Once Upon a Time: Building Kits in Z Gauge

GC Laser #59025 Lindsay Bros. Entry Backdrop + Marklin 88625 (class E8A)

I am starting a new series of posts examining older (some very old) building kits for Z gauge partly inspired by a gift of a friend: great variety of Z gauge building kits from the 80’s and 90’s. Already this part of the Z gauge history is now 25-35 years ago which astounds me, where has the time gone; my old vintage Marklin Z locos and rolling stock are now like old friends. Scenery went through an evolution in this timeframe just as trains did.

C Laser #59025 Lindsay Bros. Entry Backdrop

American manufacturers of building kits were small and larger but still small compared to German makers. A great variety of kits included paper, wood and plastic: cast, laser and photo etched.

In the mix is this first kit by GC Laser a known manufacturer for Z gauge buildings: #59025 Lindsay Bros. Entry Backdrop. This is a space saving backdrop building featuring a beautifully detailed facade. Constructed of laser cut cardboard and wood, kit features parts that are glued to both sides of a 3/16″ piece of wood. Very quick and easy to assemble with blackout paper attached as the final step. No need to paint this building due to very realistic color and detail.

Footprint: 3 3/8 ” (length) x 3 1/16″ (height) x 5/8″ (depth including sidewalk). Signage is very attractive, but does not appear to refer to an actual business based on Google search for this post.

I will be posting other early kits in the next few weeks as I build them to show and review. Thanks for looking and Happy Railroading.

V 100.57 Diesel Locomotive for Salzburg Transport Logistics, Inc.: Marklin 88212

Marklin 88212 class V 100.57 SETG + Atchistories ARC-102121 Two-Bay Locomotive Shed

Featuring distinctive yellow green/light gray basic paint scheme SETG (Salzburg Transport Logistics, Inc.) rolling stock specializes in freight transport. Headquartered in Austria, SETG (based on google search) runs a regular route between Koper (Slovenia) and terminals in Enns/Salzburg (Austria), its freight includes timber, steel, agriculture, chemicals, vehicles and other freight.

Color of the delivered model is more attractive than Marklin’s advertising photos suggest: green is less bright and less ‘electric’. Light gray referred to in description is closer to grayed white so to speak. The appearance Marklin 88212 is striking: much better in person. Highly recommended loco featuring highly detailed lettering, metal construction and fine LED headlights and trailing lights. Of course this is another in the long evolution of this locomotive class represented in Z gauge, first one released in 2001 as item #88690 (turquoise) BR 212 for German Federal Railway (DB), it featured the last generation motor (5 pole): 25 years and going strong!

Pictured with Marklin 88212 is Archistories Two-Bay Locomotive Shed (ARC-102121) building kit featuring precision laser cut card-stock parts, it features glued windows and hinged doors, its design inspired by Prussian Railway Architecture.

Archistories kits represent a modern approach to significantly improve architectural examples for model railroad layouts in Z. This topic is currently being explored on this site in coming weeks: Z gauge building examples from the past 35 years (stayed tuned!).

Archistories dealers in the United States include Zscalehobo.com and Zscalemonster.com.

Siding: weathering an Archistories building is another topic for another time: perhaps this week!

Siding: Archistories (ARC-102121 Two-Bay Locomotive Shed) made its debut on ZTrainsWeekly.com October 2015, 10 years later I continue to highly recommend this kit for ease in construction, durable build materials and historical appearance. And with all Archistories kits, builders will receive very high value for their purchase.

AMTRAK Class E8A Diesel Locomotive: Marklin 88625

Marklin 88625 Class E8A Diesel Locomotive (collaborative project with AZL)

Marklin’s collaborative project with AZL has included 4 class E8 and E9 diesel locomotives: and now 5 with the release of 88625 (announced 2023).

Announced for the first time in 2014, Marklin released Pennsylvania Railroad class E8A (88629), and 2 Export Models: Southern Pacific class E9 (88628) and Union Pacific class E8A (88627). Announced in 2015, Union Pacific E8B (88626) was not issued as an ‘Export’ Model, but it was likely produced in similar numbers to the UP E8A (88627).

Class E8A painted and lettered for AMTRAK varies from earlier releases including white carton with printed article number. It should be pointed out earlier releases of the E8 and E9 were presented in black boxes with printed article numbers stuck on boxes.

Design and motive power is identical with all locomotives in this article: split die cast frame is a particularly good feature as it allows superior tractive effort. Also traction tires installed on one wheel of each wheel set. The locomotives are each delivered with an extra wheel set, locomotives released before 88625 included extra wheel set without Marklin coupler installed: spring, coupler, and coupler hook is a separate part included in box. Marklin 88625 is delivered with Marklin coupler installed wheel set which is not prototypical in appearance as it ruins the sweeping aerodynamic lines of the loco.

To change out the front wheel set follow instructions included with model. Takes just a few minutes starting with Step1: removing shell (I use same method for all plastic shell removals): wiggle 2 very soft flexible guitar picks near wheel sets, shell should pop off without being damaged. Step 2 pull off black section (fuel tank) to expose screw (3 screws hold frame together). Step 3 loosen/remove screw at wheel set you want to remove and loosen center screw (no need to remove). Step 4 using a slotted screwdriver carefully pry apart frame just enough to remove wheel set. Step 5 save as much grease from original wheel set to apply to new wheel set. Step 6 place new wheel set in place and retighten screws (check wheel set moves freely from side to side before continuing). Step 7 install Part #6 from parts list (Rail Guard), prongs on part #6 slide into holes on end of locomotive frame/assembly (this is not a snug fit, it will be loose). Note: part #6 on parts diagram shows coupler installed in part #6, mine was delivered unglued thus it does not stay in place. Note: it is recommended to use 5 minute epoxy versus Super Glue cementing plastic parts (Super Glue will deform and melt plastic parts). Step 8 install shell which will fit snugly and hold Part #6 (rail guard) in place.

Marklin E8A, E8B and E9 incorporate AZL’s split frame and motive power design

3 screws secure split frame: removal of fuel tank reveals center screw

wheel sets make contact with electrical contact strip running thru frame

A couple of more differences to point out: 88625 is MADE IN GERMANY, it includes sticker on box, previous releases were made in China. Air horns on roof of locomotive (88625) are bundled together, formerly the horns included 2 as individual add-on parts this tooling change appears to have taken into consideration prototypical accuracy.

A locomotive with very good detail, heavy construction and smooth operation: highly recommended. Overall a very good Z gauge locomotive, but I would suggest an improvement would be lighted number boards (?).

Sugar Beet Train Set: Marklin 81773 + 82396 + 82540

Marklin 81773 train set (announced 2025)

It has arrived: Marklin train set 81773 and freight set 82396. Identified as sugar beet freight train of the firm Grafschaft Hoya (VGH) both offerings include type Eo 17 gondolas with sugar beet loads. A build kit for loading equipment is also included with the train set.

The important arrival (this author’s opinion) of 81773 marks another release of the German V36 diesel-hydraulic locomotive in the mini-club line-up.

261 WR 360 C14 locomotives were built in Germany during wartime as a less conspicuous alternative to steam locomotives in shunting operations. After the war surviving WR 360 C14 locomotives were designated V36, and their future operations included Branchline passenger and freight as well as shunting, their useful life extending to early 80’s.

Marklin 82396 (2 car freight set to supplement 81773 train set)

More than 10 years later Marklin has released locomotives and train sets (8) with variations of the V36: 88770 Double Diesel class BR236 German Federal Railroad (Insider 2015), 88771 East German Railroad (DR) class BR 103 (former V 36) announced 2018, 88772 class V36 DB Museum Nurnberg locomotive (limited 499) announced 2021, 81341 German Federal Postal System train set: class V 36 locomotive, 3 freight cars and Tempo vehicle (MHI Release) announced 2022, 81770 German Federal Railroad commuter train set: class V 36.2 locomotive and 3 type “Thunderbox” coaches announced 2016, 81771 Railbouw Leerdam (Netherlands) maintenance of way train set: class V 36 locomotive and 3 type side dump cars announced 2023, 81772 German Federal Railroad (DB) freight train set: class 236 locomotive, 3 low side freight cars (as new tooling, 1 with hay load), and tractor + trailer (MHI Release) announced 2018, 81773 Grafschaft Hoya (VGH) beet transport train set: class V 36 005 (former DB 236 237-4), 3 type Eo 17 gondolas with beet loads, and build kit for beet loading machine announced 2025.

As Marklin charts new territory with technology and design mini-club’s future is bright with possibilities. And as a collector I never imagined the trains we are offered today back in the late 80’s. This new set is an example of what Marklin has made possible which was not possible in the 90’s: reliable motive power in small locos. And with working headlights and trailing lights.

Sugar beet transport does not subsume conversations concerning rolling stock of America railroads, but it should. In North America sugar beets are harvested in numerous colder climate states and Canada. A few years back my Wife, Mother and I witnessed a sugar beet loading facility in North Dakota, their equipment was not unlike what is seen in Europe. And of course it is an important crop in North America finding it in many food items for good or bad. Marklin has loaded up the gondolas of the train set and supplemental freight car set with very realistic sugar beets from a Fall harvest. Sometimes loads are labeled with manufacturer stickers in this case no labels can be found, but I believe the loads for this train set were likely made by Heico-Modell as they are known for very very good sugar beet loads for model railroading. High praise is warranted for these sugar beet loads which fit snugly in Marklin’s gondolas, and heaped over top edge of gondolas realistically suggest the natural loading process at a sugar beet facility.

Marklin 81773 (type Eo 17 gondolas with sugar beet load)

Marklin 81773 (sugar beet load possibly manufactured by Heico-Modell)

Locomotive features LED lights, motor with bell-shaped armature, and very very dark green paint scheme which almost looks black under most lighting conditions. Paint scheme has similar but different attributes of PRR’s Brunswick Green. Almost electric yellow striping around body of loco with matching engine grill, red frame and wheels make for its interesting appearance.

Operationally the loco runs flawlessly when tested with realistic tiny headlights and trailing lights which change over from white to red depending on direction of travel. If I were to run this on a layout with turn-outs it might stall within a switch as it is short and lite. But keeping good current running through your layout with clean track and solid connections should likely remedy this potentiality.

Interesting to read Marklin’s description concerning the locomotive which is a preserved museum locomotive, it is required to maintain last paint scheme in service, and it must remain in the area of its last activity.

I bought 2 of these sets, one was delivered with missing part which I feel is important to include a photo of as it conceals screw holding shell to motor/chassis (I think?). Marklin is sending me a replacement snap on part in 4-6 weeks.

Defective (missing cover) V36 (set 81773)

Included in the train set is a build kit for sugar beet loading, it is modeled after the prototype which features wheels. Two functions of prototype appear to include shaking off dirt and loading in rail car. The model is okay, its scale along side the train is very big and basic functions are suggested not detailed in the finished build. Build instructions are basic and confusing requiring a little extra patience thus much time is needed even for this small kit. Parts are very small to tiny and made of lightweight paper materials, thus it will challenge even the more experienced laser-cut cardboard builder. Lots of room for improvement, but it is important with its flaws to accessorize a sugar beet facility.

Marklin 81773 Sugar Beet Loader (laser cut cardboard build-kit)

This is the second time Marklin produced a sugar beet themed Z gauge item. In 2016 they announced a Swiss freight set for sugar beet harvest which introduced new tooling for the EANOS high side gondolas: 82540. The freight set also included a build kit for another example of beet loading this one superb. Sugar beet load for 82540’s EANOS gondolas identical in appearance to that included with the current train set. 82540’s sugar beet loading machine is smaller than 81773’s, but it loaded with many more details and signage based on a more mechanical prototype.

Marklin 82540 Sugar Beet Loader (left) and Marklin 81773 Sugar Beet Loader (right)

Several Marklin dealers have this train set and freight car supplemental set still available, I highly recommend it.

Fish Belly Bridge: Marklin 89758 Building Kit (2019)

Here is a build kit suitable for Germany and the United States. Released in 2019, Marklin 89758 is another laser-cut cardstock building kit based on a fish belly bridge. Such a design allows for very heavy freight trains, in the United States Lehigh Valley Railroad built a steel fish belly bridge in 1901, it connected Easton, PA and Phillipsburg, NJ. This bridge is now abandon, but its original purpose was transportation of very heavy freight trains hauling coal. Interesting to note: this bridge was built on piers built in 1866, it stands today far outliving its useful life.

Marklin’s 89758 is described in Marklin literature as similar to one historically protected in Plettenberg, Sauerland, Germany.

The bridge model represents a steel bridge with quarried stone piers. It measures: 8 5/8 inches (length) X 1 1/8 inches (width) x 1 1/8 inches (height). The build is straight forward comprising precision parts that fit together without modification thus a very fine kit. My only criticism for the kit is a limited number of gusset plates. I may opt to use paint with dry brush and/or air brush for an added layer of weathering perhaps making the bridge look for ‘steel’ like.

Freudenreich Feinwerktechnik: Lehigh Valley Railroad Train Set

Readers of ztrainsweekly know of my interest in FR’s (Harald Freudenreich) Z gauge model trains thru many posts since its start. Lately the brand known as FR Freudenreich Feinwerktechnik is today Atelier Barkvieren. Over the course of its beginnings in the early 90’s FR’s contribution to the hobby includes just over 800 items, its history and reputation rooted in highly precise prototypical accuracy and flawless design + manufacturing. I thought it would be interesting to look back at a model train set produced in 1994 by Harald Freudenreich, and the fourth item ever to be produced in Z by FR.

Known as article number ZF004, it was preceded by 3 other train sets all from 1994 (numbered respectively ZF001-003). Today the discussion is about ZF004 train set painted and lettered for Lehigh Valley Railroad (1846-1976).

Train set ZF004 (1994) limited to 50 sets included a AGEIR boxcab diesel locomotive and 3- 31′ fishbelly hoppers painted and lettered ‘LEHIGH.’ Locomotive is constructed of metal with maintenance free motor similar to ones used by Marklin today. Locomotive is heavy as it appears to be entirely made of metal including truck frames and brass securing screws. Add-on parts include roof details: brass bell and smokestack. A curious characteristic about the loco are the non-rotating wheel sets, but loco’s short wheelbase allow it to negotiate curves perfectly, plus each truck includes pair of freely turning wheels without flanges thus locomotive includes 2 sets of driving wheels and 2 sets of un-powered wheel sets. FR’s distinctive coupler design was already used on their first locomotives as they are unchanged to this day. Couplers comprise simple bent wire hooks which couple easily with Marklin mini-club couplers, they also do not detract from the locomotives prototypical appearance.

Hoppers are constructed of mostly metal with fine detailing, each features prototypical couplers except for lead hopper numbered 25617, it includes a Marklin coupler at one end to pair with simple wire hook style coupler on locomotive. Hoppers appear to have 2 add-on parts: handbrake and platform by handbrake. On the underside: truss supports and coal funnels appear to be cast plastic cemented in place. Wheels are black plastic with each wheel set attached to car with brass screws. Each hopper features sharp lettering with smallest lettering perfectly legible with magnifying glass. Hoppers numbered: 25617, 25322, and 25039.

Train set was delivered in wood display box as was 4 other train sets in 1994. Display box is lined in silk and features metal ‘FR’ logo. Wood display boxes were used over the years by FR each lined with silk. This set as I bought it does not have additional items such as descriptive booklet, I am doubtful one was included. The presentation elevates this train set to the ‘expensive’ item category which in 1994 carried a price tag of 875 Deutsche Marks.

Siding: What’s in a name? ALCO Boxcab diesel locomotive was a diesel/electric switching locomotive referred to as AGEIR Boxcab’s so named after an amalgamation of the 3 builders of this locomotive class: ALCO (American Locomotive Company), General Electric and Ingersoll Rand.

Marklin’s Exquisite Insider Model for 2024: 88820

**Marklin 88820: Insider Model 2024** copyright ZTrainsWeekly.com

Wow! I have every reason to like Marklin’s recent release 88820: detailing, running performance, and appearance: all charm and no disappointment.

Many Insider Members who I know have been waiting anxiously for this model, and several have asked if I could land one for them. Unfortunately I have only one for my collection otherwise I would happily connect collectors with a dealer who could provide one. Best option to secure rare Insider Models is joining the Club for $99/year, membership includes free Insider car in HO or Z, subscription to Marklin Magazine, and invitation/order form for Insider Locomotive Release.

Marklin 88820 (Marklin’s website: with permission): A Rustic Icon on German Tracks
When currently one of the numerous preserved Wismar rail busses comes on stage, even steam locomotives retreat to the background. “Pig Snouts” are the name given to these powered rail cars, which during the world economic crisis kept many small and branch lines from being abandoned. The design was ingeniously simple and at the same time extremely cost effective: A simple welded car body was used and a mass-produced drive system from the truck industry was installed in each direction of travel. As with road trucks there was a motor hood at both ends, commonly called a snout. Most cars had a roof baggage rack for baggage or small freight. The car builder Wismar built 57 units between 1932 and 1941. Railroaders and passengers loved their rustic rattling boxes and gave them the nickname “Pig Snouts”. Currently, the Wismar rail busses enjoy an absolute cult status. This is not the only reason a snout belongs on the roster of every model railroader. In addition, the German Federal Railroad had three Wismar units for a short time on its roster after 1949. The red “Pig Snouts” thus goes on any Era III layout.

This is the first Marklin Z Gauge Wismer ‘Snout’ locomotive, but the now shuttered company Z-Modellbau produced it first. Both companies use similar motors, and both appear built to scale, but Z-Modellbau have slightly better build quality than Marklin: Z-Modellbau locomotives used brass gearing and metal construction. BUT Marklin’s example could be seen as better design with just the right combination of plastic and metal. Although Z-Modellbau locos were entirely handmade masterpieces now considered very rare, Marklin is offering a much more affordable solution with working headlights.

Marklin 88820 is based on an Era III class VT 88.9 (former DRG class VT Cvt-34) rail bus painted and lettered for the DB (German Federal Railroad).

The model is a charmer with metal hoods and frame, efficient maintenance free motor, headlights and interior lighting, and metal add-on parts including roof rack and ladders.

On the test track the rail bus moved flawlessly at slow speeds. Tiny tiny headlights unique to this Marklin model: brilliant and realistic.

This release will be remembered for years as a truly exciting new addition to the Marklin Catalog of Z gauge items. Mine received yesterday from ZscaleHOBO.com is already proudly displayed alongside equivalent examples by Railex, FR, and Z-Modellbau.

Siding: Viaduct Bridge (128171) featured in this post is non other than Archistories, it can be infinitely expanded with 2 Arch Extension (129171). 128171 + 129171 can be built single or double track. Kits available in USA: https://zscalehobo.com/ and http://www.zscalemonster.com/

Marklin Z Insider 2024: 80334

The 2024’s Insider Model is 80334: boxcar (Era IV) lettered for “TELEFUNKEN.” As a German radio and television producer Telefunken was founded in 1903 as a joint enterprise: AEG and Siemens & Halske. Its Wiki page talks of the company in the past tense, it was defunct in 1967 and merged with other German companies. It is notable that Tekefunken (Berlin) set up the first worldwide communications network prior to World War I, and the company sold the first cathode-ray tube television in 1934.

As a Z scale model the boxcar is striking with its graphic advertising design. Insider Models including this example are included with membership to the Insider Club which also includes Marklin Magazine Subscription and invitation to order Marklin Insider Locomotive for $99/year in United States.

Thanks for looking: Happy Railroading!

Siding: Insider Model for 2025:

Prototype: “Thunder Box” buffet car for the Minden Railroad Museum (MEM). The car looks as they currently do in real life.

Marklin 86061: Baggage Car

Marklin baggage car 86061 is loaded with detail. As Marklin’s description notes: it does not have a cupola which is pretty obvious. It features extensive lettering, metal wheels and plastic shell. Identified as type Pwgs 041 Baggage Car, it is painted and lettered for German Federal Railroad (Era IV).

A freight car so rich in details it deserves its own post. And its still floating around at the dealers, but out of production at Marklin.

Era V Freight Set: Marklin 82542

Marklin Era V freight car set 82542 includes 4 type Eanos-x 052 gondolas painted and lettered for DB Cargo and DB respectively. Here is a set I nearly passed on as I have a number of Eanos gondolas already by Marklin and FR, but I changed my mind after seeing this set in person.

Not visible in the Marklin photos of the set are their loads: each car is loaded with a different scrap metal load including pipe, i-beams, and crushed rusty metal. Very good realistic representation of rust and oxidized metal. Marklin in the past has not made these loads instead they have come from specialist manufacturers in Germany, and they are usually labeled as such on the bottom. But these loads are not labeled thus I don’t believe they are made by Marklin, but I am also not sure.

A recent development is the use of a translucent plastic used to make the red Eanos cars, I first noticed this type of plastic with the tank car from the DR passenger set: 87503. The plastic is so translucent a small amount of light illuminates it. It’s a bit distracting and unrealistic thus I must give a rather mixed review for this set. Note: see translucence of red cars in photos.