Category Archives: Limited and rare

Freudenreich Feinwerktechnik: Lehigh Valley Railroad Train Set

Readers of ztrainsweekly know of my interest in FR’s (Harald Freudenreich) Z gauge model trains thru many posts since its start. Lately the brand known as FR Freudenreich Feinwerktechnik is today Atelier Barkvieren. Over the course of its beginnings in the early 90’s FR’s contribution to the hobby includes just over 800 items, its history and reputation rooted in highly precise prototypical accuracy and flawless design + manufacturing. I thought it would be interesting to look back at a model train set produced in 1994 by Harald Freudenreich, and the fourth item ever to be produced in Z by FR.

Known as article number ZF004, it was preceded by 3 other train sets all from 1994 (numbered respectively ZF001-003). Today the discussion is about ZF004 train set painted and lettered for Lehigh Valley Railroad (1846-1976).

Train set ZF004 (1994) limited to 50 sets included a AGEIR boxcab diesel locomotive and 3- 31′ fishbelly hoppers painted and lettered ‘LEHIGH.’ Locomotive is constructed of metal with maintenance free motor similar to ones used by Marklin today. Locomotive is heavy as it appears to be entirely made of metal including truck frames and brass securing screws. Add-on parts include roof details: brass bell and smokestack. A curious characteristic about the loco are the non-rotating wheel sets, but loco’s short wheelbase allow it to negotiate curves perfectly, plus each truck includes pair of freely turning wheels without flanges thus locomotive includes 2 sets of driving wheels and 2 sets of un-powered wheel sets. FR’s distinctive coupler design was already used on their first locomotives as they are unchanged to this day. Couplers comprise simple bent wire hooks which couple easily with Marklin mini-club couplers, they also do not detract from the locomotives prototypical appearance.

Hoppers are constructed of mostly metal with fine detailing, each features prototypical couplers except for lead hopper numbered 25617, it includes a Marklin coupler at one end to pair with simple wire hook style coupler on locomotive. Hoppers appear to have 2 add-on parts: handbrake and platform by handbrake. On the underside: truss supports and coal funnels appear to be cast plastic cemented in place. Wheels are black plastic with each wheel set attached to car with brass screws. Each hopper features sharp lettering with smallest lettering perfectly legible with magnifying glass. Hoppers numbered: 25617, 25322, and 25039.

Train set was delivered in wood display box as was 4 other train sets in 1994. Display box is lined in silk and features metal ‘FR’ logo. Wood display boxes were used over the years by FR each lined with silk. This set as I bought it does not have additional items such as descriptive booklet, I am doubtful one was included. The presentation elevates this train set to the ‘expensive’ item category which in 1994 carried a price tag of 875 Deutsche Marks.

Siding: What’s in a name? ALCO Boxcab diesel locomotive was a diesel/electric switching locomotive referred to as AGEIR Boxcab’s so named after an amalgamation of the 3 builders of this locomotive class: ALCO (American Locomotive Company), General Electric and Ingersoll Rand.

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/

Faller’s Z Gauge Swiss Alpine Buildings: and more

Faller 282702 Banhhof Langwies (released: December 2023)

Faller’s continuation of laser cut card-stock buildings include two I have waited for: train station and lodge for Swiss Alpine theme. Combining wood and card-stock parts Faller has produced 2 buildings unmistakably Swiss in appearance.

Faller 282772 Alpenhaus Langwies (released: January 2024)

On a personal note, I have 2 laser-cut structures based on the Swiss Alpine theme in my collection, I have owned them for many years, but they weren’t enough to base a layout on. Faller’s Swiss Alpine build kits have inspired a layout build for this Summer (2025).

Left to Right: Faller 282772 (Alpine Lodge), Fides CH1039 (Alpine Covered Bridge), FR Freudenreich ZB570 (Attendant’s House RhB Railway), and Faller 282702 (Langwies Station)

Fifteen years ago I purchased a covered wood bridge (CH1039) manufactured by Fides/Milbert Creations (Montreux, Switzerland), it is handmade balsa wood construction comprised of numerous parts with realistic printed wood shingle roof. Scaled for ‘Z’ the bridge is naturally finished, and it is presented in a nice display box diorama alpine illustration. I haven’t found much evidence for the company’s output, their products don’t show up on internet searches, and I presume the company was dissolved many years ago. This example I purchased on Ebay.

Fides Alpine Covered Bridge CH1039 (Milbert Creations Montreux, Switzerland)

My second structure was purchased maybe 10 years ago, it was produced as a kit by Harald Freudenreich (FR): ZB570- Swiss (SBB/RhB) Attendant’s House (RhB) build kit “Zm Warterhaus der RhB.” It is a railway building also referred to as “Guard-House” for RhB railway. Kit features etched nickel parts and wood construction: balsa wood laser-cut parts, brass gutters and downspouts and printed terracotta tiles for roof. Kit was delivered unpainted. In my examples I painted shutters and used Danish Oil on other wood parts. Roof material was painted with gouache which I like using, it is opaque watercolor which dries quick and can be reactivated with water to smooth out and blend to one’s desire. Note: FR produced accessories such as Guard House to go along with locos and rolling stock in production thus he produced RhB (Rorschach Heiden Bergbahn) items including Serie Fzeh2/4 cog railway locomotive (ZF108a).

FR Freudenreich ZB570 “ZM Warterhaus der RhB”

Faller 282702 Langwies Station and 282772 Langwies Alpine Lodge are 2 laser-cut build kits released December 2023 (station) and January 2024 (lodge). Station kit includes 91 parts and lodge 126 parts, Faller states difficulty level as “Demanding.” I found both kits to be enjoyable to build, but they demand concentration and time as the instructions can be challenging to interpret. The wood parts in these kits include pieces that slide together, I found the station kit to have tighter fitting parts than lodge. If you buy these kits, I recommend building the lodge first which is somewhat easier than the station. Both kits needed excess wood removed within windows which is easy to do with a toothpick. Common sense and prior experience building kits like this in Z will be invaluable, but mistakes will still happen and remediating those errors are sometimes easy and sometimes hard. In the latter scenario apply some creative thought and add a modification or hid an error with a bush! Faller has been building scenery and buildings for multiple scale railroads, this experience and professional shows in these kits; they are must haves for the Swiss railway. Note: first time lettered decals have been included with a Faller Z kit as self sticking (station kit), formerly decals were cut from paper labels and glued on. Roofing material has a naturalistic aged color and texture thus no need to dry brush. I only painted chimneys in the final result (not pictured).

Westmodel Z Gauge Saddle Tank Locomotive

My interest in Westmodel is new and old, I recently acquired my first models just weeks ago; they came from a dealer’s personal collection who lost track of their history. I’ve known about the company for many years, but I never had the opportunity to see a model in person. This post attempts to shed light on these amazing models from the now shuttered company Westmodel.

Few details sourced on the internet suggest Westmodel operated in Vienna, Austria (since 1973), its owner Klaus Bachmann produced model trains in various scales including: HO, HOe, HOm, N, Nm, and Z. Constructed of brass, locomotives were built with motive parts by Fleischmann and Marklin; my models include Marklin Z wheelsets. Today’s feature model utilizes a Marklin mini-club motor, frame and wheel sets. My research into the company is limited to web search which I hope is mostly accurate, I will revise/correct my Westmodel posts when new information becomes available. Interpreting the lineage of Westmodel is difficult, but they appear to have changed hands and moved over the years. Linie 8 GmbH was the last company to handle Westmodel articles as parts only (finished models were not available). In 2017 Linie 8 GmbH was liquidated. Errors in this history will be corrected as new details emerge through further research.

This post covers Westmodel #30062 for Z gauge: Saddle Tank Engine 0-6-0. Shell is constructed of brass with add-on parts including railings on water tank. Painted and lettered for “Lumber Co.” Interesting locomotive type is one of a kind in Z gauge: “tender-less” locomotive features water tank installed above boiler.

The model includes cast brass shell installed on Marklin mini-club locomotive frame with Marklin couplers, motor and wheels. Printed lettering on loco also features non-working headlights and shiny silver wheels. Best guess for date of manufacture is mid 1980’s or later. Westmodel articles in this scale were delivered in foam lined wood boxes with logo burned/stamped on lid.

After applying a little oil the locomotive operated flawlessly after an unknown time in storage. The locomotive’s considerable weight make it a good pulling locomotive for multiple cars loaded with logs and lumber.

Stayed tuned: future Westmodel posts will include N scale narrow gauge models featuring Marklin ‘Z’ wheel sets.

Happy Railroading!

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’s New Series for Z: Pantone Color of the Year

A New Year and a new series for Marklin Z scale enthusiasts: “Pantone Color of the Year” freight cars. So far 2 cars have been presented coinciding with Pantone’s annual celebration “Color of the Year”: ‘Viva Magenta’ (2023) / ‘Peach Fuzz’ (2024).

Pantone Color Matching System has been used widely by graphic designers and those in the print industry for 60 years. Developed from 18 basic colors each numbered and titled color can be faithfully reproduced using Pantone Matching System (PMS).

Pantone’s importance to the print industry perhaps inspired this new series. And maybe links with Marklin Magazin releases (2001 – present), it too makes reference to the print industry. And the unmistakable “Prussian Blue” painted freight cars and steam loco released in the series.

Pantone describes Viva Magenta (2023): “….a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration….” And Peach Fuzz (2024): “It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”

Produced in HO as well as Z this new series is a “One Time Series.”

Marklin Mystery Model based on EuroSprinter 8837

A new post for a older locomotive: “Marklin/Shimano” 8837 EuroSprinter, I have never seen this loco before. This one came up on Ebay coming to me with no information, but it was clearly based on Marklin’s EuroSprinter 8837 (1994-1998). Upon receiving the locomotive I inspected the shell, I determined the original shell was simply sprayed over with new paint and lettering: a professional job? yes. It turns out the original loco was recycled to make a new one as can be seen by ghosting of original graphics in the paint. Who made it is an open question, but it looks on par with Marklin production versus what is referred to as Industry print (third party without using Marklin’s design and production team) which tend to use thicker paint with less detail.

One other loco of this class was produced in a limited release: 88371- German Federal Railroad (DB) BR Eurosprinter electric locomotive. One Time Series 1998. Special imprint model with inscripton: “Help for MUKO Mukovizidose-Hilfe eV.” Limited edition of 200 worldwide. This locomotive does not have a ghost image of an original 8837 thus confirming this mystery: who produced the ‘Marklin/Shimano’ loco?

Further complicating matters the MUKO loco was assigned article number 88371 and presented in Marklin’s brown mini-club box of the day also imprinted with article number 88371. If you were to google 88371 you’ll end up with entirely different locomotive: class 285 diesel loco painted and lettered for the firm ‘ITL.’ If you have the 2015 complete regular production Marklin Z catalog this locomotive was assigned a unique article number 88371A03 thus correcting a numbering mistake 16 years before. The new number allowed Marklin to place the ‘ITL’ loco in succession to 88370 class 246 ‘Metronom.”

Incorporating both brands as advertising on sides of loco suggest a collaboration of sorts thus likely produced by Marklin further based on the high standard of production. It was likely produced around the end of production for 8837 in 1998 corresponding to MUKO’s release.

Siding: ‘SMI’ is an abbreviation for “Special Marklin Imprints.” Marklin has produced commissioned special imprint models (mostly rolling stock) since the late 1970’s. Most of these models are identified by a small ‘m’ printed on sides of box cars and other rolling stock. This identification has not been found on locos designated special imprints.

Atelier Barkvieren (AB): NSB Locomotive Class EL-16

By now collectors of FR Freudenreich of Germany should be aware of Harald Freudenreich’s new company: Atelier Barkvieren (AB). The only significant change has been logo and rebranding: articles continue to be presented in custom acrylic boxes with new logo ‘AB’ in red versus FR’s former blue logo. The recent release electric locomotive for NSB as Class EL-16 is evidence of Harald’s continued high level of design/craftsmanship/execution in Z gauge.

Locomotive could be ordered analogue or digital, I ordered mine as analogue. As with most locos produced by Harald Freudenreich this one is no different exhibiting substantial weight for pulling long trains. Further this loco has a maintenance free motor which he has installed in locos for years prior to Marklin’s current practice.

This is a lovely loco with very bright red paint scheme and yellow snowplows. Paint scheme is distinctive as it is used by the NSB Railway (Norwegian State Railways). The former company FR produced another electric loco for NSB as Class EL-18 (47.198.10) in an edition of 30. This loco included a modified Class 460 Marklin shell repainted and lettered, it included a snowplow that required separate installation by collector following small modification to shell. Surprisingly Marklin never produced this loco in Z although one was produced for HO, perhaps a future release is in the making?

FR 47.198.10 Class EL-18: snowplows are cast metal, they were glued on to shell after shell modification unlike locos that followed with plows attached to truck assembly

Performance of this loco is exceptional of course with 4 operating lights activated for direction of travel, but trailing lights are not included. The loco I ordered is non-digital, it is robust, but motor noise is noticeable perhaps due to my basic test track installed directly on plastic table, cork or foam roadbed will certainly deaden the sound. Not sure if the digital version includes sound, and I don’t know if it features a VELMO decoder. My train collection is mostly for display thus opting for the analogue version of this loco made sense for me. I have digital FR locos and a few Marklin ones too, and they provide an experience running trains on par with their HO ccounterparts with surprisingly loud and defined sound features.

AB 47.137.11 Class EL-16 + FR 47.819.02 “Motortransport”

Detailing includes numerous add-on parts including mirrors that are silvered. Roof equipment is well detailed and pantographs are item specific and scaled accurate unlike the more generic Marklin pantos.

Paired with the earlier release freight set: 47.819.02- Norges Statsbaner AS (Norwegian State Railways-NSB) “Motortransport” 4 car set with two pairs of permanently coupled type Hccrrs autotransportwagens privately owned and lettered for Auto Transport Service A.s. Drammen. Four car set includes 2 pairs locked together with drawbar and vestibules.

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.

Lötschberg Tunnel: Railex Autotransportzug der BLS

Railex Autotransportzug (BLS) + Z-Modellbau Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin 8904 Autos

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.

Detail: 3 position coupler/draw-bar to allow wider gap between cars (Railex Autotransportzug (BLS) + Z-Modellbau Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin 8904 Autos)

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.

Railex Autotransportzug car detail: extensive prototypical signage

Railex Autotransportzug car detail: classic Railex logo

Railex Autotransportzug car with open deck for autos or high roof vehicles

Railex Autotransportzug car detail: stainless steel road bed with simulated timber car deck

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.

Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107)

Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin “Administration Building from Set 89982 + Marklin “weathered funnel flow car: wascosca” (82482)

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.

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