Category Archives: Sold Out at the Factory

Marklin’s Steam Railcar “Kittel”: 88145

Wow!

I have been waiting patiently and other times impatiently for Marklin 88145, there were times I didn’t even think I would receive one, but last week I took delivery of one from the dealer Frank Daniels (zscalehobo.com). I can only wonder if the release was smaller than Marklin planned with some pre-orders not filled including a second one I ordered as soon as it was announced many moons ago. Note: pre-orders maybe filled, I haven’t received word as of yet that more are not on the way.

88145 is a further milestone in Marklin Z with prototypical accuracy, excellent running performance due to a brushless motor, and extremely fine detail work including many add-on parts. Add-on parts are always part of the finish detail work on Z locos, but the 88145 includes added details only found with the small firms of FR and Modellbau Z whose quality handmade products are unmatched but equaled with Marklin 88145. The add-on parts include cabin chimneys on roof along with top cap for boiler, but also grab-on rails fore and aft (nod to my recently deceased Father-In-Law who was a sailor) with platforms and accurate detailing on one end with buffer beam detailing including hoses, step-ups and coupling.

The paint scheme is crimson with lettering for DB thus an Era III locomotive but built in 1905 with firebox designed by Eugen Kittel. Two class Kittel CidT 8 steam powered rail cars were used on provincial railroads in Germany until their retirement in the early ’50s. A rather remarkable little rail car with but 4 passenger bays this locomotive would have hauled a freight car or two thus offering a dual purpose on less profitable routes.

As for the model — 88145 will prove to be a very big deal in Z modeling! And under the hood just as complex in design and fabrication as the outer shell! Parts diagram includes numerous mechanical and add-on parts thus confirming the necessary amount of assembly labor involved in this release.

The only point of comparison to be made with small high end manufacturers is add-on parts are made of injection molded plastic rather than etched nickel silver, but it is hardly a discrepancy worth noting as these parts are perfection! Running performance although not tested on all track by this reviewer could be assumed to be rather poor through turnouts or dead spots (due to lightweight and short wheelbase), but continuous rail there is no loss in power or performance witnessed.

All positive! The new Marklin 88145 is superb, but it maybe a once only production: the price tag on this release should have been comparable to other locos on the market with similar workings and detail work, instead it sold for at least half maybe 3 times less than comparable locos on the market: assembly labor alone must have been very high.

I would like to see Marklin continue with outrageous models such as this one, maybe a second line like the “Fine Art” series from a few years back that did not take hold.

A quick note on the carton: loco was delivered in the current white carton with loco housed in a two part plastic sleeve similar to ones used in the HO line to protect the delicate add-on parts, mine arrived with pristine paint and nothing broken. *Even the box was thoughtfully designed! Lastly: box has a “Made in China” sticker attached to it which makes perfect sense to me, Chinese labor is very good with fussy and intricate assembly of tiny parts and this model is exceptional in every way, it maybe the best Z loco in terms of detail work and craftsmanship.

Siding: I am a long time collector of Marklin Z, all periods in Marklin Z are represented in my collection. A few fears ago Marklin produced Z in China much to the consternation of fellow collectors, with very few exceptions “Made in China” did not resonate with me as poor quality or less collectible than “Made in Germany”, Z products continued to arrive during this time-frame that more than satisfied this collector. And I suffer from extreme pickiness! First time I have admitted to that in public. We may only have the Marklin 88145 because it was made in China which may turn out to be one of the most sought after models by Z-scalers in years to come.

A perfect boxcar for the loco and timeframe is a G 10 from set 86391 or 86392 (not pictured).

Siding: Faller’s 282781card-stock building is depicted in this post, it includes two kits glued together.

One More class F boxcar and counting: FR’s masterwork!

The workshop of FR Freudenreich has been busy with 3 releases of class F boxcars of FS-Italia. All releases of this boxcar have been limited releases and all sold out quickly.

This one is lettered for SBB with the typical white on gray signage associated with SBB upper left corner. Following WWII this boxcar was allocated to Switzerland with the firm commitment it never leaves Switzerland.

FR’s limited release includes a whopping 20 total units, it did not take long to disappear from store shelves so to speak. I recommend to those interested in collecting FR items a weekly visit to the website is a good idea. Items depicted as out of stock require pre-order for next production run, limited items are only on the website for as long as the edition is still available.

Siding: Faller’s Bahnhof Huinghausen station with attached freight depot is based on a station which now serves as a railway museum: Faller #282704 (*easy kit to build with interior masking for lighting details).

FS-Italia class ‘F’ boxcars: limited FR release

Blink and their gone such is the case with new limited releases by FR. This set of class F boxcars lettered for FS-Italia is limited to 30, it was sold-out and off the website in a couple of days last week.

What distinguishes Italian boxcars of this type are peaked roofs. Two paint schemes are presented in this set including a reddish brown and chocolate brown both with blue/gray roofs. An older Archistories Prussian loco shed (still available) adds character and scale to this minimalist diorama.

A combination of plastic and nickel metal parts assembled on a metal frame characterize the construction of these cars and generally FR rolling stock; few exceptions include all metal construction, but heavy relief detail work is best carried out with injection molded plastic. Cars have great detail and crisp lettering. This is the 3rd release in the past month of FS boxcars, all sold out fast.

Siding: Archistories “Locomotive Shed”: ARC-113111 available from ZScaleHobo.com and ZScaleMonster.com

SJ Ra 994 “Rapid 10”: FR recent release!!!!!!!!!!

Applause applause!!!! FR would win the Z gauge “Best Model” of the year if such awards existed. The recent release and still available 46.132.21 is based on the prototype class Ra 994 “Rapid 10” lettered for SJ.

Just 10 Ra’s were built by ASEA between 1955-1961, they were used on express train service for 30 years. The subtle resemblance to America’s F7’s is not an accident for it was the inspiration for the Ra’s design.

Typical of Scandinavian locomotives is the inclusion of snowplows modeled in metal by FR. The locomotive features brushless motors, it is recommended regular servicing at 50 hour intervals. FR advises their shop for servicing due to the engineering complexities of their locomotives, sounds like the precision workings of a fine German camera or car. On the tracks FR’s locos run smooth and quiet with bright LED lighting.

This is the 2nd Ra locomotive released by FR the 1st was the earlier Ra 846 (#46.132.01), its headlamps included 3 large aft and fore this one is based on a later prototype which included a headlamp modification. FR is aware of all the historical details and changes thus rest assured each model is well researched and accurate in Z.

FR 46.132.01 – limited release of 32 total

FR 46.132.21

Siding: Faller’s “Corner Townhouse” item #282782 card-stock building is the backdrop in this post.

Factory Weathering: Marklin 82267 boxcar

Marklin’s factory weathering doesn’t get any better, and this example is another superb example. Featuring a post on one freight car is worth the effort, single cars can sometimes be overshadowed by the glaring goodness of fancy beautiful train sets and locos in the mini-club program, but individual cars add interest at sidings as they are essential to railroad operations.

Turn this car in the light and depth of detail reveals those qualities such as crisp timber construction, lettering and tiniest bolt heads.

Mated with the early Marklin logo this type GI high capacity boxcar with brakeman’s platform is Era III and weathered to perfection.

Note: The prototype of this Era III boxcar was perhaps loaded with diecast H0 locos and tin-plate rolling stock and other Marklin toys of the 1950’s.

Note: The un-weathered version of the GI boxcar with Era III Marklin lettering was featured as the 2009 Museum Wagen (Item #80020).

Siding: MBZ building kits such as the one featured in this post are available in the United States exclusively from Reynaulds.com. MBZ kits are a bit more primitive and tricky to assemble as compared with Archistories kits which are rigid precise constructions. A natural old weathered look is inescapably linked to MBZ, they are good kits to round out the architecture on a layout or diorama.

 

Marklin 81699 diesel train set with interesting load

Hardly enough sets seem to have made it to the United States, but for the lucky few the 81699 train set featuring a diesel locomotive and 2 freight cars with loads is another highly desirable version of the V100 locomotive.

Favored by its operators for good handling, visibility, and ease of maintenance, the V100’s side panels were completely removable allowing full access to the motor and components.

Marklin’s “Light Freight Train” 81699 Era III train set is packaged in a small carton with current graphics, it includes the locomotive with operating number V100 2112 and 2 type X 05 freight cars with Tempo Hanseat delivery truck loads. The vans feature metal construction and rubber tires that roll. Locomotive uses the traditional 5 pole motor with brushes, it features LED lighting that change over with direction of travel. Note: prototypical framework holds trucks in place.

A mighty fine design and production makes this and all the V100’s extremely good reliable runners with excellent pulling power. If you need to replace brushes the shell simply pulls off and snaps back in place.

Train can be seen traversing one of the 4 bridges at Hamburg’s Dammtor station released a few years ago as items numbers 89792 (station) + 89793 (arcades and bridges).

Siding: assembling Marklin’s Dammtor station 89792 is fun, it requires many hours to construct, but the completed project is a beautiful. Special note: Dammtor station kit has a 2 layer roof sheathing each piece is only glued to building edges one side at a time and allow to dry. Using glue between the sheets and above the trusses will lead to permanent rippling of the materials.

FS Italia 2 car freight set by FR

The quick sell-out of a new release freight car set is due to the desirability of the extreme precision of its manufacturer FR plus limitation of 32 total worldwide.

Painted and lettered for FS-Italia (Ferrovie dello Stato) this two car set includes 1- Carro tipo Ghms peaked roof boxcar and 1- type E steel gondola.

Construction: injection molded plastic with metal chassis.

Item number 39.012.02

Note: FR Freudenreich items can be purchased directly from the manufacturer or quality-toys-trains on Ebay.

Marklin 89982: Turntable with accessories

A number of options exist for buying a Marklin Turntable beyond new and used with dealers offering new old dealer stock of the original turntable alongside the current offerings by Marklin. A release from 2014 included the turntable with accessories as item number 89982, this included 2- three stall loco sheds based on the “New Objectivity” architectural movement and a railway administration building.

Marklin has discontinued the 89982, they are now offering the turntable with controller and transformer only as item #89983, the loco shed building kit is also available as an accessory with item #89835. What is currently not available is the build kit for the railway administration building which is a wonderful example of the Bauhaus architectural style of the early 20th century and is fully complemented by the same era roundhouse. The railway administration building was reason enough for me to buy 89982 which is as beautiful in person as the Marklin promotional photos.

The Railway Administration Building features 2 partition walls, numerous windows and flat roof, its measurements: 7 1/2 inches (length) x 1 3/4 inches (depth) x 1 11/16 inches (height).

Building the kit is easy and straightforward with no issues.

Six stall roundhouse features steel framework and brick infill, it is a very attractive building with rather plain doors that do not swing open and closed with the precision of the Archistories Roundhouse ARC-112121 and accessory Stalls ARC-113121. Interior supports are a bit flimsy and easily bend out of shape, but overall a very good kit that I recommend.

The kit can be built as two separate buildings with 3 stalls each or as one 6 stall roundhouse in which case two exterior walls are omitted, I opted for two buildings.

Unlike the Archistories loco sheds which incorporate 2 part window and door framing with snap in place glazing this kit requires gluing glazing to the interior side of the door. To compensate for the plain doors I decided to age them. First I used a light wash of grimy black (water-based) paint on the interior side of the glazing followed by dry brushing grimy black to doors and brick work around doors, I further lightly aged the bricks along the ground level around the perimeter of the buildings. Light and heavier pressure was used to vary the amount of color to the doors and bricks using dry brush with very diluted paint. Doors readily absorb paint so test a small area first.

Siding: original 3 pole motor turntables can be upgraded to 5 pole with part number 211914.

Marklin Special Imprints: 8600 Series Cars

In the late 1970’s thru now Marklin Special Imprints have been available on a very limited basis. As older collections are dismantled and sold these rarities can only be found occasionally on Ebay. Growing a collection of special imprints takes time and commitment due to their very limited availability, but the hunt is fun! Marklin has continued to produce special imprints cars mostly commemorating train events, but the early cars celebrated a vast array of products and manufacturers with very exciting graphics and always featuring the Marklin “m”. The Marklin “m” on the sides of these cars indicates printing by Marklin versus its omission on privately printed cars known as “Industry Prints” equally rare and sought after.

In the Marklin Special Imprint category is the 8600 type refrigerator car, this car type has been used more than any other for special imprints possibly owing to its smooth sides.

Printed in small numbers these commissions are often limited to 100-200 worldwide with the Swiss Hbis car types printed in editions of 300 and others of 500. A good reference for SMI’s is Koll’s Spezial Katalog 1996 + 1997, both highlight year produced, edition size and value. Pricing SMI’s is tricky business possibly due to their infrequent appearance in the market, but rare items tend to be hard to price in general.

Here are four recent finds on Ebay:

1. NORTHEIMER DIAT PILS, Koll’s #87018 (year produced 1987), edition: 100

2. DAB (Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei) Pilsener, produced in 1998 to commemorate the Intermodellbau ’98 1-5 April 1998

3. Lohrer Bier, Koll’s #88023 (year produced 1988), edition: 100

4. Bad Vilbeler Ur Quelle, Koll’s #88010 (year produced 1988), edition: 200

Siding: Koll’s published 4 books for mini-club collectors: KOLL’S PREIS-KATALOG MARKLIN Spur Z 1996 (standard releases), KOLL’S SPEZIAL KATALOG 1996 (SMI reference book), KOLL’S PREIS-KATALOG MARKLIN Spur Z 1997 (standard releases), KOLL’S SPEZIAL KATALOG 1997 (SMI reference book). The two standard release books are fun to look at, but the ultimate guide for standard releases is COLLECTION Marklin Spur Z released in 2015 by Thomas Zeeb, this book was released in a special boxed edition with the 2015 Toy Fair loco 88422: BR 111 with experimental paint scheme. Note: Marklin loco 88422 was originally released with the book, but it is also being sold now without the book, before you order one ask the dealer if it includes the book.

Marklin 89941 Transfer Table: brief notes on history and repair

First introduced to the mini-club line-up in 1977 the 8994 transfer table would remain unchanged in design until 2002 when it was upgraded with a 5 pole motor and the item number was extended by a ‘1’. From 2003 until 2012 the 89941 transfer table was available with a few packaging changes including white versus blue transformer and controller plus a five pole motor. Manufactured throughout its long history in Italy the transfer table is a very well designed and precision accessory for mini-club, it could be used on a layout for modeling steam and diesel, but it could also be accessorized with catenary for electric locos.

I have seen many early and late transfer tables and all were in excellent working condition owing to the excellent design and manufacturing.

The one and only issue with the transfer table 89941 that is easily overcome has to do with delivery specs, three times 89941 was delivered to a local dealer from Walthers and each was afflicted with the same issue: motor housing top plate separation and subsequently gearing detached along with operators’ cabin. No fear, I was able to easily put each back together again. Probably poor packing and shipping from Walthers to Pennsylvania shook things up a bit, but the problem was easily mitigated, and I wanted to share brief notes on the motor housing for new and old transfer table fixes, repairs and restorations.

The motor housing on the transfer table is easily accessed by slipping off the operators’ cabin and then gently working off the top plate of the motor housing which is held in place by clips. Inside the motor housing three sets of gears and the motor. If you need to remove hardened oil simply remove the vertical gear and top gearing to connects with motor and soak in original (blue) Windex, leave motor and second gear in place and with careful use of toothpick, tweezers and very small cleaning cloth remove dirt and hardened oil from the inside of motor housing. Don’t obsess here, normal loco dirt and debris such hair do not afflict this part, careful not to add lint to the housing by cleaning.

To reassemble the motor housing locate mounting hole for vertical gear in base of motor housing (see shiny brass part with hole in base), worm drive end of gear sits in this hole. Note: worm gears align with regular gears only, they do not function together. Large gear is correctly installed on top engaged with worm gear (bushing on each end of top gear that engages with motor allow it to move freely, double check this gear is properly installed before proceeding). Before attaching top plate locate hole with brass bushing, this hole will align with top of vertical gear. Lastly slide on top plate and test.

Underside of top plate with brass bushing, top of vertical gear sits within the bushing.

Everything fits correctly when the motor housing has no gaps.

Note: bridge only moves with power applied when gearing is properly installed, it will not move freely unless the vertical gear is removed from the motor housing.

Don’t be afraid to buy the transfer table used, I have never seen one that can’t be restored with a simple cleaning or realignment of the bridge and those include some late 1970’s examples.

Good luck and happy railroading. Stay tuned for the next post, an exciting loco shed to go with the transfer table has just been released!

Archistories ARC-104171:

Siding: realistic modeling might include weathering of the bridge and attaching corrugated steel in the form of laser cut cardstock to the roof of the operators’ cabin.