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.
New at USA dealers is Marklin 88963 tank locomotive Class 86 painted and lettered for DRG (German State Railroad) from Era II. An early German tank locomotive built in the years 1928 – 1943 for passenger and freight. Used on main and branch lines, Class 86 is one of the “Jack of All Trades” locomotive types. According to the Wikipedia page: 775 Class 86’s were built by various German Factories for use in the Mittelgebirge Region. Have a look at the Wikipedia Page for other historical details.
Marklin’s latest model of this fine locomotive is outstanding with great detailing of body and running gear. Two LED headlights illuminate its path, water tanks run length of boiler up to the cylinders, its a treat to watch the lively action of the moving locomotive.
Marklin’s first class 86 for mini-club was in production for a number of years starting 1980 until 2008, its item number 8896 painted and lettered for DB thus Era III. In 1996 the locomotive was reintroduced as a One Time Series for the MHI Program: painted “photo gray” and lettered for DRG with item number 88961. Both locomotives were powered by 3 pole motors.
As it happens (often) Marklin did not release a coach or freight set to go with this Era II locomotive this year, but there are plenty of good choices already produced including the very finely detailed 4 car coach set: 87681. The set is so good I am expanding this post to include lots of photos of it.
To fully appreciate the interesting architecture and detailing we look at each car independently thus next 4 photos are 87681-1: Baggage Car with 2 pair of hinged doors each side. Car number 101 976.
87681-2: 2nd and 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window (one side). Car number 35 909.
87681-3: 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window (one side). Car number 79 867.
87681-4: 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window. Car number 79 847.
Released in 2002, Marklin 87681 was offered until 2008, it followed the earlier release and first time introduction of identical car types as set 8768 (1990 – 1995), this set was painted and lettered for DB.
Final photo includes Faller’s new laser cut building: “Old Spinning Mill” article #282742. A good building design, but roof material is challenging to work with as its heavy texture gives way to damage during bending for assembly. Only trick I have found with this material is to score bending joints with a sharp knife otherwise material frays and you won’t have clean folds for assembly. Expect some less than desirable results.
Siding: hard to find ‘dealer old stock’ of this set thus the secondary/used market is likely only possibility. Check car numbers to confirm you have to a complete set.
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.
I plan to spend a little more time with this model in a future post, but for now I am sending a shout out to anyone interested that now is the time to track one down even if you have a preorder for it.
Marklin 88146 (released 2021)
In October (2021) Marklin sent a letter to dealers announcing a limited release of this model, they further explained the release would be smaller than anticipated and not all customers with preorders would receive one. I am one such customer thus when one became available on Ebay I ordered it. Some models might still be available through Marklin’s USA Dealer network or German dealers on Ebay.
Note about the model: small steam powered locomotive with passenger compartment based on the Era II prototype with paint and lettering for the German State Railroad. Manufactured in China, Marklin 88146 is a companion to the earlier release 88145, both are similar in appearance with the exception of paint and lettering, add-on parts and mechanism are identical. Collectors sometimes comment on Chinese manufacturing as a problem, but every add-on part which there are many was individually applied. And this level of production with a Marklin Z release is usually well done in China. “Usually” is the word of the day: my first 88146 was missing the left hand side rod, my second one was missing the add-on part installed behind left cab window. Both defects are covered by Marklin’s 2 Year Warranty, but I will be without this locomotive for quite some time.
Paint, lettering, and details are finely produced on this model, it is a perfect locomotive to feature in a small railroad perhaps in a country setting too! It could be conceived to be a railcar propelled with steam propulsion, this all-in-one locomotive with passenger compartment can be hitched to a coach or freight wagon as the prototype required. Two Nuremberg Toy Fair cars from 2008 and 2017 complete the train each commemorates German Railroad history. The 2008 Toy Fair car painted and lettered for the RHEINGOLD train, and 2017 Toy Fair Car commemorates the 60th anniversary of Trans Europ Express.
Rural scenes for Z gauge are just one category of MBZ offerings. Another is railway buildings. For this post I am including examples of both. Plus the Marklin tank locomotive and beer car from starter set 81567 (2003- 2008).
Dealer inventories of MBZ Z scale kits are sporadic, Reynauld’s of Illinois seem to be MBZ’s exclusive dealer in the United States, but their inventories of the kits always run few in number even before the pandemic affected shipping from Europe. I have never had a problem ordering an MBZ item, they each have arrived eventually even the back-ordered ones. And patience pays off as nothing compares to MBZ.
The pros and cons of MBZ kits has been covered here before, and I would be remiss to recommend them again without those comments in case someone new has come across this post. Cons: MBZ kits are a bit primitive, cardboard warps easily, kits can smell burnt when they are removed from packaging, parts sometimes need extra cutting to remove from sheet, and sometimes parts are missing. Note: kits can be a struggle to assemble, and they require problem solving along the way. And some parts easily deform. Pros: after the kits are put together and painted they look great: “from another time”. And that is to say the buildings look authentically old.
A few general instructions: always prime every part before assembly with MBZ’s primer, this step will control the later saturation of paints plus strengthens the cardboard material. MBZ pigment paints soak into the cardboard, but the color can be built up with additional layers. Note: highly recommended to follow MBZ’s painting instructions. Don’t expect precision, it is best to give yourself over to messy and inconsistent paint application. Detail work can be done as the last step with traditional acrylic model paint for moldings and architectural details.
Here are the buildings I picked-up from a recent trip to Reynauld’s, barring duplicates this is all they had to offer me on this trip.
Train Attendant’s Hut (MBZ #16 016): 3/4 inch (height) x 9 1/16 inches x 3/4 inches. Paint: MBZ pigment paint 46 200 with charcoal dust: dry and wet application.
MBZ 16 016MBZ 16 016
Machinery Shed (MBZ #16 063): 3/4 inch (overall height) x 1/2 inch x 3/4 inches. Paint: MBZ pigment paints 48 600 and 40 723
MBZ 16 063MBZ 16 063
Framework Barn (MBZ #16 165): 1 5/8 inches (height) x 1 1/2 inches x 1 3/4 inches. Paint: MBZ pigment paints 46 280, 40 723, 40 612, 48 600, and 40 020
Barn (MBZ #16 087): 1 9/16 inches (overall height) x 1 3/8 inches x 2 3/4 inches. Paint: MBZ pigment paints 46 280, 48 600, 40 723, and 48 060
MBZ 16 087MBZ 16 087MBZ 16 087
Massbach Train Station (MBZ #16 140): 1 1/2 inches (height excluding chimney) x 2 inches x 3 9/16 inches. Paints: MBZ pigment paints 47 150, 48 600, 40 612, 48 060, 40 723, 40 020, and green acrylic modelers’ paint (Testors)
MBZ 16 140
Putting the buildings together with Marklin starter set 81567 (2003 – 2008) are its locomotive and beer car. Originally this set was sold with an oval of track (1 X 8590, 1 X 8500, 4 X 8520, 6 X 8521), mini-club white transformer, red plastic re-railer, class 74 tank loco, refrigerator car painted and lettered for GANTER Bier (1865 – present), and gondola with present load.
Marklin BR 74 (74 701) loco and Ganter Bier Car, MBZ 16 087, 16 165, and 16 016Marklin BR 74 (74 701) loco and Ganter Bier Car, MBZ 16 165Marklin BR 74 (74 701) loco and Ganter Bier Car, MBZ 16 063 and 16 016Marklin BR 74 (74 701) loco and Ganter Bier Car, MBZ 16 087 and 16 140Marklin BR 74 (74 701) loco and Ganter Bier Car, MBZ 16 087 and 16 140
Few Notes on Construction: -Massbach Station (16 140) was missing parts to complete foundation on freight depot, but easy to come up with a solution: left over parts in the kit painted to look like stucco masonry
-barns feature beautiful interior details that are best finished before kit is built
-instructions sheet shows opposing wall part flipped, this will make sense when you look at the instructions for the first time: a bit misleading! CAREFUL!
Marklin 89709 (build-kit) and Marklin 88856 (class 03.10 Express Locomotive)
As many of us are familiar with laser cut card-stock building kits I won’t go into the details of handling/building with paper except to say they are superior to plastic in my opinion. True to scale and even more detail than the plastic kits we have been presented with for many years. Plus the material is opaque when lit from within for added realism. Biggest challenge with paper is gluing small parts and straight alignment!
Marklin 89709 (Bahnhof Himmelreich)
Onto the recent Himmelreich build-kit with Marklin item #89709 which is modeled after the “Bahnhof Himmelreich” located in the Black Forest having served the Hollental Railroad. As is stated in the item description the building is as it was before renovation. Numerous photos are available with a simple google search which all in all confirms a very good translation of the building into Z gauge.
Marklin 89709 (Bahnhof Himmelreich)
The build-kit is another collaboration with Marklin and the firm Modellbau Laffont who have designed and constructed kits for Marklin including the big Hamburg Dammtor station a few years back. Overall an enjoyable kit to build, but maybe too much for one session, I spread it out over 4 days working on it here and there. Many small parts require tweezers and finesse. Perhaps the kit lacks the solid material construction of an Archistories building, but it is non-the-less an interesting architectural model. The finished build looks good to me, but the station signs are those that need to be carefully cut out of the instructions with a matt knife: ugh! These signs are something to consider toning down in the future; they identify the building but cheapen the look of it too. No partition walls, if you plan on realistic lighting you will have the added step of masking. And finally chimneys need better design than are offered by this manufacturer.
Marklin 89709 (Bahnhof Himmelreich)
The odd pairing of Himmelreich station and the German Express Class 03.10 (Marklin 88856) locomotive is pure fiction; they are used here to illustrate scale. Stay tuned for more on the 88856 loco which is brilliant and beautiful.
Marklin 89709 (build-kit) and Marklin 88856 (class 03.10 Express Locomotive)
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
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 89982Z-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.
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
Because of its short length the locomotive can potentially have difficulty thru turnouts otherwise the operation is smooth with very sensitive braking characteristics.
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
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).
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
Administration building for the DB can be seen along the tracks, this laser cut building was included with Marklin turntable 89982.
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
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.
