Marklin 5 pole motors have been around for awhile, they were introduced in 1999 with the release of the DB class 143 loco #88431. The 88431 release made no mention of this new motor, but it was soon found out and happily too! The 5 pole has been the standard motor for all locos since, but it is important to mention the 3 pole was a record setter and powerhouse. Marklin makes available 5 pole motors for older locos, should the conversion be made? Brushes have become hard to come by for 3 poles which helps to sway the decision for converting to 5 pole, and your loco with the 5 pole will be more responsive at slow idling and quieter. The price of 5 pole motors varies greatly and availability has become less and less; Walthers lists several motor types as ‘sold out.’ Ebay is a good source when your dealer cannot provide them.

The following is a picture guide of five mini-club motors I use:

  E211903 is installed in most Marklin Z locos by far (SBB 460’s, American F7’s, VT 11.5’s and more), it features two standard gears at opposite ends of the armature.

E209452 features worm gear both sides, it is used in all railbuses. Note: motor sold without brushes. This is the only Marklin Z 5 pole motor produced in Germany all others are China.

E211914 features gear on one side, it is used for one purpose: replaces 3 pole motor in 8998 turntable. *See my blog on making this repair. Note: 5 pole motor is available for 8994 transfer table.

E211904 features worm drive gearing on both ends, it used in 8856 and 8852 ‘Krokodil’s’.

E211905 features worm drive gearing on both ends, it is used in BR 144’s such as 8825.

Siding 1: The very successful class 143 electric loco was developed in East Germany as class 243. Marklin’s interpretation of the prototype includes the DR version as well as DB versions with LED’s and superb detailing. The current 88435 is one such example of a privately owned class 143 lettered for RBH Logistics GmgH.

Siding 2: Before installing a new 5 pole motor run it in both directions to break-in brushes. A common reason locos don’t run after 5 pole motor installation is likely due to circuit board whiskers not making contact with capacitor.