134 is based on the East German DR’s BR 132 with representative paint scheme from 1982

Note: Marklin set 81451 features the class 233 ‘Tiger’ (Ludmilla), this trainset is still available. A very nice and interesting H0 scale version of the Tiger (Ludmilla) includes the very latest cold steam technology and in digital operation can be controlled to simulate engine start-up idling (minimum exhaust), running operation (medium exhaust), and maximum exhaust, it is found under item #36431

81450 (2009/2010)

81451 (2017/2018)

88131 (2009) MHI Release

88132 (2014)

88133 (2013)

88134 (2016)

88135 (2018)

A common feature shared among all models in this class are LED headlamps and trailing lights, cab interiors suggested in white relief, superb running performance even at low speeds, excellent pulling power and varying roof equipment details specific to the prototype. A truly outstanding series of Marklin Z locomotives.

Siding: ‘BR’ designation preceding locomotive classification number is an abbreviation for the German word Baureihe which means class thus BR or class refers to locomotive classification

Siding: Archistories building kit ARC-114111 “Gantry Crane” is seen depicted in the background with Marklin 88135, it is a fine detailed kit with swiveling platform. It is available from zScalemonster.com and zScalehobo.com.

Z Trains Weekly

World of Z scale trains!