Category Archives: Limited and rare

DR Class 01 Steam Locomotive

The Class 01 Express Steam Locomotive awaits passengers one morning in the summer of 1968. The older design baggage car and “Thunderbox” coaches were still used at this time by the DR at reduced speeds, the 01 was capable of 80mph, this photograph carries an inscription that the locomotive operated at 60 km/hr (37mph) in the Hornbach region. This Ostdeutschland BR 01 is operating accordingly in East Germany, the photograph’s inscription records the location as Hornbach. Operating number plaque indicates this locomotive to be 01 527, it varies in appearance to the DB class 01’s with the appearance of a continuous cover for the dome which gives evidence that this was one of 35 locomotives rebuilt in 1962 by the Reichsbahn Repair shop in Meiningen, the rebuild included Witte smoke deflectors, new cab and boiler positioned higher on the frame of the locomotive. My research does not verify the disposition of this locomotive so presumably it was scrapped, but the class 01’s operated for the DR until 1982, their service displaced with the advent of the diesel ‘Ludmilla’ introduced in the 1970’s. Marklin has not produced the DR version of the class 01 in Z, but maybe it will be a further development of those so far offered for DB: 88010 (Insider) and 88011, we will wait to see if it is included in the ambitious plans at Marklin.

Siding: The Soviet built ‘Ludmilla’ diesel locomotive was introduced to the DR in the 1970’s thus eventually ending the long career of the class 01 locomotives. Marklin’s last version of the Ludmilla in Z was 88134 based on the class 132 prototype from 1982.

Marklin 88134

Marklin 88872 Railcar for DB: Repair Notes

Marklin’s 88872 railcar is part of a series of 5 with this design, the original prototype was nicknamed “Flying Hamburger”, but this railcar is called the “Montan Express”.

If you own all five or any one in the series special consideration needs to be applied toward repair and maintenance. Routine replacement of the brushes is accomplished after removing the shell, but before the shell can be removed the specially designed buffer needs to be pulled off. Unlike the BR VT 11.5 Trans Europe Express’s buffers which look very similar the 88872’s buffers pull off, they are spring clipped on a post inside the loco. Note: shell can be removed only after pulling off the buffer.

Marklin designs each loco in the mini-club line-up from the ground up thus each carries certain unique design properties thus this railcar is unlike any other with numerous interesting design characteristics. The E211903 5 pole motor generates the propulsion to one powered truck thereby reducing the worm drive to one, other locos often have two driving front and rear trucks. Note: worm gear spins wheel gearing, motor gear engages with like gear.

LED’s light the unpowered coach and headlamps which feature trailing lights. The shell fits snugly so extra care should be taken when removing or reattaching. A few notes about removing shell include the use of very thin guitar picks to help in safely removing shell. When reattaching shell notice channels on both the chassis and shell ends that allow the two to slide together followed by pressing shell from end to front carefully and securely. Notice channels at end of shell and end of metal chassis.

This is another precision loco in mini-club thus all parts fit together perfectly.

Repair Notes: Marklin 88221 OBB BR 1020 Electric Locomotive

Marklin released the exquisite OBB BR 1020 in 1996-1998, this Era IV electric locomotive was delivered with the 3 pole motor 268200. In this post I will go through the step by step process for installing the current 5 pole motor E211906. The new motor also fits all 3 pole German versions of this loco which there are several including the DR 8812, DB 8822, and DB 8824. Featuring an articulated frame this locomotive type has been nicknamed the “German Krokodil” following its likeness to the SBB Be 6/8 with its articulated frame and pronounced design resembling a crocodile. As for the Marklin ‘Z’ versions of this loco each vary only by paint scheme and railway designation. It was only in the past few years that any tooling changes were made with the releases of 88224 and 88226 which feature LED headlamps and hidden catenary screw.

Onward with instructions for installing a new 5 pole motor in this locomotive type, but first does the loco with 3 pole really benefit with the 5 pole upgrade? No necessarily, the original 3 pole motor is a fine and powerful motor powering a loco of some heft, it features metal frame plus metal ends giving the locomotive good weight for pulling a large train. The loco is also so well designed that its original running performance is outstanding even with the 3 pole motor. The 5 pole motor replacement is also expensive with a list price of $109 at Walthers, it is also listed as ‘sold out’ and unavailable, but the one I am installing was recently purchased for $60. Others can probably be had from German dealers. The benefits of the new motor include a much quieter motor and slow idling, but no real increase in pulling power. I would have been happy and content if no 5 pole motor presented itself, in its original delivered condition these are beautiful locos and excellent runners.

If you have a loco of this type with HOS (hardened oil syndrome) please refer to my instructions in the post dedicated to full tear-down and restoration of the 8824. The following instructions are for the quick motor change-out only.

Before you start check to make sure the new motor works and spins in the correct direction. Run motor in both directions for a minute or two to break-in brushes.

Pop off center shell using the thin guitar pick method referred to in other posts, never use a screwdriver as Marklin indicates in their instructions or damage will result to the shell.
Notice circuit board is held tightly onto insulator frame by 4 clips, gently pry circuit board free of clips. Use great care to avoid cracking circuit board!
Circuit board will be loose from the insulator frames at this point, but it is still attached to solder points. Carefully move circuit board out of the way of the screws that secure insulator frames to the main chassis frame. Beware that the wires extending front and back do not damage electric pick-ups for both trucks.
Set aside insulator frames and carefully remove motor, remove any old oil on the frame and install new motor. Apply a small drop of oil to worm drive on each end of new motor.
Notice the difference in appearance between the original 3 pole motor and 5 pole motor: 3 pole capacitor bent backwards/ 5 pole capacitor is bent forward
Special Note: Notice original capacitor is bent backwards hidden under circuit board. The new capacitor is bent in the opposite direction and due to its small size is visible through the opening of the circuit board.
Reassemble and verify motor is aligned and level by running leads to the brushes. If everything spins well, and the motor is quiet the loco shell can be reattached.

An Introduction to Marklin Z American prototypes and rare small batch imprints

Marklin has brought to life American railroading prototypes in small measure if one compares the total entries of European ones: lot’s of F7’s, Mikado’s and GG1’s along with respective rolling stock. The eras portrayed are mid century primarily with a few earlier exceptions. Micro Trains is stronger in the field of American prototypes with their exhaustive survey of various rolling stock each boxed with a well researched and charted description. American prototypes are not a strong category for Marklin Z, but when they release something new like the GG1 it is a superlative example. And the F7 sets or individual ‘A’ units are widely collected in their infinite variety. But one type of a rolling stock example in each category makes life a bit challenging if you collect exclusively Marklin, and you are serious about railroading. Some collectors have opted for trading out couplers so MicroTrains rolling stock and locos can be used with Marklin and vice versa. It is a good trade off, but those of us lucky enough to own the Commodore Vanderbilt are still stuck without a coach set. Other manufacturers are on the scene producing high quality models including but not limited to AZL, and their current collaboration with Marklin in the production of three variations of the E8 maybe the first of more collaborations, who knows?

If you are a tried and true collector of Marklin Z American models like me you may already know about the small batch special imprint rolling stock. In coming months I will be including examples of these rare offerings that little information has thus far been known. Hopefully with the help of others in this field of collecting I can shed more light on this topic until then stay tuned and happy railroading!

MSI’s: Marklin 8661 car type

from top:

Schwanen-Brau, Koll’s #91001, edition size: 140
Stuttgarter Hofbrau, Koll’s #91002, edition size: 250
Neckar-Echo, *pictured right, Koll’s #91701, edition size: 100
Sarotti, Koll’s #91702, edition size: 250
Herbsthauser Biere, Koll’s #92001, edition size: 200
Markgrafen-Brau, Koll’s #92003, edition size: 300

7. Rizzibrau, Koll’s #92004, edition size: 300 8. Kapuzinerbrau, Koll’s #92005, edition size: 300 9. Monchshof, Koll’s #92006, edition size: 300 10. Forchtenberger Flatterberg, wgf., *left in photo on right, Koll’s #92007, edition size: 200 11. ICI – Lacke Farben, *right in photo on right, Koll’s #92701, edition size: 100 12. EUROPA ’92, Koll’s #92702, edition size: 200 13. Sauglings-Fursorge der Stadt Berlin, 1993 Insider Club Car, Koll’s #93001, edition size: 1000 14. Wasseralfinger Schlegelbrau-Bier, Koll’s #94001, edition size: 100

15. Koepf Bier, Koll’s #94002, edition size: 100 16. EXPORT-BIER – DINKELACKER STUTTGART, Koll’s #94004, edition size: 100 17. LAGER-BIER – DINKELACKER STUTTGART, Koll’s #94005, edition size: 100 18. Wimpfener Puppenmuseum, Koll’s #94701, edition size: 100 19. WEIPERT, Koll’s #94702, edition size: 100 20. SCUPIN, Koll’s #94703, edition size: 100

21. Heineken, Koll’s #95002, edition size: 100 22. BRAUEREI ZUM ENGL. HAUS, Koll’s #95003, edition size: 100 23. ENGLISCH HOF-BRAU, Koll’s #95004, edition size: 100 24. Wagenseil’schen Brauerei, Koll’s #95006, edition size: 100 25. Ochsen-Signet der ULMER BRAUEREI GESELLSCH LAGER BIER, Koll’s #96001, edition size: 100 26. Ochsen-Signet der ULMER BRAUEREI GESELLSCH PILSENER BIER, Koll’s #96002, edition size: 100

27. AKT. BRAUEREI WULLE, Koll’s #96003, edition size: 100 28. BINDING Lager, Koll’s #96004, edition size: 300 29. Richard Snaga Hannover, Z Club International club wagen, Koll’s #96702, edition size: 800 30. Wilhelm Bader – Wilbader, Koll’s #96704, edition size: 100 31. VEREINIGTE MARGARINE-WERKE…NURNBERG, Koll’s 96705, edition size: 100 32. Giengener Bier, 8661.012, Miba/Monk #1008, released 1996

33. HEINRICH HARLE Brauerei Aulendorf, 8661.023, Miba/Monk #1046, released 1996 34. ANKER-BROT, 8661. 039, Miba/Monk#1186, released 1998 35. Gauder Bock Zillertal, 8661.042, Miba/Monk #1211, released 1999 36. BRASSEREI du CARDINAL FRIBOURG SUISSE, 8661.901, Miba/Monk #1343, edition size: 300, released 2000 37. SALMEN – BIER, 8661. 904, Miba/Monk #1433, edition size: 300, released 2001 38. LOWENBRAU ZURICH, 8661.905, Miba/Monk #1434, edition size: 300, released 2001

39. ANKER BIER, 8661.907, Miba/Monk #1481, edition size: 300, released 2002 40. A.STIHL TRAGBARE BAUMFALL KETTENSAGEN, 8661.021, Miba/Monk #1045, edition size: 100, released 1996

MSI’s: Marklin 8612 car type

Marklin 8612 car type designates a two axle tank car. The MSI 8612 is/was mostly designed and lettered for petroleum companies from around the world. This MSI has proven to be a particular favorite for many collectors featuring a global representation with lively colors and graphics. Marklin has produced this MSI in recent years, but earlier ones are hard to come by; Ebay lists a half dozen different ones at any given time, sometimes more if a collection is being sold. One good source for this and other MSI’s is ZTrackResale.com operated by Rob Kluz of Z Track Magazine: check often, excellent prices and rarity sends things out the door quickly.

from top:

Stromeyer, originally sold as part of a starter set, Koll’s #79701, edition size: 500
Asbach Uralt, Koll’s #86001, edition size: 300
KERAMCHEMIE KCH, Koll’s #86701, edition size: 100
FINA, Koll’s #86703, edition size: 100
RAAB KARCHER (rot), Koll’s #86704, edition size: 200
Wintershall Mineralot, Koll’s #86705, edition size: 200

7. Herberts, Koll’s #86706, edition size: 200 8. TOTAL, Koll’s #86707, edition size: 100 9. BASF, Koll’s #86708, edition size: 200 10. elf, Koll’s #86709, edition size: 200 11. Herbsthauser Bier, Koll’s #87002, edition size 200 12. ELLER MONTAN, Koll’s #87701, edition size: 100

13. MIGROL Heizol, Koll’s #87702, edition size: 300 14. huls, Koll’s #87703, edition size: 100 15. Chevron, Koll’s #87704, edition size: 300 16. SCHERING AG, Koll’s #87708, edition size: 100 17. FANAL, Koll’s #87709, edition size: 100 18. HANIEL Heizol, Koll’s #87710, edition size: 100

19. ol muller, 8612.261, Koll’s #87711, edition size: 100 20. DEUTSCHE ASPHALT, Koll’s 87713, edition size: 100 21. woellner, 8612.244, Koll’s #87714, edition size: 300 22. VVV, 8612.268, Koll’s #87715, edition size: 500 23. SACHTLEBEN, Koll’s #87718, edition size: 100 24. WESTFALEN-GAS, Koll’s #87719, edition size: 100

25. UNION KRAFTSTOFF, Koll’s #87721, editon size: 100 26. Hoechst (large letters), Koll’s #87723, edition size: 200 27. KLOCKNER PENTAPLAST, 8612.204, Koll’s #87724, Miba/Monk #204, edition size: 100 28. SIGLOCH WEINKELLEREI, 8612.341, Koll’s #88001, edition size: 200 29. CARBO, Koll’s #88703, edition size: 200 30. Q8 (white), Koll’s #88708, edition size: 300

31. FUELS, Koll’s #88709, edition size: 100 32. MESSER GRIESHEIM, Koll’s #88710, edition size: 100 33. PRIMAGAS, Koll’s #88711, edition size: 100 34. Mobil 1, Koll’s #88713, edition size: 100 35. SCHINDLER CHEMIE, Koll’s #88714, edition size: 100 36. LM – LIQUI MOLY, Koll’s #88715, edition size: 100

37. LM-TOURING MOTOROIL, Koll’s #88716, ediiton size: 100 38. LM-TOURING, Koll’s #88717, edition size: 100 39. KRUPP HEIZOL, Koll’s #88718, edition size: 100 40. CIBA-GEIGY AEROLITE, Koll’s #88719, edition size: 300 41. Weingartnergenossenschaft Niederhall, Koll’s #89001, edition size: 200 42. Wasserwagen, Koll’s #89002, edition size: 500

43. Eka Nobel, Koll’s #89706, edition size: 100 44. calpam, Koll’s #89708, edition size: 300 45. VALVOLINE Motor Oil, Koll’s #89709, edition size: 100 46. Q8 (dark blue), Koll’s #89711, edition size: 200 47. STATOIL, Koll’s #89716, edition size: 200 48. BP, Koll’s #89717, edition size: 200

49. mann, Koll’s #90002, edition size: 200 50. Sulzbach/Saar, Koll’s #91701, edition size: 500 51. 100 Jahre transsibirische Eisenbahn, Koll’s #92705, edition size: 500 52. TOTAL (Simotra- SNCF) Marklin #82823.1, Koll’s #96701, Miba/Monk #989, edition size: 300 53. SHELL (Simotra- SNCF) Marklin #82823.2, Koll’s #96701, Miba/Monk #987, edition size: 300 54. ESSO (Simotra- SNCF) Marklin #82823.3, Koll’s #96701, Miba/Monk #988, edition size: 300

55. MOTOREX, Marklin #8612.901, Koll’s #96702, edition size: 300 56. VALVOLINE, Marklin #8612.904, Koll’s #96703, edition size: 300 57. OK Coop, Marklin #8612.905, Koll’s #96704, edition size: 300 58. elf, Marklin #8612.902, Koll’s #96705, edition size: 300 59. GATOIL, Marklin #8612.900, Koll’s #96706, edition size: 300 60. ASEOL, Marklin 8612.907, Miba/Monk #1069

61. LONZA, Marklin #8612.908, Miba/Monk #1071, released 1997 62. FELDSCHOLSSEN BIER, Marklin #8612.909, Miba/Monk #1239, released 1999 63. CICA, Marklin #8612.910, Miba/Monk #1240, released 1999 64. TAMOIL, Marklin #8612.913, Miba/Monk #1294, released 1999 65. Transportation Corps U.S. Army, Marklin #8612.024, Miba/Monk #1322, released 1999 66. Mobil, Marklin #8612.918, Miba/Monk #1366, released 2000

67. Pan Gas, Marklin #8612.919, Miba/Monk #1364, released 2000 68. SBB Instruktions-Wagen, Marklin 8612.923, Miba/Monk #1420, released 2001 69. B CARGO, Marklin #8612.804, Miba/Monk #1467, released 2002 70. MAGMA, Marklin #8612.040, Miba/Monk #1614, released 2004

Collecting Marklin Z and Preserving Train History: 88300, 88301, 88302

from top – side 1:

Marklin 88300: V300 Diesel Hydraulic Loco, Insider Model 2009

Marklin 88301: ML 2200 C’C’ experimental loco, builder: Krauss-Maffei, 1957 paint scheme

Marklin 88302: ML 3000 C’C’ factory paint scheme after 1957-1958 rebuild

side 2:

Collecting Marklin Z is bigger than acquiring model trains, it is a collaboration with Marklin: preserving the history of trains. Every collector of trains in all scales is participating in train history simply by collecting model trains, books and ephemera. Our passion for trains is passed on to the next generation, thus block by block trains are well documented and understood thanks to model train manufacturers and their collectors.

Historical preservation is at the heart of some Marklin Z releases including the experimental locomotives: ML 2200 and ML 3000.

The German locomotive maker Krauss-Maffei produced a variant of the 4 axle V200 locomotive in the 1950’s for the Yugoslav Railroad with lower axle loads and improved air conditioning thus the 6 axle ML 2200 was born. Delivery of three ML 2200 locomotives 1.77 meters longer than the V200 took place in Belgrade May 27, 1957. Marklin’s One Time Series 88301 is a model of the ML 2200 prototype.

The ML 3000 represents a rebuilt ML 2200 with increased power and improved transmission. The failure of negotiations to secure an order for ML 3000’s with the DB ended any potential success this locomotive would have for load restricted routes in Germany, the surviving prototype was used in Bavaria before it was leased in 1963 and later purchased by the DB. Marklin #88302 is modeled on the ML 3000 prototype.

In 1963 the DB leased the ML 3000, it was reclassified V300. The locomotive was repainted with the DB color scheme otherwise unchanged. In 1964 the DB purchased the V300, it was used in express and freight service. The service life of the V300 lasted roughly 17 years before it was scrapped. Marklin model #88300 represents the V300, it was a limited production release for Insider members.

As a point of comparison there were 4 total locomotives produced of the ML 2200/ ML 3000/ V300 variants and 86 total locomotives produced of the V200. Maybe the V300 would have been more successful than the V200 if negotiations with the DB had not failed to secure an order for them.

Blue? Prussian Blue rolling on the rails

Marklin Magazin has been published by Marklin for a number of years, it is a glossy well produced magazine with contents covering Marklin trains and train history. And it is included with your ‘Insider’ membership! So what’s with the title of this post Prussian Blue? Prussian Blue is the traditional blue used in blueprints and since 2001 the characteristic color used for Marklin Magazin’s special edition cars. Marklin Magazin’s “Car of the Year” is often Marklin’s car with new tooling for that year, pigmented in Prussian Blue and lettered for Marklin Magazin. Sometimes a theme is introduced such as the 2002 release 80812: type Lgjs 598 flat car loaded with tanks corresponding to printer’s ink used in the production of the magazine. Or the 2006 release 80816: type low side car with brakeman’s platform loaded with real rolls of paper, Marklin notes 20 metric tons of paper are used for each issue of Marklin Magazin. New releases of Magazin special edition cars are available from your dealer through Walthers, but they sell out quickly.

Marklin 88467 locomotive lettered for VSLF

Marklin has produced many versions of the Swiss class 460 electric locomotive since the 90’s, one of the recent releases features lettering for VSLF – the Association for Swiss Locomotive Engineers. The striking design used by VSLF includes a watchful owl depicted on both ends and sides of the 460 locomotive along with a lively graphic design. The Marklin “One Time Series” model 88467 features the removal of the catenary screw on the outside of locomotive thereby providing a more seamless roof appearance, power from the catenary is no longer possible with this model, and the lights are provided by LED’s. One of the most successful 460’s released thus far, and one that will prove to be much sought after in the future.

VSLF is an interesting organization for training and certification of train operators in Switzerland as well as providing representation to their members: https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.vslf.com/&prev=search

*You can download wallpaper under the ‘shop’ category at the VSLF site.

Notes on special Marklin editions

Marklin has and continues to produce limited editions in z scale that include several subcategories: 1. One Time Series, 2. MHI, 3. Export Models, 4. Marklin Magazine, 5. Insider Models, 6. SMI’s, 7. Industry Prints, 8. White Box Editions, and 9. Museum Editions.

All limited edition models should be considered “one time series”, but they vary from official “One Time Series” within the regular production items. Briefly One Time Series are regular production items with symbol printed on the box next to the item number. These items are produced for one year on a limited basis. In the United States they are distributed through Walthers.
In 1990 Marklin created the MHI (Marklin Handler Initiative) Program. Items falling into this category also include the “One Time Series” symbol: . Under this category models are not only limited by being one time series, they are only available from dealers that are members of the Marklin MHI Exclusive dealer program. The coal transport trainset 81379 + 82379 are recent examples.
Export Models as the name suggests are models designed for railroads outside Germany and exported to those countries on a limited basis. These models can be exceeding difficult to collect, their prices reflect their scarcity. Marklin 82376 is a good example of a 2 car hopper set lettered for the Netherlands.
Marklin Magazine is delivered through membership in Marklin’s Insider Club, models celebrating the magazine feature a characteristic dark blue color and imprinted with the Marklin Magazine logo. Car types in recent years depict cars with new tooling thereby announcing the release of new car types within the regular production line for z. Not every dealer will order these for their inventory and because they sell out fast they can prove difficult to collect unless you are willing to pay a fairly high collectible price after they sell out at the factory.
Insider Models are of two types: rolling stock and locomotives. As a member of the Marklin Insider Club members are given one free car usually of a type with new tooling, they are also given a certificate in their name for securing the locomotive for that year. Therefore the limitation is based on Insider membership and the number of reserved loco’s.
SMI’s are a particular favorite of mine, they are designated as Special Marklin Imprints commissioned privately for printing by Marklin. Marklin collaborates in the process with design requirements, usually a minimum order is 100. Car types for imprinting are 8600’s, 8612’s, 8615’s, 8626’s, 8656’s, and 8661’s. I don’t believe 8626 and 8656 are available anymore for special imprinting. Special Imprint cars include the ‘m’ designating they were printed by Marklin, this is an important mark otherwise they fall into my last category “Industry Prints”. SMI’s are a big category of collecting, these uncommon cars are imprinted with all sorts of interesting graphics variously designating wide ranging content, some collectors only collect SMI’s which speaks to the highly rewarding hunt for these rare finds.
Industry Prints are similar to SMI’s with one important difference, they were not printed by Marklin, Marklin’s contribution is limited to the unmarked cars only. Privately printed by Baur-Druck Bad Waldsee “Industry Prints” were sold by Schmidt in Germany for distribution in Europe and the United States. Here in the USA some were sold by Modellbahn Freund, St. Louis, MO, their sticker is sometimes attached to the plastic box if you happen to find one of these. This category of special imprints is not covered in the Koll’s books, the only reference is what can be found on the internet.
White Box Editions are special cars typically commemorating special events and housed within a white box.
Museum Editions had their start in 1987, each year a new museum car is released that highlights a company with historic or other ties to Goppingen, Germany home of Marklin. These highly collectible cars are often delivered inside a specially printed tin box and sometimes they include a cast metal truck or car. Most dealers have these in their inventory as they are distributed by Walthers. The rarest of this category are two cars: 1987 (1st year of the museum editions) and #80021 from 2010.

Marklin limited editions are not limited to these 9 categories as this blog will hope to clarify in future posts. The Nuremberg Toy Fair locomotives, one-off’s and limited starter sets further complete this topic, more for future discussion.

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