Category Archives: Marklin Z

General Maintenance of the Marklin 88712: BR 406 DB AG or ICE III

Marklin has designed locomotives and train sets with unique properties sometimes custom to a particular model. Whether it is the TEE train sets and its many variants or the ICE 1 or 3, couplers and powered units have been rethought and redesigned. The 88712 was produced in 1999-2005, it is based on the Era V ICE III DB prototype. Two variations of the 88712 include version 1 with 3 pole motor (1999) and version 2 with 5 pole motor (2000-2005). This train set could be supplemented with 4 add-on coaches to make-up a prototypical train set: 87711, 87712, 87713, 87714.

The design of this loco includes a unique power unit located in the middle of the train, the BordRestaurant dining car houses the motor and circuit board, but this car does not receive the power from the tracks instead each coach picks up power that is sent to the middle car thereby driving its two geared trucks. Added efficiency is achieved by the heavy weighted chassis of the dining car giving its wheel sets much needed traction. Couplers used in this set are those created for the 88711 Max Liebermann which are characterized as flat plastic couplers faced on both sides with conductive metal. Couplers are held in place on one end of each car with clips accessed from the underside of car. In order to remove this semi-permanent coupler simply release clip.

Maintaining this ICE train set is easy. The pantograph end of the dining car is gently pried upwards thereby releasing the shell. The capacitor wires maybe soldered to the circuit board thus take great care to avoid breaking any wires. No problem with broken wires, but repair will take a little longer as the wires will need soldering. The trucks do not have electrical contacts so they come apart easily and go back together easily. You may opt to tear down to the gears to remove old oil and crud. I bought mine from a collector who never ran theirs and as a result it was caked with hardened oil (HOS!!!!!) throughout the trucks and gears to the transmissions and even motor. Whenever you buy used Marklin Z expect the worse, you may need to replace brushes at the very least, but you might need to roll up your sleeves and remove crud and old oil.  Not sure if I am a nerd, but I like tear downs and restorations!

If you own or are planning to buy an ICE III it will not disappoint, this is one of the finest Marklin Z’s for running characteristics and design true to the prototype.

 

4th Quarter 2016 release of the new “Krokodil” – 88563

The Swiss ‘Krokodil’ in scale model railroading is identified more than any other as a ‘Marklin’ model, Marklin produces it in all scales, it appears in their marketing as much as the German equivalent class E94, and its continuous appearance in the Marklin Z catalog since 1979 further reinforces Marklin’s dedication to this prototype.

The articulated Swiss loco type is a fascination for all railroaders: train spotting or model collecting. As a model in ‘Z’ it faithfully reproduces the action of the dual set of side rod wheel sets found in the prototype.

As for its history in ‘Z’ we begin in 1979 with the 8856: green paint scheme presented in the original mini-club wood-grain box. Four versions of the 8856 were produced ending in 2010 with a 5 pole motor version.

The 8852 version in brown paint scheme was produced 1983 – 1990. One other individual release was the totally lovely 2013 Nuremberg Toy Fair 88561 in black paint scheme.

In various intervening years the Krokodil was sold in train sets starting with 8115 “125 Jahre Rotes Kreuz” set that commemorated the 125 year anniversary of the Red Cross in Switzerland. Other sets included the 81423 “Schweizer Guterverkehr” Swiss goods transport set and 81433 “KNIE” circus train set. Along came the unique set 88888 “150 Jahre Marklin”: deluxe illustrated carton with two Krokodil’s including one New York Central ‘fantasy’ loco in white with copper patinated color scheme on roof.

For the first time Marklin is offering some new features in this newly updated version with item number 88563. Updated features include LED’s, hidden catenary screw, new road number, and correct Swiss headlamp/marker light changeover. This Era II class Ce 6/8 III electric locomotive is scheduled for release at the end of 2016, it will be one of the big highlights in mini-club history for this loco type in 37 years.

Marklin has this listed as a “limited run.”

Siding: early ‘Krokodil’s” with 3 pole motors can be upgraded with 5 pole motor part #211904.

Marklin BR 218 in Z! What else?

The German BR 218 diesel locomotive includes numerous variants following the 1968 reclassification of the V 164. Six of those variations produced in Z by Marklin are included here. Many versions of a Marklin Z loco suggest to me many fans of this prototypical class otherwise Marklin would have produced some other loco instead. A relatively short rather boxy locomotive with trim ends describes this loco in short order, but what makes this loco so cool is all of that and more. A compact and I dare say elegant locomotive that was appealing to its engineers as a quiet alternative to steam engines, and a generally good locomotive to be assigned to if your career was as a coveted engineer, at least to me. 2500- 2800 horsepower isn’t bad coupled with multiple gear ratios thus giving this loco the stature of ‘multi-class’ locomotive. A long history is one way to mark success, of the nearly 400 built many are still in operation throughout Germany: 40+ years (*nearly 50 but who’s counting). And that’s 7 days a week most weeks for those 40+ years! Happy belated birthday old friend!

_DSF9707

  1. 81782- H.F. WIEBE, former class 218, privately owned and lettered for the firm H.F. WIEBE. Originally sold as part of a train set with rolling stock lettered for H.F. WIEBE. Sold through Conrad Electronics in an edition of 500.
  2. 88786- DB, BR 218, operating number 218 320-0, ocean blue and beige paint scheme
  3. 88787- DB AG, BR 218, operating number 218 260-8, current ‘traffic red’ paint scheme,        Era VI, One Time Series 2013

_DSF9715

4. 8878- DB, BR 218, operating number 218 438-0, Era IV, Marklin Program: 1988-2008                   5. 8879- DB, BR 218, operating number 218 104-8, Era IV, Marklin Program: 1989-2004                   6. 8880- DB, BR 218, experimental paint scheme, operating number 218 217-8, Era IV, Marklin Program: 1990-1999

_DSF9738 _DSF9746

Quiz: Can you name the locos?

Marklin BR 216 locomotive diesel class

Marklin produced 4 BR 216’s in Z, this post includes two newer versions: one an ‘Insider’ Model and the other an ‘MHI-One Time Series Release’ from 2013.  The class 216 follows the reclassification of locos in Germany in 1968 thus the 216 is the former class V 160. Modifications to class V 160’s included bumped out ends thus making for an arguably more attractive loco along with internal improvements that included changing from steam heat to electrically generated heat for coaches, it followed that certain exterior changes were also made including roof equipment and sides; the elliptical window which was characteristic of the BR V 160 disappeared, I would deduce that it was appealing but impractical. But some BR V 160’s simply had a name change and others found their way to private industry.

_DSF9702

  1. 88783- BR 216, Era IV, operating number 216 199-0, Insider Model 2011, One Time Series
  2. 88784- BR 216, Era IV, operating number 216 188-3, MHI Release 2013, One Time Series

_DSF9733

Two locos that are easy on the eyes!

Introduction: Marklin’s BR V 160 + 216 + 218 in Z

One of favorite Z type locos are the diesels: BR V160, BR 216 and BR 218 and their variants. A technical consideration for railroaders operating a layout of German prototype, you won’t find a better and more satisfactory runner than these with the 3 pole or 5 pole motors, they are perfection and even feature LED lighting with trailing lights to boot. There are real bargains to be had with many of these models on the secondary market, and of course a 5 pole motor upgrade is another consideration that is very easy to perform with this loco type. Overall there are three types that fit this category with sides and paint schemes that boast the obvious variations, but let’s not overlook roof details with variously shaped vents and stacks as well as color changes which yield 4 general variations in this interesting Z group.

_DSF9754

from left to right:

  1. BR V 160 with operating number V 160 003
  2. BR 216 with operating number 216 188-3
  3. BR 218 (without stacks) with operating number 218 320-0
  4. BR 218 (with stacks) with operating number 218 217-8

A close look into the grills and ends of lovely diesel locos starts with these locomotives classes due in part to paint schemes of mixed variety. And private industry offered bit parts in this illustrious history.

_DSF9759

from left to right:

  1. 8866- DB, BR V 160 “Lollo,”operating number V 160 003
  2. 81411- HEG, former BR V 160, operating number BR V 31
  3. 88782- DB, BR 216 (following 1968 German loco reclassification),                                           operating number 216 005-9
  4. 88785- DB, BR V 160 “Lollo,” operating number V 160 005 *note the brighter grill than that of 8866

_DSF9768

5. 88784- DB, BR 216, operating number 216 188-3                                                                                  6. 88783- DB, BR 216, operating number 216 199-0

_DSF9774

7. 81782 (starter set)- H.F. WIEBE, former class 218, privately owned with no operating number    8. 8880- DB, BR 218, experimental paint scheme, operating number 218 217-8                                 9. 88786- DB, BR 218, operating number 218 320-0

_DSF9786

10. 88787- DB AG, BR 218, operating number 218 260-8                                                                         11. 8879- DB, BR 218, operating number 218 104-8                                                                                  12. 8878- DB, BR 218, operating number 218 438-0

 

Next generation of mini-club box?

_DSF9646

I just received the latest BR 212 diesel locomotive, it arrived with a brand new box design. Is this the start of a new box for mini-club? Going from the previous black to predominately white box with new graphics is a nice departure from the former. This will be the fourth generation of mini-club box since 1972 with the ‘wood grain’ design fold-out display box followed in due course by the brown photo illustrated box that was out for many years. The third of course is the black box roughly corresponding to the transition to 5 pole motors, roughly corresponding because the first loco with a 5 pole was the newly tooled DB class 143 released in the characteristic brown box,  it would be a year or two before the black box arrived but close enough to signal the new direction for mini-club. Now a new box coming at a time with the advent of new motors, enhanced retooling of locos including increased detail and action of steam loco side rods, and of course the many newly designed locos and rolling stock ! An infusion of excitement is unfolding and the new box maybe signalling a new future for mini-club!

Featured: Marklin Z 88216

 

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.

_DSF9141

from top:

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

_DSF9142

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

_DSF9143

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

_DSF9144

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

_DSF9145

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

_DSF9147

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

_DSF9148

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

_DSF9149

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

_DSF9150

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

_DSF9151

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

_DSF9152

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

_DSF9153

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

Marklin MSI’s: railbuses

Railbuses in Germany actually look like buses and a few other countries do too. The “Economic Miracle” in Germany occurred during the 1950’s, and the class VT 98 railbus was part of this history. Marklin added this railcar to the line-up with the first one being released in 1988 as item #8112 “Chiemgau Bahn” and then the special imprint “McDonald’s” also in 1988. Versions abound but for this topic of discussion the focus is on special imprints which like the first two releases (8112) are also in part regional railbuses.

_DSF9187 _DSF9195

  1. 88701 – German Federal Railroad (DB) class 798 railbus lettered for “McDonald’s voll in Fahrt.” Sold as a starter set with track and transformer. Edition size: 1000. Koll’s #88701. Released 1988.
  2. 88817 – Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) class 798 railbus and class 998 trailer lettered for RAG. Special imprint collaboration between Railex and Z Club International. Koll’s #91702. Edition size: 3000. *Originally sold unpowered.
  3. 88164 – Prignitzer Eisenbaum GmbH class 798 railbus and class 998 trailer lettered for Prignitzer Eisenbaum GmbH regional rail line Berlin. One Time Series 2001. Produced in collaboration between Marklin and Eurotrain/idee+spiel cooperative.
  4. 88165 – Elbe-Weser GmbH (EVB) class 798 railbus and class 998 trailer lettered for EVB the Lower Saxony German regional rail line. One Time Series 2002. Produced in collaboration between Marklin and Eurotrain/idee+spiel cooperative.

Siding: 88164 + 88165 were only available to German Dealers that were members of the Eurotrain/idee+spiel cooperative.