Author Archives: garygraves

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:

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.

Marklin 8904: auto set worth considering or reconsidering!

In the program forever maybe (?) is the Marklin 8904 Bausatz PKW (automotive) set. Here is a nice build kit worth considering in the current paint schemes and car types.

Four car types each including 3 of each in various paint schemes. Note: each car type is packaged separately with complementary parts. A simple snap and glue kit of 3 parts for a finished car: shell, frame and glazing. The solid glazing part is sandwiched between the shell and frame after applying two tiny drops of glue, I used Faller Super Expert which is a solvent based glue that dries fast.

Originally designed as an accessory to use on a layout these cars also fill out the load on the auto transport cars including the last release car set 87092 which included 3 auto transport cars DDm 915.

Marklin Autoreisezug 87092

If you need to fill up a parking lot quick this kit takes a little more than a minute a car and includes 12 autos with good detailing. As an added bonus each car can be customized by painting in the bumpers and lamps. Add a white roof to add contrast to the rest of the car.

A real bargain selling for $1.25 a car! Can’t beat that! And will be rust free forever!

Marklin 2017 Toy Fair Loco: E 94 in BLACK: 88228!!!!

The 2017 Toy Fair Loco 88228 is painted and lettered in celebration of Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Marklin’s 200th birthday. The very attractive release of another E 94 this time with black paint scheme and red handrails based on a fictional prototype. I use the word “another” in jest, one never tires of this electric locomotive with articulated frame.

Presented in a wooden display case the locomotive is further packaged in a box printed with illustrations of Marklin’s historical articles preceding their specialty in manufacturing trains.

Features new generation of brushless motor and LED lighting.

 

FR continues to release new coaches in Z for SJ!

Two coach sets painted and lettered for SJ are now available from FR, and they include matching sets in the paint scheme for 1960’s thru 1990 thus the paint scheme is brown. FR’s modeling of these coaches includes interior detailing and trucks pre-drilled for accessory lighting.

46.220.02- 1960-talsvagn brun A+B two car set: 1- A2 5138, 1st class and 1- B5FRT 4945, 2nd class.

46.221.02- 1960-talsvagn brun B+B two car set: 1-Bo5 4752, 2nd class and 1- Bo5 4774, 2nd class.

Siding: 3 additional SJ coaches are available from FR painted and lettered for commuter traffic: 46.220.12 + 46.221.11.

Marklin F7 A-B-A sets: improving performance

If you are lucky enough to own one of the Marklin F7 sets “Alaska” or “UP” consider this easy repair. Or if you don’t like the wires running through the locos consider this easy repair.

Removing the wires is step 1: cut the wires before removing the shells and carefully remove the wires leading to each circuit board.

Soldering in place four very short wires is step 2: cut 4 small wires to bypass the 4 diodes on both circuit boards and carefully solder the wires in place.

Result: no wires running through the A-B-A units and much improved running performance thus allowing each locomotive to work independently of each other. Note: headlamps will light in both A units at the same time.

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.