Category Archives: New Releases

New Passenger Set for DR/GDR: Marklin 87513

Marklin has released for the first time coach set 87513 painted and lettered for DR/GDR with car type Daai baggage car and Baai 2nd class coaches. Falling within Era IV this set depicts a prototypical passenger set for East Germany as operated by the German Democratic Republic (1949-1990) and DR. Marklin mates this set with the soon to be released steam locomotive 88032 which is based on a class 37 locomotive from 1970. Attractive 2nd class coach set based on the prototype with few comforts with no nonsense green paint scheme and bold ‘DR’ lettering.

Marklin 87513_1a (Type Daai baggage car)
Marklin 87513_1b (Type Daai baggage car)
Marklin 87513_2 (Type Baai 2nd class coach)
Marklin 87513_3 (Type Baai 2nd class coach)
Marklin 87513_3 (Type Baai 2nd class coach)

Early German Railroading: New ‘DR’ Sets

Marklin 86010 (2021)

Marklin’s recent release Era II freight sets include 2 for the DR: 82327 + 86010. Each is identified as Deutsche Reichsbahn thus Era II freight sets. Cars from 86010 are based on an earlier car type from Era I, prototype used on the K.Sa.St.E. B. (Royal Saxon State Railways- Königlich Sächsische Staatseisenbahnen) and released as Marklin item #8601 (1991-1998). Set 82327 features O 10 gondolas released many times before in sets and individual releases including 82322 for the DB (1997-2001).

Marklin 82327 (2021)

Set 82327 is a unique release because of 3 details: paint and lettering for the DR, Tempo A400 Delivery Van and light weathering suggestive of dirt/grime kicked up from track. The Tempo van is cast metal featuring rubber tires that rotate and prototypical paint scheme from the late 30’s.

Marklin 82327 (2021)
Marklin 82327 (2021)

Set 86010 features 3 type K Wuppertal gondolas each equipped with 6 hatches that can be opened because of course each is hinged. Bold lettering for the DR contrasting against brown paint scheme.

Marklin 86010 (2021)
Marklin 86010 (2021)

Revell 05685: Bucket Wheel Excavator Build Kit (1:200)

Introduced in 1984 Revell’s “Bucket Wheel Excavator was reissued in 2020 with upgraded parts. And suitable for Z gauge modelers with a build ratio of 1:200.

Schaufelradbagger 289 – Model 8813 (Version 1: 1984)

A plastic build-kit with an undisclosed number of parts was based a very large land-driven machine for excavating lignite. Based on the prototype built by Krupp for the mining firm Rheinbraun (Essen, Germany) the original Revell kit was released close to the prototypes first day of work in the late 70’s.

Schaufelradbagger 289 – Model 08813 (Version 2: 2013)

Twenty nine years later (2013) the buckle wheel excavator was re-released as a “Limited Edition”, it was very popular and quickly sold-out. It was offered to me for $600 in 2015 or as equal trade for my mini-club “Bumble Bee” steam loco, of course I held onto the Bumble Bee and $600 thus also lacking the confidence to build such a kit. Version 2 is reportedly the same as Version 1 with only a change to the box design, but the overall dimensions printed on the box offers a variation: whereas Version 1 is stated to be 102cm x 42.5cm overall, Version 2 is reported to be 101.1cm x 43.3cm. Not much dimensional difference between Version 1 and 2, but it is interesting none the less and likely due slight variance in finished model.

Schaufelradbagger 289 – Model 05685 (Version 3: 2020)

In 2020 Version 3 of the bucket wheel excavator was released as another “Limited Edition” this time with updated parts. I can’t report on the nature of the improved parts, but this kit includes glue and paints with brush, perhaps a “Level 5” modeler will find no need for the paints opting instead to use airbrush applied paints? This time the kit’s box lists the parts total as 687 and kit difficulty as Level 5! A big kit which will take time to build but far less time than the 5 year assembly of the prototype!

I was recently visiting Miami, FL, and I visited MicroMacroMundo where I found the kit which was not on my radar thus I accepted the challenge to eventually build it with no experience whatsoever building Level 5 plastic kits. Measuring more than 3 feet in length the finished project is impressive in size and suitable for Z gauge!

Numerous dealers have this kit currently in stock priced at $150 more or less. Good luck if you decide to take up the challenge.

Smallest in ‘Z’: Marklin 88025

Marklin 88025 + 89805 (loco shed from set)

Based on the DB class Klv 20 maintenance-of-way vehicle Marklin’s 88025 is surely the smallest powered vehicle in ‘Z’ gauge history. Railex was probably the first to offer small locomotives for Z with their line of Kof shunting locos, but each was mechanical or non-motorized. Z-Modellbau is another evolution in small locos featuring various small locomotives including railcars and Kof’s. And they feature very good powered designs with brushless motors. But this new Marklin offering goes further, it is the smallest powered vehicle thus far for Z gauge railroading based on a modified VW bus used for MOW service.

Many photos of this vehicle exist with a simple google search, but I haven’t seen one featuring what appears to be a rack with bins on the roof, I am assuming it is a storage feature for tools, but I cannot verify this even after much research. Photos of the prototypes show headlamps covered over and non-functioning, instead they featured a pair of lamps installed either side of windshield, perhaps the prototype could not be modified for rail use while keeping the stock VW headlamps? Marklin’s model depicts headlamp area covered or as part of the body contour thus no functioning headlamps.

One of the recent examples of Marklin’s new technologies for Z is metal incorporated in the casting plastic for electric and diesel locos, adding a little weight in the shell is a genius move and adds to the overall better running of these locos, I tested this tiny crew bus through a turn-out without any skipping or hesitation: exceptional runner!

The impressive comparative size of the 88025 alongside the recent release 88484 (SJ RE 14).

Black Forest Railroading – “Höllentalbahn”: Marklin 87507

BR 85 003 tank locomotive without smoke deflectors traveling across Ravennabrücke Viaduct (circa 1933)

Sometimes photographs are key evidence for prototypical modeling this one capturing the moment a BR 85 tank locomotive crosses the Ravennabrücke Viaduct in the Black Forest. Trailing behind are 5 coaches and baggage car of the type included in the new release “Höllentalbahn” Passenger Car Set: Marklin 87507.

Built in 1926-27, the Ravennabrücke Viaduct replaced a much earlier bridge (circa 1885) whose foundation sidings can be seen on the right. A rack railway was originally used until the BR 85 tank locomotive was designed and built in the early 1930’s .

This photograph and others in our collection are mostly stamped as belonging to Lokomotivbild-Archiv, Reichsbahn-Filmstelle, Berlin or Deutsche Reichsbahn and each includes numerous classifications and hand-written historical details. The photograph in this post however appears to have the correct operating number crossed out in the upper right (85 003) with the incorrect number more boldly represented on the photograph: only 10 class 85’s were produced. Our collection of vintage photographs from the Deutsche Reichsbahn archives will be included in upcoming posts including narrow gauge class 99’s so stay tuned.

Onto the model 87507, included in the 5 car set are coaches and baggage car: 3- type Bie 2nd class coaches, 1- type ABiwe 1st and 2nd class coach, and 1- type Pwie baggage car. And based on prototype from Era IIIb thus circa 1960. A great set featuring matte paint and very fine extensive lettering, it is also the announced mate for the upcoming release of 88889: BR 85 007. The new loco will be delivered with a build kit for a locomotive inspection station. And of course the new loco will have improved running gear detailing and new brushless motor, plus added treats include warning stripes painted on buffers and painted boiler bands. Please look for a future post featuring my favorite steam locomotive and its coach set! Plus more BR 85 historic photos too!

Without further ado:

Marklin 87507.1 (1st and 2nd class standard mainline coach)
Marklin 87507.2 (2nd class standard mailine coach)
Marklin 87507.3 (standard design baggage car)

Marklin 87507.4 (2nd class standard mailine coach)
Marklin 87507.5 (2nd class standard mailine coach)

Siding: Archistories Viaduct kit is a worthy candidate if you plan to model something similar to the above scene. Check it out at Z Scale Monster Trains or Z Scale Hobo. Note: your partner will enjoy the peace and quiet as you build this fun kit!

Archistories #128171 + #129171 (extension “add-on” kit)

Marklin Insider Car 2019: 80329

Marklin 8800_Goldene locomotive and Insider car 80329 “Miele” (2019)

Two bits of history hitched together: 47 years apart. This year’s (2019) Insider car for Z (released 2020) is painted and lettered for the German firm Miele pictured here with Marklin’s “Goldene” locomotive from 1972.

Marklin 8800_Goldene locomotive and Insider car 80329 “Miele” (2019)

Recently released 80329 is the 26th freight car given to Insider Members as part of membership in the club which also includes other perks including subscription to Marklin Magazin, Marklin Insider magazine, yearly catalog, invitation to purchase Insider locos and last but not least the bi-annual DVD showcasing news from Marklin as well as railroading highlights from around the world.

Marklin 8800_Goldene locomotive and Insider car 80329 “Miele” (2019)
Marklin 8800_Goldene locomotive and Insider car 80329 “Miele” (2019)

German firms chosen for the Insider Club release cars are sometimes known to collectors in the United States and sometimes not, Miele may fall within the latter partly due to little advertising in the United States and small dealer network for their products, but this appliance manufacturer who opened their doors in 1899 has revolutionized household appliances including inventing the vacuum cleaner, electric dishwasher and household laundry machine.

Marklin 8800_Goldene locomotive and Insider car 80329 “Miele” (2019)

The type GI 11 high capacity box car forms the basis for this release and used on the German Federal Railroad (DB) during Era IV.

Marklin 8800_Goldene locomotive and Insider car 80329 “Miele” (2019)

Forty seven years is a long time since the release of the 8800 “Goldene” locomotive, but we are fast approaching the 50 year anniversary of Marklin mini-club thus the little loco type 8800 with version 1 tooling is appropriately finished in gold to celebrate this upcoming milestone.

Marklin 8800_Goldene locomotive and Insider car 80329 “Miele” (2019)

Siding: Insider Members belonging to the club for 5 consecutive years receive the special imprint car “marklin INSIDER – 5 Jahre”.

Marklin 82319
Marklin 82319

Marklin Side Dump Car Set for RTS: 82435

First the freight car set and then sometime in the future the designated locomotive such is the case with set 82435 who’s locomotive (88204) has yet to be released, thus if you plan to run that locomotive you might consider buying this set before it sells out.

The bright and lively paint scheme of this car set comprises three type Eamos side dump cars painted and lettered for the firm RTS Rail Transport Service GmbH, Fischamend, Austria.

This is not the first release of this car type which is popularly used by several rail services, it features hydraulics to lift and dump loads.

Siding: Marklin RTS diesel locomotive class 221 (former V200) is the appropriate locomotive to complete this Austrian set.

Marklin 88204 class 221 diesel locomotive

“Von Haus zu Haus”: Marklin Freight Set 82329

“From house to house” freight transport during the Economic Miracle thru the 1960’s comprised open and closed container types for transporting all manner of goods: gravel to food. Goods delivered from customer to customer according to Marklin literature presumably circumventing a distributor.

Cars rebuilt from war time G 10’s provided frames for the newly classified BT 10’s used to haul open bins in this Marklin new release set.

Included with the set is a Kälble delivery vehicle with trailer and Eosakrt container load.

Era III set painted and lettered for use on the German Federal Railroad (DB).

Marklin K.P.E.V. Era I set: 86604

The recent release freight car set of 3 painted and lettered for K.P.E.V. includes gas car, beer car, and livestock car for Era I railroading.

Graphics and variety of early car types make for some very interesting early railroading possibilities.

Included in this set is a tank car comprising three cylinders for transporting coal gas used for lighting and heating. This car type could be dispatched with coaches to replenish a station, it was not exclusively coupled to a freight train only.

Marklin 86604_1 (KPEV)

Livestock car comprising a brakeman’s cabin, sliding doors and open gates likely included the latter for ventilation otherwise it was a closed wall box car.

Marklin 86604_2 (KPEV)
Marklin 86604_2 (KPEV)

Lastly is the bier wagon car type featuring historical paint and lettering for early companies within Europe, in this example the firm Lorenz Pfannenberg Söhne, Zerbst (Germany), Exportbier Brauerei.

Marklin 86604_3 (KPEV)
Marklin 86604_3 (KPEV)

F5 Baggage Car for SJ: 3 variants by FR

FR SJ Resgodsvagn F5-L (46.225.01)

Just this Fall FR of Germany released 3 versions of the F5 baggage car in a limited release (20 for each car type) based on prototypes built in the 1930’s and 40’s. Included in the releases are the original prototype F5, reclassified FV (1970), and the later class Qhd for MOW service.

FR SJ Resgodsvagn FV-1 (46.225.11)

Full metal construction of etched and separately applied parts painted with historical accuracy based on SJ’s paint scheme and lettering, FR’s metal Z gauge baggage cars better approximate prototypical realism than plastic casting due to finer detail work and thinner rendition of wall thicknesses not possible from the casting process thus too a bit more precision most notably in window openings.

FR BANVERKET Tjanstevagn Ohd (46.225.21)

Based on the prototype built in small numbers in the 30’s and 40’s the class F5 baggage car featured a large baggage area plus small worker’s compartment at one end. Solid gating around end of car platforms was a characteristic of the car as well as heavy welded sections capping each end of the roof.

First in this series is class F5-L and one of the original 285 units built in the 1930’s and 40’s by the SJ (FR #46.225.01).

FR SJ Resgodsvagn F5-L (46.225.01)

Second in the series is class FV-1, former class F5 and later reclassified in the 1970’s (FR #46.225.11).

FR SJ Resgodsvagn FV-1 (46.225.11)
FR SJ Resgodsvagn FV-1 (46.225.11)

Third in the series is class Qhd (former FV retired) painted and lettered for BANVERKET used for MOW service (FR 46.225.21).

FR SJ Resgodsvagn FV-1 (46.225.11)
FR SJ Resgodsvagn FV-1 (46.225.11)
FR SJ Resgodsvagn FV-1 (46.225.11)