Category Archives: Laser Cut Buildings in Z

Faller New Release: Bahnhof Durlesbach #282708

Faller has continued releasing laser-cut kits with the addition of #282708 station kit. Building features a freight depot, sheltered waiting platform as well as interior public spaces and telegraph room plus upstairs apartment for station master.

Based on the prototype from 1911 it is another historic train station offered by Faller as a laser-cut kit in Z gauge.

Faller kits do not feature partition walls, but they do include very ingenious paper masking giving each window unique impressions of window treatments: curtains and shades. New LED lighting systems generate enough output to illuminate this feature, traditional mini-Club 10 volt bulbs don’t cut it. Plus LED’s can be adjusted.

Faller kits arrive in sturdy cardboard boxes with well wrapped parts. Instructions are for the most part clear and orderly, and quality of parts is good. Some experience building laser-cut kits is recommended due to the lightweight nature of some parts, modelers will be less likely to be able to move parts after glue as with plastic kits. Roof sheathing looks great out of the box with already a natural like patina.


Marklin’s New Release Station Kit: 89703

Marklin’s current program features several new laser-cut buildings including this one: Item 89703 – Bausatz Bahnhof Eckartshausen-Ilshofen (Sulzdorf).

Based on the 1867 Bavarian station today disused of its original purpose in Sulzdorf, Germany this kit is very good, it is a handsome medium size station featuring block construction and ample waiting platform.

The kit assembles rather quickly due to few embellishments, but it does not lack the color and character of the original structure.

Signage is offered with several variations printed on a small sheet but cutting them out is rather a difficult task. No partition walls as with Archistories so lighting the building will be unrealistic unless some modification is made. Overall a very good to scale station that is very easy to assemble.

Siding: weathering will add interest to the building including brown and/or black chalk in the tiny nooks and crannies dirt would naturally collect on a 100 year old train station. Light fixture is represented but non functioning, painting the bulb with gold paint will give the impression of light or further modify the building with a working bracket light available on Ebay.

Archistories: Church St. loannes Paulus II (404181)

The recent release by Archistories is a neo-Gothic church solidly built of stone, leaded and stain glass at least for the prototype, its interpretation into Z scale is rather remarkable with an overall height of 4 1/2 inches x overall length of 4 1/2 inches.

A lovely 19th century church dedicated by namesake with Pope John Paul II is every bit as charming as its real world counterpart existing in same form throughout Europe and America.

A large bronze bell can be peered through slats in the clock tower below the gilt weathervane.

Intricate window moldings are assembled without glue owing to the high degree of design and precision found in Archistories kits. Simply put: printed mylar suggesting lead glass or stain glass is popped into each window opening followed by likewise installing moldings lastly followed by tiny bit of glue on the exterior framing surrounding each window.

Light naturally falls in and around the building further highlighting the architectural details.


The smallest details are found with the separately applied strap hinges on the real wood doors.

Although small in size this kit will take the better part of a day to assemble as it combines layers and layers of detailing all but vacant in other manufacturers’ kits.

Key features of this kit are the very well produced and illustrated instructions which are meant to be followed in order. Please note: part ‘B’ which there are 4 total appears on two parts sheets and careful to glue on clock faces in correct orientation.




Pairing 2 New Releases by Archistories and Marklin

The year is 1957 as the DB BR 01 crosses Altenbeken Viaduct pulling “Lorelei” train set.

Recent Releases: Marklin 88012 Insider Model 2018 and Altenbeken Viaduct by Archistories (item #128171). Trailing the BR 01 loco is the “Lorelei” train set by Marklin released in 2003 – 2006 as an MHI Exclusive release.

Coming soon: posts covering each including cross reference guide to Marklin’s passenger sets and individual coaches thereby facilitating easy determination of era’s and railways.

Plus next time the viaduct is seen it will be authentically weathered after filling gaps in the cardstock and retouching.

For now:



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.

 

Marklin 88195: Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) ES 64 F4 locomotive

Marklin 88195 electric locomotive for goods and passengers is based on the SBB prototype ES 64 F4 with 2014 paint scheme. The class 189 locomotive is a four system locomotive allowing cross border traffic in Europe.

Built since 2003 by Siemens now in joint partnership with MRCE (Mitsui Rail Capital Europe) this one with paint scheme and lettering for SBB Cargo International. The striking black paint scheme and distinct white lettering includes painted light gray wheels in the Marklin model as the prototype adding another layer of detail. Four pantographs align with different voltage systems within the prototype as is included with the model. The 2 innermost pantographs on the model can take power from Marklin Z gauge catenary system. Roof equipment is accurately included with 88195 and it includes LED headlamps and marker lights.

Homologation refers to certification from an official entity in the case of the ES 64 F4 (class 189) prototype this certification grants the locomotive cross border travel within the European network including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slowenia, Croatia, The Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Slowakia, Hungary and all ETCS-lines. Having met safety and technical operating standards the class 189 is one of the most important and most seen locomotives in Europe hauling both freight and passenger traffic and numerous paint schemes already represented in the Marklin Z gauge line-up include: 88191 (DB AG), 88192 (SBB), 88193 (DB AG / Railion), 88194 (Rail Traction Company / RTC), and 88195 (SBB).

The current release from Marklin includes the “new generation” motor which responds superbly in a brief test including smooth acceleration and deceleration even a slow speeds.

Siding: Marklin Era I-V building structure 2 stall locomotive shed is seen in background to support earlier locomotives not including the modern electric class 189, but the structure could nonetheless be seen along some routes the ES 64 F4 travels in Germany. This is a fine building kit of high grade cardstock currently available in Marklin’s “Small Maintenance Facility” with item #89806.

 

Marklin Insider 81352: “DB Freight Train for Coal Transport”

“Remarkable things come in small packages!” An often used expression with new and veteran Marklin Z enthusiasts, but never as true as with model 81352. Here is a class 80 tank locomotive one of the smallest German steam locomotives used for shunting and general regional freight traffic exquisitely realized as a smooth running Marklin Z gauge locomotive heading 5 cars loaded with coal.

Note: photos only show 4 of the 5 coal cars!

What can be said of this locomotive referred to as “Little Bull” in the Marklin literature is all positive, it features glazed window openings, very detailed running gear with side rods of great complexity, superb weathering, LED headlamps, and brushless motor. And it looks great! Cars too!

Type 0 10 and 0 11 wagons loaded with removable coal inserts complete the Era III set.

Much care and attention to detail went into the production of this latest Insider release that will add a high level of realism to a prototypical mid century layout. Weathering was presumably applied with airbrush, but the level of quality maybe difficult to match even for the more experienced modeler.

*MBZ cardstock building #16058 (weathered) available exclusively in the United States from Reynaulds

As a bonus the train set included an unfinished brass casting of the locomotive shell, it is remarkable to see the unpainted and unfinished casting next to the finished loco which suggests the massive amount of handwork that takes place before these sets reach the collector.

A real stunner of a train set!

Siding: tucked nicely inside the small cockpit of this loco is a new brushless motor described as maintenance free, but other aspects of the loco require the usual maintenance including periodic oiling of wheels (as little as necessary which is not much) and wheel cleaning.

 

Marklin 81371: “Heavy Freight” Train Set (factory weathered)

Marklin’s Era III 81371 train set is still available but in limited supply: 499 sets. The train set features the heavy freight loco class 44 paired with 6 hoppers. Striking in appearance, the set features realistic heavy weathering and detailed running gear. Lot’s of action from greatly improved side rods is what’s going on in Z at Marklin these days: steam locos with grit and character more closely resembling their prototypes than ever before.

Manufactured well before the Second World War and through it until ’49 the BR 44 was a heavy hauler freight locomotive. Its numbers approached 2000, but not all locomotives stayed in Germany, twenty five percent stayed within the railways of PKP, OBB, CSD, SNCF, and DR after the war and today all but two remain operational.

The 81371 locomotive with operating number BR 44 1754 features 10 coupled and powered driving wheels with smoke deflectors. Weathering on the locomotive is tinted red with light but heavy application leaving all inscriptions legible which is a fine trick and difficult to achieve. The prototypical color of the weathering is suggestive of the acidity created by the mixing coal soot and steam on the sides of the iron boilers and plates.

Marklin has been slowly releasing weathered versions of locos and rolling stock after regular versions have debuted. For modelers looking for more and more realism these Marklin weathered items are tops! Surely impossible to weather as well as Marklin has done here certain talented folks out there could attempt the same with airbrushing, but color is as important as technique, and I am glad not to have to attempt it here!

*Archistories Prussian brick loco shed gives accurate scale to this loco thus providing historical context as well.

Six type Ootz hopper cars weathered with sooty black complete the set with lettering Erz IId. No coal loads are included, but the empty cars include weathering throughout their bays. This car type included two partitioned sections each with sloping hoppers for very quick dumping of bulk materials.

Siding: airbrushing results are far easier and trouble free with water based paints likewise water based final coat of clear lacquer should be considered to protect your work.

Siding: 81371 comes packaged in a carton housing cartons for 2 sets of 3 hoppers and 1 for the loco, item numbers printed on the cartons is as follows: hoppers (81371-01 + 81371-02) and loco (81371-03). Boxes are important to collectors and keeping them pristine is important too: open flap boxes with a butter knife to save from denting and dinging. And no butter on that knife!

 

Swiss Alpine Structures in Z

If you are a specialist Swiss modeler in Z chances are building structures have been difficult to find off the shelf. Or perhaps you are already building scratch-built structures. This post focuses on two rare off the shelf structures, but they could also be successfully built with balsa wood from your local hobby store.

Two very interesting alpine structures are a covered bridge and guardhouse used on the RhB railway (Rhaetian Railway). The covered bridge was offered fully built by FiDES of Switzerland, it featured balsa wood construction with printed (not etched) shake tile roof.

I wasn’t able to find any current information for this company, this one being the only example I have found. I cannot verify when the bridge was produced or whether it was marketed outside Switzerland, I found this one on Ebay.

In addition to being fully assembled the bridge was further glued in place within the cardboard carton thus I was not able to do a great job photographing it for the blog post. By my count the bridge incorporates over 100 individual parts each measured, cut and assembled: lot’s of work.

A similar bridge could be scratch-built using balsa wood and leftover parts from other kits for the roof. Good scenery construction could include this bridge known to Alpine hikers in multiples along a path and over water or even rock falls. Steep inclined features would also include granite outcroppings, pine trees, snow or random length grasses with pretty flowers. Bridge used in a town setting would also feature flower boxes because hey this is Switzerland.

Another good Swiss alpine structure is an older FR building kit for guardhouse on the RhB railway.

Very infrequently FR produces metal and wood structures that bespeak the precision and historical accuracy presented by FR in each one their releases. This building kit includes numerous dimensional strands of balsa wood as well as etched balsa and nickel parts including window frames.

Instructions are in German with excellent photo illustrations, using illustrations only I was able to deduce the order and correct assembly of all parts. Metal gutters and downspouts I will add in the future along with finish work, but at this point it looks pretty good, and I am happy with the results.

Although a very small building it required hours of assembly including measuring and cutting window glazing plus measuring and gluing all other parts.

A good solid building that features already painted metal shutters, doors and window frames. Roofing material had to be measured then cut, it was printed on textured paper to give the look of three dimensional terracotta tile, even the color is very good.

I probably won’t add aging to this structure as I associate Switzerland without air pollution, but perhaps even darkening is a correct patina? Chimney will get dressed up with a piece of flagstone during finishing touches as well as stucco application to sides with white paint. Footing for vertical support beam will also be painted concrete. And one cannot forget flower boxes hey this is Switzerland!

The prototype probably included a signal and short siding for passing trains, but as of this writing I have not found a picture of the prototype. For the layout this building could be connected to the hiking path previously suggested with the bridge, it too could have been a way station for hikers boarding a train, but this is a far off structure in the mountains inaccessible to auto traffic.

Siding: outstanding glue with easy applicator is Noch Laser-Cut Adhesive #61104 available from zscalehobo.com, I highly recommend this glue for laser-cut card stock, balsa wood, and metal or any combination thereof.