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.
I am a self professed Christmas Toy nut thus collecting all things Christmas in Z comes easy. But because they are fantasy designs serious railroading fans scorn the addition of such rolling stock on their layouts: many are good friends that I respect a lot for their knowledge and commitment to the hobby and history of trains thus I get it, but for all others Marklin’s 2 offerings this year are a hit!
First there is 80633 Christmas Ornament Car continuing the yearly special edition begun in 2000. This year it is the first Christmas car designed around the all familiar baggage/luggage car painted chocolate brown with a tasty ornament design strung along its sides. This beautiful car is housed in an acrylic gingerbread house. And a ribbon is included for the tree. Outer carton carries the label “Made in Germany” which is unusual these days for Marklin Z items: no matter however. The outer carton is beautifully printed and designed, but with Marklin Z Christmas Ornaments the carton is often dented and creased, this year is no different: too bad! Car and ornament are always delivered perfect by contrast.
Big deal for Christmas this year is the Christmas steam locomotive and tender, it is based on the classic heavy freight Class 50 loco and features a beautiful wispy Christmas themed design previously incorporated into design of Marklin 55389 Gauge 1 ‘P8’ (2016) and Marklin 37899 HO Class 50 (2016). Both former releases featured lit Christmas trees on the front buffer beam as well Christmas tunes from the sound-board as a digital feature. It took Marklin a few years to produce and offer 88847 design used previous, and I believe it will be as popular as the Gauge 1 and HO Christmas locomotives. But there is an additional surprise: custom wood box housing locomotive features a pressure-sensitive device which plays “Jingle Bells” when box is open thus converting display box to music box too!
Siding: USA Dealers recently received loco 88847 already sold out at the factory.
Siding: Marklin produced a 2nd HO Christmas themed Class 01 with different design perhaps it will follow for Z? Hope so!
The motive power of this train set has origins to World War II. Designed to be less visible to Allied bombing than steam locomotives the Class V36 diesel locomotive was produced in small numbers with just over 250. Many V36’s survived well beyond the 2nd World War due to its reliability and easy maintenance, its removable side panels allowed easy access to the engine. Not sure how many perished before War’s end or their numbers Post War, but those that did survive seem to have served branch-line railroads for both passenger and freight plus shunting operations.
Marklin has thus far released V36’s alone and in train sets for various eras, this train set based on the 1960’s prototype for the German Federal Postal Service (Era III).
A couple of box cars along with one stake car are included in the set. Plus a Tempo 3- wheeler delivery vehicle painted yellow and lettered for the German Federal Postal Service.
The locomotive is small but fully capable of hauling the 3 freight cars in the set. Marklin describes locomotive’s construction mostly of metal. It might stall out in a turnout at slow speeds due to its short length, otherwise a good reliable locomotive in ‘Z’.
Z-Modellbau.de was the first to produce powered ‘Z’ gauge locomotives of this scale, but Marklin has caught up with their V36 models. Marklin has further surpassed what was possible in ‘Z’ with the release of Volkswagen Klv 20’s: 88025 + 88026. Of course all these developments are only possible due to the new generation motor Marklin is now using.
Set is delivered in Marklin’s current white box and includes: 1- Class V 36 Diesel Locomotive, 2- type Gmhs 53 boxcars, 1- type Rmms 33 stake car with a brakeman’s platform, and 1 Tempo 3-wheel delivery vehicle with movable rubber tires.
This is an MHI Release thus it is only available through MHI Dealers.
Siding: buildings featured in this post are Faller laser-cut kits recently released.
Celebrating and commemorating fifty years of miniclub with two terrific releases: starter set 81873 and supplemental coach set 87402.
With reference to the first and second generation box designs, the new releases incorporate wood grain from the 70’s mini-club articles and later beige/orange stripes into box designs of the anniversary releases, further referencing mini-club history through depictions of Marklin’s clever advertising from the 70’s included on the starter set box.
A lovely passenger train with diesel locomotive, baggage car and 2 coaches in “Pop Colors” paint scheme further referencing the early 70’s: 1972 to be exact. A whole lot of effort went into these sets, Marklin designed something very special for the diehard mini-club collector.
Link to Marklin for a very special 50 Year chronology: https://www.maerklin.de/en/lp/2022/50yearsz#chronik
Talking trains: what comes inside the boxes?
Set 81873 includes everything you need to set-up a basic oval layout (according to Marklin: homage to set 8901) with train and transformer. The train (German Federal Railroad (DB): 1- class 216 diesel locomotive (includes new generation motor), 1- type Düm 902 baggage car, 1- type Aüm 203 1st class compartment car, and 1- type Büm 234 2nd class compartment car. “Pop Colors” paint scheme from 1972, Era IV.
Supplemental set 87402 extends the train set with 3 additional coaches painted variously: 1- type Bcüm 243 express train 2nd class slumber coach (bluish lilac), 1- type Büm 234 express train 2nd class compartment car (blue), and type Bcüm 243 express train 2nd class slumber coach (reddish violet).
Additional comments about 81873: I bought mine from a USA dealer, the set arrived with wear in the corners plus tape seals holding clear acrylic lid to styro-foam tray were slit open, it looked like an open-box item. It turns out the Marklin factory opened up sets destined for the USA to insert correct transformer. I have heard condition of some sets are better than others so wise to check with your dealer before buying. Additionally there is a big ugly ‘USA’ electrical warning sticker on the cover of the box which is too bad. Box appears to be fragile and susceptible to shelf scuffing, I have placed mine in an archival plastic sleeve just to be safe! Lastly plastic lid covering train in styro-foam tray is rigid plastic (great protection), it has a slight warm color: not neutral.
Big anniversary with 2 great items of celebration, I highly recommend these sets.
Siding: MHI (Marklin Handler’s Initiative) Release for “50 Years of Marklin Mini-Club.”
Marklin’s MHI Release 81356 includes a new design Class 141 electric locomotive and 3 “Silver Coin” coaches comprising their “Commuter Service” train set, but first let’s look at the loco’s new design.
Under the shell are numerous new details at work to support the new motor concept currently being used in new locos. A few basic observations are the robust cast metal frame supporting the circuit board and trucks. Another interesting detail about the frame is its split design: frame is actually two parts held together with 6 machine screws located variously: 1 pair each end and 1 pair in the middle inside an easily removable section between the trucks. Circuit board is sandwiched between the two sections of frame as are all inner workings, and lamp circuit boards are held in slots front and back, two small pieces of black foam are installed between the two sections of frame below the lamp circuit boards. Everything looks different than a traditional Marklin Mini-Club model, but similar in their straight forward design thus it is possible to take it apart but with some difficulty.
Removal of 6 screws holding the frame together should provide easy disassembly of the loco but that is not the case. Bushings holding the frame parts and screws are tightly fitted and prone to breaking plus circuit board is taped down on one end (2 bushings on my loco were stripped with a crack in one). And freeing the circuit board is half the battle as the frame is gently pried apart a little at a time from end to end with care not to break the bushings. Bushings are tightly mounted in the frame thus the frame is tightly held together even without the screws, it appears the screws main job is expanding the bushings thus making a tighter connection with the the 2 part frame (?).
After the frame is pulled apart the trucks simply pop out, their plastic housings fit within indents in frame and secured by pressing the frame parts together. A further interesting detail about the trucks are the nylon gearing which have been greased not oiled at the factory. And coupler/spring assembly is secured by plate facing up rather than down as with previous locos. If there is a problem with coupler/spring which there shouldn’t be the loco will have to be taken apart to free the trucks.
A motor with robust worm drive is maintenance free (no brushes to be replaced) and quiet to run, but instructions do advise oiling the trucks from time to time (intervals of 20 hours run time). Note: small pieces of yellow acetate are mounted below both lamp circuit boards.
The loco in my set arrived with poor/non-working running characteristics, one truck stiff and seized (angled upward not parrellel to underside of shell): trucks should rock gently up and down with wheel-sets able to make contact with track. Taking the loco apart and reassembled fixed the problem: something was out of sync likely due to shipping. Not a big deal, but I would advise sending defective items back to Marklin thus receiving full warranty coverage, I don’t advise following my lead.
The shell of this loco is a real winner as can be seen on the roof with improved detailing with addition of add-on parts. And grab rails below windows on both ends. The latter was a great surprise! This set is part of a small handful of items in recent years manufactured in China following the Kittel of recent memory.
Marklin’s description of the set: German Federal Railroad (DB) “Commuter Service” train set: 1- class 141 electric locomotive with 5-light headlights / marker lights, multiple forced air vents with vertical fins, and a continuous rain gutter, 1- type Bnrzb 725 “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter car, 2nd class, 1- type ABnrzb 704 “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter car, 1st/2nd class, and 1- “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter cab control car, 2nd class, with an engineer’s cab. All of the units look as they did in Era IV. Special One Time Release for the MHI Program (Marklin Handler Initiative).
81356-1 (Class 141 electric locomotive)81356-281356-3 (Note: yellow stripe denotes 1st class section)81356-4 (note: headlamps, marker lights and destination board illuminate in both directions of travel
Siding: Parts List for this set does not include part numbers for retaining bushings for frame and no part number for circuit board, Marklin indicates parts on schematic without part numbers require Marklin repair department.
This year a new release Eurofima car set has been released and available now (87343), it’s painted and lettered for OBB (Austrian Federal Railways). The coach set’s release is the second Eurofima set for OBB in 18 years. Released in 2003, Marklin 87342 features a different paint scheme that gives the set a very different look compared with 87343: deep red paint being swapped out with bright orange and broad white stripe. But the two sets fall within different eras marking the difference in paint schemes: 87343 (Era IV) and 87342 (Era V).
In 2003 set 87342 was released as a One Time Series which coincided with the release of the first Taurus (Marklin 88580), it too was painted and lettered for OBB (Era V). This history which Marklin charts is inclusive of the various eras with this striking example.
Marklin 88580 (2003) Taurus general purpose locomotive used throughout Europe (photo courtesy Marklin)Marklin 87342 (2003) Eurofima car set (photo courtesy Marklin)
As with its predecessor set 87343 includes 1- 1st class coach and 2- 2nd class coaches. The yellow stripe above windows indicates 1st class as well as its more obvious markings. Here is a round-up of photos including each side of the 3 coaches:
Marklin 87343_1a (type Amoz 1st class Eurofima express coach)Marklin 87343_1b (type Amoz 1st class Eurofima express coach)Marklin 87343_2a (type Bmoz 2nd class Eurofima express coach)Marklin 87343_2b (type Bmoz 2nd class Eurofima express coach)Marklin 87343_2a (type Bmoz 2nd class Eurofima express coach)Marklin 87343_2b (type Bmoz 2nd class Eurofima express coach)
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”.
Probably it’s the wind-splitter cab that makes the class BR 18 express locomotive recognizable, but its 4-6-2 wheel arrangement identifies it as a Pacific type. With its roots going back to Era I Bavarian class S 3/6 and Royal Wurttemberg class C are complimented by CIWL serie 231’s from Era II and III.
Marklin’s extensive offerings of this express locomotive type include sets with coaches (81…’s) and solo locomotives (88…’s).
Variations in the line-up are wide ranging and go beyond having/not having smoke deflectors and paint scheme to include various motive power: 3 pole, 5 pole, and brushless motors.
Marklin 88185- Royal Wurttemberg State Railways (K.W.St.E.) class C express locomotive. Era 1 (1915).Marklin 88922- K.Bay.Sts.B. (Koniglich Bayerische Staatsbahn – Royal Bavarian State Railroad) BR S 3/6 express steam locomotive. One Time Series 2008.Marklin 88923- K.Bay.Sts.B. (Koniglich Bayerische Staatsbahn – Royal Bavarian State Railroad) BR S 3/6 express locomotive. Era I. One Time Series for MHI Program – 2015. Marklin 8108 (train set)- Societe nationale des chemins de fer francais (National Society of French Railways/French National Railway Corporation) / Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (SNCF/CIWL)- “Nostalgie Istanbul-Orient Express” Serie 231 Pacific express locomotive with tender. Era III.Marklin 81080 (set)- French State Railroad / Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (ETAT/CIWL) “International Long-Distance Express Train (Orient Express)”: BR 231 express locomotive with tender (ETAT). Era II. One Time Series 2008. Marklin 88183- German State Railroad Company (DRG) BR 18.1 express locomotive painted and lettered for 1936 Olympics. Insider Club Model 1996. Era II. Operating number 18 137. One Time Series. Marklin 8133 (set)- German State Railroad Company (DRG) “Rheingold” BR 18 (Pacific Express with operating number 18434). Era II. Marklin 81331 (set)- German State Railroad Company (DRG) “75 Years of the Rheingold” BR 18.4 express locomotive and tender. One Time Series 2003. Marklin 81332- German State Railroad Company (DRG) “90 Years of the Rheingold” BR 18.4 express locomotive with type 2’2’ T 26.2 tender.Marklin 81426- German State Railroad Company (DRG) express locomotive with tender BR S 3/6 DRG Bavarian Group Administration (operating number 18 434) . Era II. Marklin 88910- German State Railroad Company (DRG) BR 18.4 express locomotive with operating number 18 470. Marklin 88184- German Federal Railroad (DB) BR 18.1 express locomotive based on 1954 prototype: Era III.
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.
Marklin 88955 class 74 Era III tank locomotive for German Federal Railroad (DB)
The class 74 tank locomotive painted and lettered for the German Federal Railroad is a recent release sort of (2017-2018), I got mine recently but it proved to be a rather difficult loco to get a hold of: I should have pre-ordered it! Other locos in this series with improved running gear based on the first generation 8895 (2000-2006) were much easier to find than this one. Perhaps some dealers have these in inventory, it is or should be a fairly popular loco lettered for the DB and based on Era III: a perfect loco for small railroads and regional passenger traffic.
Marklin 88955 class 74 Era III tank locomotive for German Federal Railroad (DB)
Several subtle modifications exist within the evolution of this tank locomotive for Z including brass bell prominently installed behind stack on the 88955. Identifying tank locomotives is easy, it is hard to miss the water tanks installed on the sides of the locomotive and coal hopper behind cab. Plus “tender-less” operation. Motor in the model is mounted vertically with worm-gear facing down, motor is 5 pole type with long brushes (part #89871) extending from the armature alongside the chassis providing current to the circuit board and LED lights. LED lights in this locomotive are bright and trailing lights continue to be rendered with paint versus working. Also features plastic couplers at both ends for push/pull operation.
Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” . Plus Faller 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen.
The curious coach seen here with 88955 is the graffiti car issued by Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg) as one time release in 2008 (600 total): Marklin 98085 “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” and Miniatur Wunderland’s Car #10.
Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” . Plus Faller 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen.Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” . Plus Faller 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen.Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” . Plus Faller 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen.
Faller’s continuing series of laser-cut building kits included this nice train station from a few years ago: 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen (based on 1915 prototype).
Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” . Plus Faller 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen.
Siding: here is a link to Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg: https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/
