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.
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).
Another Christmas has come and gone but with it we are left with a unique freight car celebrating Christmas with a snowman theme: Marklin’s 80629 for Z.
A couple of decades worth of Christmas releases each with their own design and acrylic ornament, but this year’s release featured a rather curious snowman theme with etched acrylic design standing upright inside the freight car.
The very striking design including two snowmen and presents is further brought to life with crystal clear etched and polished plexiglass. Acrylic ornament is two tone with colorless front and orange background shell riddled with glitter. The very pretty low side freight car is painted red with snowflake design.
This year’s release will catch a lot of twinkle lights under the tree, and it is still available.
Harald Thom-Freudenreich’s new release “lift and dump” car for NetRail is another production in FR’s already extensive line of Scandinavian rolling stock for SJ.
FR 46.330.01 type Fs-u + Z-Modellbau 3107 class Kof II
Paint scheme and lettering depicts NetRail’s lift and dump car used for transporting loads such as gravel, ballast or other loads unaffected by weather. The striking black paint scheme and red axle bearings are further combined with applied detail work found in other FR freight cars, this one being injection molded with applied metal add-on parts.
FR 46.330.01 type Fs-u + Z-Modellbau 3107 class Kof II
The class Fs-u lift and dump car can be found on other railroads including the SBB although the odd pairing with a Koff II painted and lettered for the private firm Vanoli (Switzerland) is an unlikely pairing: Z-Modellbau article #3107.
Archistories “Dorpede” Fire Station #402191Archistories “Dorpede” Fire Station #402191
Another very interesting European style (German) building for Z gauge is offered in two versions by Archistories: “brick in-fill open timber” (ARC 402191) and “stucco open timber” (ARC 401191 not pictured). Although this description rather generally portrays their difference a further examination reveals contrasting materials for roofing and hose tower sheathed in “saw tooth” green tinted timber versus the continuation of stucco on the other.
Two very different buildings with the same footprint are thus offered as “Kallental” fire station (stucco) and “Dorpede” fire station (brick in-fill). Framework construction is an architectural design found in Germany and widely modeled in Z and other gauges. Archistories kits offer features not found in other kits including true to scale design, partition walls and fine detailing. The latter translates to many separately applied parts that require time and patience but worth it in the end. The two fire stations also include hinged doors which if properly installed can be opened and closed to partially conceal a fire truck.
Archistories “Dorpede” Fire Station #402191 (Wespe Model truck not included in building kit)
Window glazings are scored thus giving the builder precise parts for installation. Plus layered construction with multiple parts create a precision model few could dispute as anything short of a very good building for a layout.
At just under under 300 parts this is a building kit that should not be rushed with some very tiny windowsills capping the most difficult parts to install.
The finished building represents a solid well maintained public works building featuring large garage and hose tower used for hanging and drying hoses.
Every fire station needs a fire truck, but few are offered in Z. An exceptional fire truck delivered fully painted is produced by Wespe Models of Romania, it offers very fine detailing and hand painting.
The recent release Marklin 89601 Signal Bridge is an inexpensive but extremely impressive building for Z modelers. One of the more important buildings to include in a layout is a relatively modern signal bridge thereby incorporating multiple possible era’s within a German model railroad. Marklin’s new release class 24 steam locomotive 88031 provides interesting scale to the new building, it represents an extensive redesign of the ’24’ with new coupled tender and improved running gear: side rod action on this locomotive is lively and expressive in a way early versions are not.
A very interesting small build kit with a very reasonable price based on a preserved prototype in Germany, 89601 is not an easy kit to build, it has it’s challenges, but it is none the less a good and recommended kit to try.
For one the building exhibits excellent scale in one particular way: trains running along side her are magnificently modest as they travel along under her wing. The scope of the building includes an attached shed and transecting observation and control room with controls depicted in cut-out illustration.
Such structures are common enough that their omission on a model layout should be reconsidered.
Build Notes: consider attaching all small parts after building the structure, these parts include small window sills and architectural decorative moldings as these may be exposed to excessive handling during completion of the building. Further veering away from printed instructions consider adding steel roll-down sheeting on two windows with attached parts otherwise omit in accord with personal preferences. Presumably the sheeting is covering adjacent windows rapping a corner to allow more wall small within the structure (?).
Another build note: extension over tracks is supported by a modeled steel framework which is a delicate part and inserted into a cardboard base, photos for this post do not show the main structure and supporting structure comprising base for track-over extension cemented to a base therefore they appear crooked or “out-of-sync” with each other, please disregard building will be perfectly lined up after permanent cementing.
Another build note: consider filling gaps between parts with wood glue followed with painting part ends/seams to create a seamless edge-to-edge appearance. *building depicted in this post document the building without any finishing touches.
Marklin new release diecast truck set features 4 trucks and a forklift: two trucks are factory weathered.
Several Era’s are represented in the set including Era 2-6 with interesting and advertising for a brewery truck and Marklin factory truck. Features of the set include custom weathering for two trucks but also fine graphic printing and painted details including grill and lamps on Marklin truck.
Attractive paint schemes for trucks found in several earlier releases including the factory, museum sets and insider models.
Forklift included with the set in bright safety yellow paint scheme, it features remarkably good casting and details.
Siding: set appears to be cast and painted in Germany
Marklin 87269 Adumh 101 vista dome Marklin 87269 Adumh 101 vista dome
Marklin’s passenger set 87269 is a One Time Series available only through the Marklin Dealer Initiative Program (MHI). This is not the first version of Rheingold coaches in burgundy and ivory paint scheme, they have been available as single cars since 1975, but this set includes the very interesting “hump-back” dining coach which was newly tooled for the 2004 “Rheingold Car Set (1)”: 87265.
This is first time interior details have been modeled on Rheingold coaches which also includes the omission of “RHEINGOLD” lettering on the vistadome based on the prototype from 1973-1974. Accordingly the vista dome car was used on the Rhine until 1975 according to Marklin literature.
It is notable to discuss Marklin’s Era III and Era IV Rheingold sets in side by side comparisons. Note: nickel window trims are fashioned on Era III coaches which has been replaced with brass trims on Era IV set 87269.
For this blog post the Rheingold sets with burgundy and ivory paint schemes will be discussed including: 87265 – Rheingold Set 1 (MHI-2004), 87285 – Rheingold Set 2 (MHI-2004) and 87269 – Rheingold set (MHI-2018).
87265 (3 car set): 1- type Avumz 111 compartment car, 1st class, 1- type WRumh 131 dining car, and 1- type Apumz 121 open seating coach, 1st class
87285 (3 car set): 1- type Avumz 111 compartment car, 1st class, 1- type Adumh 101 vista dome, 1st class and 1- type ARDumh 105 bar car, 1st class
87269 (5 car set): 2- type Avumz 111 compartment cars, 1st class, 1- type ADumh 101 vista dome, 1st class, 1- type WRumh 131 “hump-back” dining car, and 1- type APumh 121 open seating coach
If it is possible to visit a late 19th century western United States town built by gold perhaps this station in its small dimensions satisfies that goal. Measuring 5 inches in length x 2 1/2 inches in overall width x 2 inches in height the “Goldtree Station” by Archistories is the fictional hub and gatekeeper for the outside world, it greeted new comers with grand dreams of making it rich and goods to keep a decidedly inhospitable landscape habitable.
This year marks the important anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad: 150 years East and West coasts joined by rails at Promontory Point, Utah. And a good time to consider modeling a western gold rush community in Z starting with this nice building exclusively sold by ZScaleHobo.com. And Marklin’s “Bumble Bee” locomotive and its passenger set from a few years back are a good train set for this station.
A fairly simple to build kit featuring partition walls which aid in realistic lighting effects, filigree parts which add realism to platform supports, and a mix of building materials including terracotta roof tiles and wood construction.
Goldtree station signage is laser cut with an appropriate American style font of the 19th century.
Railroads grew quickly after completion of the Transcontinental Railroad as did towns throughout the United States. Station and depot types changed too thus small stations with attached freight depots largely disappeared in the teens and 20’s, they were replaced by masonry structures supporting a network of hubs as people and goods were transported all over the United States. Towns who’s singular purpose supported the gold rush either grew independent of it or largely ceased to exist.
Note: exclusive worldwide dealer for this item is Zscalehobo.com
Construction notes: the ingenious feature of this Archistories kit are snap-in window frames and glazing, pre-cut glazing snap into place with gentle pressure followed by window frames, filigree timber sections are finally glued in place and permanently seal windows. Open freight doors are possible but interior detailing will need to be designed by the builder. *use glue sparingly and use great patience with light paper parts which cannot be realigned after gluing, plus snap-in window frames are prone to easy breakage, fraying and distortion.
Another important construction note: Part F10 is a delicate filigree part comprising the main entrance framework, after removing this part from the part sheet two more tabs need to be removed from either side of door frame: brackets should be flush to the structure. In my interpretation of this building it was missed thus reflected in the photos. A second important point is to install the 4 brackets (Part H4) for freight room before attaching roof.
Marklin 88035- Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad 2-6-0 “Mogul” locomotive featuring brass construction (2004-2006)
Just now arriving at dealers in very limited quantities is the Marklin train set 81772 for the MHI Program, it is another version of the V36 diesel locomotive in Z. Each release thus far has included modifications to the original prototype built as a solution for moving goods with less detection than steam trains during the war years.
Based on the Era IV V236 prototype of the German Federal Railroad (DB) featuring a roof cupola this train set includes interesting farm themed loads: hay bales, tractor and trailer.
Referred to as a “Nurnberg” roof cupola this modification relocates the operators’ controls and seat to the top of the cab thus allowing full 360 degree views.
Marklin 81772 + MBZ R16066 (Field Barn)
Type low side Klm 441 cars make up the train set and include tall stakes that can be installed. The interesting car type with metal sides and no hand brakes was released a year ago with and without hay bale loads. Hay bale load is molded composition and painted to reflect the color of natural hay. Tractor and trailer are wonderfully detailed including painted grill on tractor and rolling rubber tires. This set includes the very best tractor ever released for Z gauge.
New generation motor powers the loco which features leading and trailing LED’s. Locomotive runs smooth due to excellent weight and motive power.
Marklin 81772 + MBZ R16066 + MBZ R16069
A great collection of rural farmsteads are available in laser-cut kits by Marklin, Archistories, MBZ and Faller. MBZ’s “Granary” is one such rural building associated with grain and feed storage with very striking design.
