Category Archives: Marklin Z

Marklin 82641: Set of 8 Type Sgns 691 Flat Cars with Loads

Marklin 82641 (8 individual cars + cardboard spacer)

Marklin recently released a large set of freight cars (82641) for global shipping theme (Era VI), it includes eight type Sgns 691 flat cars with tank and dry storage containers. Various railroads and shipping companies represented in the set are colorful and graphically interesting.

The release comes boxed in what Marklin calls a display box, it is intended as counter display for dealers who may opt to sell individual cars from the set. Marklin produced large car sets in the past thereby giving customers flexibility to buy 1 or all cars from the sets. With one local exception USA dealers have offered complete sets only. Cars in the set are each housed in familiar Marklin Z hard plastic boxes, and each is assigned a number 82641-….. (01-08).

Flat cars are manufactured with the relatively new technology: metal impregnated plastic. Increased weight is the primary benefit thus better running performance, and maybe casting detail is improved. Car bodies are superb, they feature open frames with extensive fine paint and lettering.

Containers are of great variety, but they are the typical containers Marklin has offered before: open bottoms with no prototypical lettering on doors, but very fine lettering otherwise. Tank containers with protective frames are standard fare offered before, tanks are finely painted and lettered, but protective frames which are manufactured apart from tanks and assembled later may need removal of excess plastic. Six tank containers are included, 3 in my set had issues: 1 missing mounting pin, 1 needed plastic trimming around pins to mount and 1 needed trimming/leveling of plastic base otherwise it wanted to pop off. Repairing tank containers took no more than a minute thus no big deal. Note: no problems whatsoever with dry containers. Further comment on tank containers: mounting has always been an issue with some collectors opting to cut off pins and epoxying the tank containers directly to the flat car. I do not recommend gluing, instead I recommend very carefully removing extra plastic in casting with a razor blade. Except for lack of graphics on doors of dry containers and mounting pin issues with tank containers this is a very good set to add to your collection.

Siding: Released in 2024/25. Marklin suggests locomotives 88136 (diesel Ludmilla) and 88235 (electric Vectron) for freight set 82641.

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)

Norwegian Diesel with Snowplows: Marklin 88362

Marklin 88362 JBV Diesel Class Di3 628 (Norway)

Delivery has started in the United States for a most interesting Z gauge diesel, it peaks my interest for 2 reasons: big big snowplows and Scandinavia. Plus it is another version of the well received NOHAB locomotive type as seen in Marklin’s Z gauge line-up.

Marklin’s 88362 is a regular production item that will undoubtedly generate a lot of interest. Scandinavian railroads are now represented more and more by Marklin for us Z-scalers which is wonderful to see, FR Freudenreich was solely representing the railroads of Scandinavia with few examples from Norway. This Marklin loco is unique as a specialized maintenance of way locomotive for Norway, it is owned and operated by Rail Network (JBV) as class Di3 628. As stated in Marklin’s description it is a modified former class Di3a with the installation of snowplows. One of the more characteristic traits of Scandinavian locos are the inclusion of snowplows, nearly all that I have seen over the years include plows of various size with this loco presenting very large plows of heavy construction.

When I saw the announcement for this locomotive I assumed plows would be made of plastic, it turns out they are metal and feature very good detailing including realistic profile and heavy beam construction. The plows are installed pushed into the buffer posts which might may not be concerning since the shell is made of metal impregnated plastic thus perhaps allowing a stronger joint, but care should be taken with this loco as it may not tolerated too much bumping. Track clearance with plows is as close as a hair width: almost!!! Very impressive to see the tight tolerances in design and execution. Very very high precision manufacture allows for models like this, each new technological advancement seems to have been applied to this loco. Made in Hungary 88362 is an attractive locomotive model with good paint detail work except on the one I received window trims are painted silver only on one end.

I would not try removing the plows which are tightly installed and maybe glued in place. Horns between windshields appear to be add-on parts: exceptional! Middle axle on each wheel set is free from gearing thus wheels easily turn on their own, but they do not sit with the same contact with track as the geared axles with their wheels: not something to dwell on. Beautiful smooth running performance even at low speeds, and it moves quick when throttled up. 3 headlights changeover with direction of loco, but there are no trailing lights, I hope future designs add red marker lights to this series of locomotive. Headlights on this loco are not bright unless full throttle is applied.

Big surprise: I read in description the locomotive comes with working warning lights above cabs, but to my surprise they pulsate simulating what would be seen with the prototype.

At a length of 4 3/8 inches this is a long locomotive adding 7/8 inches onto the same locomotive type with buffers only (no plows). Manual that comes with loco warns the user to carefully check layout compatibility to rule out signals, catenary masts, bridge railings, and tunnel portals being in the way of plows. As can be seen in this post’s photos plows swing out over tracks quite far. Marklin states minimum track radius for this loco is 195mm/7 11/16 inches.

Overall a very good release, it represents how far Z gauge has grown by applying all the latest and newest technologies: maintenance free motor, metal impregnated plastic (heavier: more pulling power), and pulsing light feature (warning lights). And of course more Scandinavian trains and specialized trains.

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.

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.

FR MY Diesel Loco Versus Marklin 88633 for DSB

Marklin released 88633 more than 10 years ago, it was their 4th NOHAB Diesel Locomotive. There have been another four released to date with little to no difference in appearance with paint and lettering for various railroads as the exception. This is a favorite locomotive type for me, I have all versions released by Marklin thus far. And one by FR which I would like to explore by way of contrasting the 2 companies interpretation of this locomotive. I chose DSB Class MY models with varying paint schemes to be close enough for this posting. Both companies are known for historical research based tooling and paint schemes, but when FR released their loco they claimed a higher level of accuracy concerning the NOHAB: time to consider the claim.

I will break down the post into the following categories: dimensions, weight, color, shell details, coupler system, wheel arrangement and mechanics.

Dimensions: buffer to buffer (FR 87mm / Marklin 86mm), body shell end to end (FR 81mm / Marklin 84mm), height from wheel flange (FR 19mm / Marklin 19mm) and width of body (FR 14mm / Marklin 15mm). Note: Marklin’s locomotive features buffers that are tiny and do not reflect what can be seen on prototypical locomotives (simple Google search will verify this conclusion). Further, Marklin’s DSB MY locomotive buffers appear to be comparable in size to the headlights. FR has modeled their buffers and body mounts more accurately to the prototype.

Weight: using a postal scale the FR weighs 1 1/2 ounces and the Marklin weighs 1 ounce. The weight difference is obvious in hand thus the FR model should be able to outperform the pulling capacity of the Marklin loco. Note: current Marklin Z NOHAB locomotive shells are cast with metal impregnated plastic which makes recent NOHAB’s a little heavier. Stayed tuned for a future post on this topic.

Color: as can be seen in the photos each locomotive exhibits different paint schemes which could be explained by the research each company performed. FR states the paint scheme they used is referred to as ‘economy without white striping.’ Examples can be found online with similar paint scheme as that used by Marklin.

Shell Details: this category maybe of particular interest to some collectors due to the number of differences. Marklin’s loco is clearly longer than FR, and Marklin 88633 is clearly wider. Roof is more rounded on the FR model. Roof equipment is slightly different on both models, but both appear accurate to their respective prototypes. Two styles of vents are used by each company, both are correct as can be seen from online photos of the prototypes. FR’s venting is very detailed almost 3 dimensional. One of the more consequential differences between the 2 models is body shape with the FR’s front and rear nose sloping at a dramatic angle versus the more squared off appearance on the Marklin, FR is closer in appearance to DSB ‘MY’ prototypes depicted in online photos, but the appearance of Marklin’s 88633 is very similar to other versions of the NOHAB painted and lettered for other railroads depicted in photos found online. Doors on the FR’s front and rear nose are cast versus suggested thru imprinting as on Marklin 88633 thus giving the Marklin a smoother finish. Add-ons for Marklin include lower step for cab access, on FR they include cab steps and railings. Marklin’s wider body shell gives its locomotive a boxier appearance, and its windows are small compared with the FR model. On the flipside, FR’s body shape is dramatic with narrower body and angled nose pitch plus those large windows.

Coupler System: connecting rolling stock to these locos could not be more different. Marklin uses their tried and true system which allows easy coupling and uncoupling with track #8587 whereas FR uses a simple wire which works well with the Marklin mini-club couplers, but it does not allow automatic uncoupling with Marklin uncoupling track section. If you display your locos the FR wire coupler virtually disappears.

Wheel Arrangement and Mechanics: one curious feature of the FR model is of course the snowplows which are standard equipment on Scandinavian trains, but missing on Marklin 88633. Marklin is missing the large pair of diesel tanks installed on the FR model’s chassis: not sure what is depicted between the Marklin’s wheel sets. The engineering and design of FR’s trucks conceal the wheels unlike Marklin’s design, I would further comment FR’s truck design is true to prototype, Marklin appears to be using a standard design they have used before which leaves top part 1st and 3rd pair of wheels exposed. Marklin wheel sets include metal gearing, FR fully nylon. Motive power on the Marklin 88633 is the very reliable 5 pole motor which was replaced in later models with motor featuring bell-shaped armature. FR has been using a similar motor for many years. And FR has been providing a choice: DC or DCC. FR’s digital (DCC) option includes extensive sound functions.

Conclusion: overall I would rate both locomotives as very good with the FR representing the prototype of a DSB MY locomotive more accurately plus FR offers a digital option. Marklin adopted a very interesting new casting feature: metal impregnated plastic thus current and future models have gained some weight which I will follow up on in a future post. Plus is there a difference between early versions of Marklin’s NOHAB locomotives and recent releases? I will follow up with a look at all released NOHAB’s to date.

Siding: FR Freudenreich has rebranded, the new company is named AB-Atelier Barkvieren. Packaging for the new company features red logo versus FR’s blue logo otherwise packaging is identical: clear acrylic boxes lined with dense white foam.

Marklin 88240: SBB Re 6×6 Electric Locomotive

Wait is over: Marklin USA has delivered Marklin 88240 to dealers.

New locomotive for SBB featuring new technology and tooling!! Based on prototype Re 6×6 electric locomotive in fire red paint scheme (Feuerrot) with road number 11666 “Stein am Rhein.” Re (‘R’: rapid) designation refers to higher cornering speed. I included the Google link below for further information on Swiss Locomotive Classification.

Extensive features are all in the details: highly detailed engine room which is unlit. Detailed buffer plates with realistic prototypical circular array of bolts. Separately applied grab rails which has been applied already to other locos. Very finely cast and painted vent covers along roof and atop roof. Snowplows are included as a part to install, I will detail installation later in post.

New technology applied to loco include split frame and sliding center wheel set with 4 very thin wheels unique to this model. Wheels have black spokes with highly detailed trucks.

How does it run? Loco requires a little more effort to place on tracks, but side lighting with flashlight does the trick. And it runs and performs perfectly, no one will be disappointed with this fantastic locomotive.

Snowplow Installation: Marklin includes snowplow parts inside box. Not sure why these were not factory installed as they are not exclusive for display purposes, loco will not be hindered from turning with snowplows installed. Maybe the reason is they are prone to falling off, they attach on one installation point. I applied a small dot of 5 minute epoxy to secure the parts. Refer to photos:

Snowplow is attached by pushing post into hole in coupler box.

Proper installation of snowplow does not interfere with coupler, frame or chassis: ‘v’ points to coupler forming the realistic snowplow shape.

Since it’s (88240) release Marklin has announced another Re to be released at the end of the year: 88241.

Marklin 88241 (planned delivery 4th Quarter 2024)

from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_locomotive_and_railcar_classification

Thanks for looking and Happy Railroading!

Marklin 88588: EuroSprinter 64

Developed and built by Siemens Mobility this global locomotive concept can even be found in the ranks of Amtrak. Marklin’s new release ES 64 (EuroSprinter 64) with article number 88588 is painted and lettered for MRCEdispolok in matte black. This is a partially retooled Z locomotive in that it features a 3rd pantograph (non-functioning) along with 2 electrically functioning pantographs. Very attractive locomotive and new member of Marklin’s Taurus locomotives in Z.

Container Shipping in Z: Marklin and FR (“AB”)

By way of an announcement: German firm FR was recently rebranded as AB “Atelier Barkvieren.” This post will include a recent item produced by the newly minted firm. Not much is different between AB and FR comprising mostly Scandinavian models. Their current website reveals a noticeable reduction in locomotive offerings which might be temporary: wait and see. I hope for a fully recast range of items as before with prototypical rolling stock and locomotives of the highest quality plus high quality build kits.

On to the post titled “container shipping” which includes two recent offerings by the aforementioned company AB and Marklin. Why combine the two? Comparing similar car types by AB and Marklin reveals what is currently possible in Z. It might appear the AB model is more detail rich in some areas, but I would like to point out the differences without judging one as better than the other because each is as important to railroading in Z as the other.

The AB car painted and lettered for DB Schenker sits attached to a modified TAGAB Three-T class Os used to transport 40′ containers. Car type used in Sweden (Statens Jaravagar – SJ). Model features metal car frame and extensively printed container which is permanently attached to car body.

Marklin’s freight car set 82664 was recently released as a One Time Series for the MHI Program thus only available to MHI Dealers. Set includes 5 cars with containers painted and lettered for various firms. Twenty and forty foot containers detach from metal car bodies as they can be stacked too. End of car graphic details including essential prototype signage is not included. Warning stripes are painted on car frame ends. Containers feature precision posts which allow precise alignment stacked or installed on car frames. Era IV (1970-1990).

A modification I have seen over the years with this car type includes cutting off posts and gluing containers directly to car bodies: I don’t recommend this, it always turns out sloppy plus it is not necessary. And instantly the value of this set plummets.

Happy Railroading!

Z Trains Weekly

World of Z scale trains!