Marklin Insider 81352: “DB Freight Train for Coal Transport”

“Remarkable things come in small packages!” An often used expression with new and veteran Marklin Z enthusiasts, but never as true as with model 81352. Here is a class 80 tank locomotive one of the smallest German steam locomotives used for shunting and general regional freight traffic exquisitely realized as a smooth running Marklin Z gauge locomotive heading 5 cars loaded with coal.

Note: photos only show 4 of the 5 coal cars!

What can be said of this locomotive referred to as “Little Bull” in the Marklin literature is all positive, it features glazed window openings, very detailed running gear with side rods of great complexity, superb weathering, LED headlamps, and brushless motor. And it looks great! Cars too!

Type 0 10 and 0 11 wagons loaded with removable coal inserts complete the Era III set.

Much care and attention to detail went into the production of this latest Insider release that will add a high level of realism to a prototypical mid century layout. Weathering was presumably applied with airbrush, but the level of quality maybe difficult to match even for the more experienced modeler.

*MBZ cardstock building #16058 (weathered) available exclusively in the United States from Reynaulds

As a bonus the train set included an unfinished brass casting of the locomotive shell, it is remarkable to see the unpainted and unfinished casting next to the finished loco which suggests the massive amount of handwork that takes place before these sets reach the collector.

A real stunner of a train set!

Siding: tucked nicely inside the small cockpit of this loco is a new brushless motor described as maintenance free, but other aspects of the loco require the usual maintenance including periodic oiling of wheels (as little as necessary which is not much) and wheel cleaning.

 

Buying Marklin Z direct from the distributor

As a bit of an experiment I decided to buy what I consider to be a quick sell-out of the recently released railbus 88171 directly from Walthers. It was bought partly on impulse and partly to ensure getting one of these before they are sold out; they are already sold out at the factory even before arriving at Walthers in Milwaukee, WI.

My experience with Walthers apart from visiting their store/warehouse in person a few years ago is limited to ordering from them through the dealer network, I have never bought directly from them before.

Walthers policy is to charge full list price so as not to compete with their dealer network which is a good policy, but why do they sell to the public at all? The hour I spent in their tiny showroom in Milwaukee was full of customers some buying hundreds of dollars worth of items, and I guess they were as happy to pay full list price as Walthers was to charge them full list price.

The Walthers warehouse and showroom is not as appealing as the catalog much of which has to be called up to the counter to be seen. And the warehouse is a fairly unremarkable building, but I have to say the salesman at the counter were friendly and knowledgeable thereby offering a good place to find everything featured in their thick catalog and in stock.

Ordering from Walthers website was easy enough showing items currently in stock with prices. No problems at all placing an order! The downside was the order took a little while to ship from their warehouse (credit card is not charged until item ships), the small little item arrived in a big sturdy box, but the the Marklin railbus was not properly secured with wrapping thus separating from the plastic box entirely, luckily it did not scratch!

For collectors of Marklin Z it is probably best to order through a dealer at least for discounts, but also for individualized attention and guidance. Plus MHI releases are only available to dealers who are part of that subscription program thus not available directly to the public through Walthers. And some of the best stuff in Marklin Z are MHI’s!

Siding: Marklin’s 88171 Uerdingen VS 98 railbus is SUPERB with fully realized interiors and interior lighting with LED’s. Paint and lettering is crisp on this highly detailed model. Paired with the motor car (88166) available as an upcoming release this will be one of those must haves for collectors.

Marklin 81371: “Heavy Freight” Train Set (factory weathered)

Marklin’s Era III 81371 train set is still available but in limited supply: 499 sets. The train set features the heavy freight loco class 44 paired with 6 hoppers. Striking in appearance, the set features realistic heavy weathering and detailed running gear. Lot’s of action from greatly improved side rods is what’s going on in Z at Marklin these days: steam locos with grit and character more closely resembling their prototypes than ever before.

Manufactured well before the Second World War and through it until ’49 the BR 44 was a heavy hauler freight locomotive. Its numbers approached 2000, but not all locomotives stayed in Germany, twenty five percent stayed within the railways of PKP, OBB, CSD, SNCF, and DR after the war and today all but two remain operational.

The 81371 locomotive with operating number BR 44 1754 features 10 coupled and powered driving wheels with smoke deflectors. Weathering on the locomotive is tinted red with light but heavy application leaving all inscriptions legible which is a fine trick and difficult to achieve. The prototypical color of the weathering is suggestive of the acidity created by the mixing coal soot and steam on the sides of the iron boilers and plates.

Marklin has been slowly releasing weathered versions of locos and rolling stock after regular versions have debuted. For modelers looking for more and more realism these Marklin weathered items are tops! Surely impossible to weather as well as Marklin has done here certain talented folks out there could attempt the same with airbrushing, but color is as important as technique, and I am glad not to have to attempt it here!

*Archistories Prussian brick loco shed gives accurate scale to this loco thus providing historical context as well.

Six type Ootz hopper cars weathered with sooty black complete the set with lettering Erz IId. No coal loads are included, but the empty cars include weathering throughout their bays. This car type included two partitioned sections each with sloping hoppers for very quick dumping of bulk materials.

Siding: airbrushing results are far easier and trouble free with water based paints likewise water based final coat of clear lacquer should be considered to protect your work.

Siding: 81371 comes packaged in a carton housing cartons for 2 sets of 3 hoppers and 1 for the loco, item numbers printed on the cartons is as follows: hoppers (81371-01 + 81371-02) and loco (81371-03). Boxes are important to collectors and keeping them pristine is important too: open flap boxes with a butter knife to save from denting and dinging. And no butter on that knife!

 

Swiss Alpine Structures in Z

If you are a specialist Swiss modeler in Z chances are building structures have been difficult to find off the shelf. Or perhaps you are already building scratch-built structures. This post focuses on two rare off the shelf structures, but they could also be successfully built with balsa wood from your local hobby store.

Two very interesting alpine structures are a covered bridge and guardhouse used on the RhB railway (Rhaetian Railway). The covered bridge was offered fully built by FiDES of Switzerland, it featured balsa wood construction with printed (not etched) shake tile roof.

I wasn’t able to find any current information for this company, this one being the only example I have found. I cannot verify when the bridge was produced or whether it was marketed outside Switzerland, I found this one on Ebay.

In addition to being fully assembled the bridge was further glued in place within the cardboard carton thus I was not able to do a great job photographing it for the blog post. By my count the bridge incorporates over 100 individual parts each measured, cut and assembled: lot’s of work.

A similar bridge could be scratch-built using balsa wood and leftover parts from other kits for the roof. Good scenery construction could include this bridge known to Alpine hikers in multiples along a path and over water or even rock falls. Steep inclined features would also include granite outcroppings, pine trees, snow or random length grasses with pretty flowers. Bridge used in a town setting would also feature flower boxes because hey this is Switzerland.

Another good Swiss alpine structure is an older FR building kit for guardhouse on the RhB railway.

Very infrequently FR produces metal and wood structures that bespeak the precision and historical accuracy presented by FR in each one their releases. This building kit includes numerous dimensional strands of balsa wood as well as etched balsa and nickel parts including window frames.

Instructions are in German with excellent photo illustrations, using illustrations only I was able to deduce the order and correct assembly of all parts. Metal gutters and downspouts I will add in the future along with finish work, but at this point it looks pretty good, and I am happy with the results.

Although a very small building it required hours of assembly including measuring and cutting window glazing plus measuring and gluing all other parts.

A good solid building that features already painted metal shutters, doors and window frames. Roofing material had to be measured then cut, it was printed on textured paper to give the look of three dimensional terracotta tile, even the color is very good.

I probably won’t add aging to this structure as I associate Switzerland without air pollution, but perhaps even darkening is a correct patina? Chimney will get dressed up with a piece of flagstone during finishing touches as well as stucco application to sides with white paint. Footing for vertical support beam will also be painted concrete. And one cannot forget flower boxes hey this is Switzerland!

The prototype probably included a signal and short siding for passing trains, but as of this writing I have not found a picture of the prototype. For the layout this building could be connected to the hiking path previously suggested with the bridge, it too could have been a way station for hikers boarding a train, but this is a far off structure in the mountains inaccessible to auto traffic.

Siding: outstanding glue with easy applicator is Noch Laser-Cut Adhesive #61104 available from zscalehobo.com, I highly recommend this glue for laser-cut card stock, balsa wood, and metal or any combination thereof.

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

SBB CFF FFS L2 Freight Car

Released as a kit, this type L2 freight car for SBB CFF FFS was produced by FR. It was delivered with nickel silver parts and dry transfer lettering, this one I purchased assembled from an Ebay seller.

The kit is another early example that used some Marklin parts with FR add-on parts as well as design. The chassis and wheel sets are Marklin and all other parts are FR. Nickel silver parts arrived on a sheet that required separation of parts followed by painting and lettering. The modeler who put this one together did a pretty good job, it appears 5 minute epoxy was used as the cement. Note: a final coat of semi-gloss water based lacquer is sprayed over the decals for protection.

The L2 freight car is used on the Swiss Federal Railways to haul scrap metal. The open grate design on top half of car versus solid sides maybe used to cut down on car weight.

Assembling FR kits is for experienced modelers, instructions are always printed in German and knowledge bending and cementing thin metal parts is a further requirement. Best painting is carried out with water based paints and airbrushing.

Siding: Faller’s laser-cut Bahnhof Huinghausen station provides the backdrop for this post.

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.

NetRail: FR’s 2nd set of coaches 46.221.52

If you like rare things FR’s handmade precision models in Z are true to form; limited in number each item is historically accurate, and the current program is based on European prototypes with a heavy focus on Scandinavian railways.

More than a year ago FR started releasing their first ever ground up design and production of SJ coaches of type 1960-talsvagn. This is the 2nd set to complete the NetRail coach set thus comprising a 4 coach train set lettered for NetRail and VEOLIA Transport, Sweden.

Coaches feature interior detailing and interior lighting can be added as an accessory. The LED lighting kits are available as item #46.220.91 directly from FR’s website. USA buyers after log-in will see prices displayed in dollars without added 19%VAT.

The stated limited release of the two NetRail sets is 25 thus making these coaches instantly rare.

NetRail coach sets 1 and 2: 46.220.52 + 46.221.52. *limited numbers still available directly from FR.

Siding: Prototypical train set to pull NetRail coaches is the HECTOR RAIL class 143 locomotive (former SJ RC3) offered by FR with item #46.130.41: