Category Archives: German Federal Railroad (DB)

Marklin’s Exquisite Insider Model for 2024: 88820

**Marklin 88820: Insider Model 2024** copyright ZTrainsWeekly.com

Wow! I have every reason to like Marklin’s recent release 88820: detailing, running performance, and appearance: all charm and no disappointment.

Many Insider Members who I know have been waiting anxiously for this model, and several have asked if I could land one for them. Unfortunately I have only one for my collection otherwise I would happily connect collectors with a dealer who could provide one. Best option to secure rare Insider Models is joining the Club for $99/year, membership includes free Insider car in HO or Z, subscription to Marklin Magazine, and invitation/order form for Insider Locomotive Release.

Marklin 88820 (Marklin’s website: with permission): A Rustic Icon on German Tracks
When currently one of the numerous preserved Wismar rail busses comes on stage, even steam locomotives retreat to the background. “Pig Snouts” are the name given to these powered rail cars, which during the world economic crisis kept many small and branch lines from being abandoned. The design was ingeniously simple and at the same time extremely cost effective: A simple welded car body was used and a mass-produced drive system from the truck industry was installed in each direction of travel. As with road trucks there was a motor hood at both ends, commonly called a snout. Most cars had a roof baggage rack for baggage or small freight. The car builder Wismar built 57 units between 1932 and 1941. Railroaders and passengers loved their rustic rattling boxes and gave them the nickname “Pig Snouts”. Currently, the Wismar rail busses enjoy an absolute cult status. This is not the only reason a snout belongs on the roster of every model railroader. In addition, the German Federal Railroad had three Wismar units for a short time on its roster after 1949. The red “Pig Snouts” thus goes on any Era III layout.

This is the first Marklin Z Gauge Wismer ‘Snout’ locomotive, but the now shuttered company Z-Modellbau produced it first. Both companies use similar motors, and both appear built to scale, but Z-Modellbau have slightly better build quality than Marklin: Z-Modellbau locomotives used brass gearing and metal construction. BUT Marklin’s example could be seen as better design with just the right combination of plastic and metal. Although Z-Modellbau locos were entirely handmade masterpieces now considered very rare, Marklin is offering a much more affordable solution with working headlights.

Marklin 88820 is based on an Era III class VT 88.9 (former DRG class VT Cvt-34) rail bus painted and lettered for the DB (German Federal Railroad).

The model is a charmer with metal hoods and frame, efficient maintenance free motor, headlights and interior lighting, and metal add-on parts including roof rack and ladders.

On the test track the rail bus moved flawlessly at slow speeds. Tiny tiny headlights unique to this Marklin model: brilliant and realistic.

This release will be remembered for years as a truly exciting new addition to the Marklin Catalog of Z gauge items. Mine received yesterday from ZscaleHOBO.com is already proudly displayed alongside equivalent examples by Railex, FR, and Z-Modellbau.

Siding: Viaduct Bridge (128171) featured in this post is non other than Archistories, it can be infinitely expanded with 2 Arch Extension (129171). 128171 + 129171 can be built single or double track. Kits available in USA: https://zscalehobo.com/ and http://www.zscalemonster.com/

Marklin 86061: Baggage Car

Marklin baggage car 86061 is loaded with detail. As Marklin’s description notes: it does not have a cupola which is pretty obvious. It features extensive lettering, metal wheels and plastic shell. Identified as type Pwgs 041 Baggage Car, it is painted and lettered for German Federal Railroad (Era IV).

A freight car so rich in details it deserves its own post. And its still floating around at the dealers, but out of production at Marklin.

Era V Freight Set: Marklin 82542

Marklin Era V freight car set 82542 includes 4 type Eanos-x 052 gondolas painted and lettered for DB Cargo and DB respectively. Here is a set I nearly passed on as I have a number of Eanos gondolas already by Marklin and FR, but I changed my mind after seeing this set in person.

Not visible in the Marklin photos of the set are their loads: each car is loaded with a different scrap metal load including pipe, i-beams, and crushed rusty metal. Very good realistic representation of rust and oxidized metal. Marklin in the past has not made these loads instead they have come from specialist manufacturers in Germany, and they are usually labeled as such on the bottom. But these loads are not labeled thus I don’t believe they are made by Marklin, but I am also not sure.

A recent development is the use of a translucent plastic used to make the red Eanos cars, I first noticed this type of plastic with the tank car from the DR passenger set: 87503. The plastic is so translucent a small amount of light illuminates it. It’s a bit distracting and unrealistic thus I must give a rather mixed review for this set. Note: see translucence of red cars in photos.

Repair Notes: Trans Europe Express 8873-88735

I was contacted recently by someone asking for 8873 spare part couplers, unfortunately I could not help them out, but this inquiry turned into something interesting that I decided to explore and perhaps help others.

Marklin Part #452540 (unique coupler for 8873)

Released in 1994, the 8873 remained in production until 1998, it was my first large single purchase of a Z gauge train, but it was worth every penny. My excitement was quickly dashed trying to run it: train sputtered and dragged on the track, but a repair solution turned out to be easy: simply bypass both diodes on each circuit board, I posted about this repair early on in this blog thus more detailed and illustrated instructions are available.

A total of 6 VT train sets have been released thus far commencing with the 88735 (“Blue Star Train”) in 2012 which was a limited one time series, it was delivered with a certificate.

Eighteen years covers the history of Marklin TEE releases in Z with few changes over the years. One important change Marklin made early was couplers, 8873’s unique coupler was redesigned for subsequent releases. Not only was a new coupler introduced with the 88731 release the entire apparatus leading from the circuit board was a redesign with new parts added. But was the change needed? Maybe/maybe not, I have never seen a failure of the original 8873 coupler which simply gathers electrical current from brass rings with spring tension around coupler.

Top to Bottom: coupler (8873) coupler (88731 + 88732) coupler (88733 + 88734 + 88735)

Describing the couplers used after 8873 includes several changes including shortening posts from circuit board and the addition of plastic parts (red and black). Posts now engage with brass strips on plastic parts, brass also holds coupler under light pressure thus supporting a good electrical connection. Couplers after the original coupler fall into 2 types with subtle differences although Marklin Collection Guide only lists 2 for this type of train set: ‘Kupplun 3B (8873) and ‘Kupplun 6A (88731/88732/88733/88734/88735). I distinguish two types of 6A couplers based on their construction: version 1 (88731 and 88732) uses more brass to cover coupler, brass (version 1) is solidly laminated to both sides of inner plastic core, version 2 (88733 + 88734 + 88735) features two small holes in each brass side of coupler which appear to be melt points. Of all the coupler types I have experienced 2 failures with the latest coupler design: brass separates from coupler.

Marklin Circuit Boards: 8873 (top) and 88731 (bottom)

Marklin Circuit Boards: 88731 (bottom) and 88734 (top)

Repairing the latest generation coupler is easy with a pin size dot of super glue, but it requires very precise alignment. In my opinion it is best to replace coupler with a new part, but new couplers require modification to work correctly. As can be seen in the attached photos a brand new replacement coupler from Marklin needs modification to work correctly, they seem to be delivered a little too big to fit properly plus plastic edges can be a little rough. For the coupler to work correctly in needs to move freely back and forth.

Marklin Part #E213 702 (coupler for 88731, 88732, 88733, 88734, 88735)

Marklin Coupler E213 702 (left as delivered: too big side to side plus plastic needs smoothing) (right: modified to freely move)

Marklin Coupler E213 702 as delivered (does not fit properly too big: it needs to move freely inside red part)

Other important changes include 5 Pole Motors in both powered end units (introduced 1998), it is used in 88732 + 88733 + 88734 + 88735. Even today you might still find fans of the 3 pole motor who describe it as “very robust.” But also a little more noisy than 5 poles.

After having roofs off coaches I decided to add another Marklin improvement: larger weights in coaches.

Marklin 8873 with silver weight and Marklin 88734 with large blackened weight

If you need or desire to gain access to the interior of VT11.5 coaches carefully pull up roof panels from corner with finger nail: DO NOT USE ANYTHING METAL AS THIS AREA IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO SCRATCHING!!!! Roof panels snap back on easily.

Unlike the interior of the 88731 (Max Liebermann and train sets in this class that followed) 8873 has long pins the circuit board slides onto.

Marklin 8873 with pins in car body which circuit board slides onto

Releases since 1994 of this train set: 8873 BR VT 11.5 for DB (1994-1998), 88731 BR 601 for DR Trans Europ Express “Max Liebermann” (MHI-1997), 88732 BR 601 for DB “ALPEN-SEE-EXPRESS” (2000-2002), 88733 VT 11.5 for DB “Saphir” (2007), 88734 BR 601 for DB “Mediolanum” (2010), and 88735 BR 601 for ESG “Blue Star Train” (MHI-2012)

Marklin 86306: “Langer Heinrich” Ore and Coal Car Set

Sixteen years ago (2008) Marklin released 86306 as a One Time Series: “Langer Heinrich” (Long Henry) ore hopper set along with steam locomotive 88971 to complete the train set. Comprising 20 large capacity hoppers the complete car set measures 39 inches (end to end).

The set was delivered in a cardboard box measuring 8 9/16 x 7 5/16 x 2 inches with display features (illustrated fold-out) for dealers at their store whereby individual cars could be purchased from the set. Sold also as a complete set with high price tag: as memory serves over $800 U.S.

Painted and lettered for the DB (Era III) 20 type Fad-50/OOtz large volume hoppers for ore or coal comprise set 86306.

So why post this set now some 16 years after its release? Simple answer: what a beautiful collection of hoppers. Each hopper is painted and lettered with its own car number, plus hoppers feature weathering and real iron ore load. Very realistic down to the smallest details, every car is unique thus this post includes photos of both sides of each hopper.

Included in the caption is the item number followed by car number to help assist in identifying these cars.

Based on the post-war prototype which ran from Ruhrgebiet to Emden, Germany the Langer Heinrich was double-headed by 2 Class 44 Steam Locomotives.

The heavy weight of the Marklin cars may require 2 Class 44’s for pulling power thereby creating the prototype train. Marklin 88971 was the loco designated for this set which features a 5-Pole Motor: last generation motor.

Note: hopper 14 is incorrectly identified with car #612 206 in Collection: Marklin Spur Z (2015), correct number is 612 208.

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!

Christmas Comes Once a Year: Marklin Delivers 2 in ‘Z’

I am a self professed Christmas Toy nut thus collecting all things Christmas in Z comes easy. But because they are fantasy designs serious railroading fans scorn the addition of such rolling stock on their layouts: many are good friends that I respect a lot for their knowledge and commitment to the hobby and history of trains thus I get it, but for all others Marklin’s 2 offerings this year are a hit!

First there is 80633 Christmas Ornament Car continuing the yearly special edition begun in 2000. This year it is the first Christmas car designed around the all familiar baggage/luggage car painted chocolate brown with a tasty ornament design strung along its sides. This beautiful car is housed in an acrylic gingerbread house. And a ribbon is included for the tree. Outer carton carries the label “Made in Germany” which is unusual these days for Marklin Z items: no matter however. The outer carton is beautifully printed and designed, but with Marklin Z Christmas Ornaments the carton is often dented and creased, this year is no different: too bad! Car and ornament are always delivered perfect by contrast.

Big deal for Christmas this year is the Christmas steam locomotive and tender, it is based on the classic heavy freight Class 50 loco and features a beautiful wispy Christmas themed design previously incorporated into design of Marklin 55389 Gauge 1 ‘P8’ (2016) and Marklin 37899 HO Class 50 (2016). Both former releases featured lit Christmas trees on the front buffer beam as well Christmas tunes from the sound-board as a digital feature. It took Marklin a few years to produce and offer 88847 design used previous, and I believe it will be as popular as the Gauge 1 and HO Christmas locomotives. But there is an additional surprise: custom wood box housing locomotive features a pressure-sensitive device which plays “Jingle Bells” when box is open thus converting display box to music box too!

Siding: USA Dealers recently received loco 88847 already sold out at the factory.

Siding: Marklin produced a 2nd HO Christmas themed Class 01 with different design perhaps it will follow for Z? Hope so!

“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.”

German E 18 Electric Locomotive: Marklin 88080 + 88088

Noticeable differences apply to Marklin’s Era III Class E 18 electric loco both on the outside and inner workings.

The Class E 18 electric locomotive was designed for express train service, it was built over a 20 year span starting in 1935 in Germany and Austria. Although it was designed for express train service it subsequently became an important general purpose locomotive. Marklin’s 88080 and 88088 are based on post war (Era III) prototypes.

Marklin 88080 was released in 2002, it stayed in the program until 2008. This attractive locomotive was the first mini-club Class E 18, its features include 5 pole motor and LED headlamps.

The recent release 88088 features a new motor designed to be maintenance-free: no longer are worn brushes changed out as was the case with the earlier 3 pole and 5 pole motors. The paint scheme is similar for both locomotives, but paint sheen varies: 88088 is matte (prototypical?), and 88080 is glossy which gives the paint an appearance of more saturation and maybe bluer looking.

Both generations of the E 18 are good runners with the 88088 running a little quieter and better at slow speeds. It should be noted that earlier versions of the E 18’s performance are exceptional: in my opinion no great improvement between the new release and the older versions, I don’t think a trade-in of the old for new is warranted: save your money for other new releases (?). Perhaps others may feel differently, but I have felt since its release in 2002 the 88080 ran superbly, and I still do, including all the various releases since 2002.

Marklin 88088 + Faller 282774 (Quakenbruck Town/City Hall)

How do they look? Paint scheme of 88088 maybe more prototypical (?). Paint is brighter on the 88080 due to its gloss finish.

Siding: releases of the E18 have included a bright pink/red instruction sheet placed over loco in box with instruction to store loco in box with pantographs fully extended thus to avoid breakage of the delicate roof details and wires rendered in plastic. This loco did not include this warning slip, but it is advised to store your loco with pantographs up!

New Marklin Z Loco Design and Groovy Train Set

Marklin’s MHI Release 81356 includes a new design Class 141 electric locomotive and 3 “Silver Coin” coaches comprising their “Commuter Service” train set, but first let’s look at the loco’s new design.

Under the shell are numerous new details at work to support the new motor concept currently being used in new locos. A few basic observations are the robust cast metal frame supporting the circuit board and trucks. Another interesting detail about the frame is its split design: frame is actually two parts held together with 6 machine screws located variously: 1 pair each end and 1 pair in the middle inside an easily removable section between the trucks. Circuit board is sandwiched between the two sections of frame as are all inner workings, and lamp circuit boards are held in slots front and back, two small pieces of black foam are installed between the two sections of frame below the lamp circuit boards. Everything looks different than a traditional Marklin Mini-Club model, but similar in their straight forward design thus it is possible to take it apart but with some difficulty.

Removal of 6 screws holding the frame together should provide easy disassembly of the loco but that is not the case. Bushings holding the frame parts and screws are tightly fitted and prone to breaking plus circuit board is taped down on one end (2 bushings on my loco were stripped with a crack in one). And freeing the circuit board is half the battle as the frame is gently pried apart a little at a time from end to end with care not to break the bushings. Bushings are tightly mounted in the frame thus the frame is tightly held together even without the screws, it appears the screws main job is expanding the bushings thus making a tighter connection with the the 2 part frame (?).

After the frame is pulled apart the trucks simply pop out, their plastic housings fit within indents in frame and secured by pressing the frame parts together. A further interesting detail about the trucks are the nylon gearing which have been greased not oiled at the factory. And coupler/spring assembly is secured by plate facing up rather than down as with previous locos. If there is a problem with coupler/spring which there shouldn’t be the loco will have to be taken apart to free the trucks.

A motor with robust worm drive is maintenance free (no brushes to be replaced) and quiet to run, but instructions do advise oiling the trucks from time to time (intervals of 20 hours run time). Note: small pieces of yellow acetate are mounted below both lamp circuit boards.

The loco in my set arrived with poor/non-working running characteristics, one truck stiff and seized (angled upward not parrellel to underside of shell): trucks should rock gently up and down with wheel-sets able to make contact with track. Taking the loco apart and reassembled fixed the problem: something was out of sync likely due to shipping. Not a big deal, but I would advise sending defective items back to Marklin thus receiving full warranty coverage, I don’t advise following my lead.

The shell of this loco is a real winner as can be seen on the roof with improved detailing with addition of add-on parts. And grab rails below windows on both ends. The latter was a great surprise! This set is part of a small handful of items in recent years manufactured in China following the Kittel of recent memory.

Marklin’s description of the set: German Federal Railroad (DB) “Commuter Service” train set: 1- class 141 electric locomotive with 5-light headlights / marker lights, multiple forced air vents with vertical fins, and a continuous rain gutter, 1- type Bnrzb 725 “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter car, 2nd class, 1- type ABnrzb 704 “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter car, 1st/2nd class, and 1- “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter cab control car, 2nd class, with an engineer’s cab. All of the units look as they did in Era IV. Special One Time Release for the MHI Program (Marklin Handler Initiative).

81356-3 (Note: yellow stripe denotes 1st class section)

81356-4 (note: headlamps, marker lights and destination board illuminate in both directions of travel

Siding: Parts List for this set does not include part numbers for retaining bushings for frame and no part number for circuit board, Marklin indicates parts on schematic without part numbers require Marklin repair department.

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