Category Archives: American Diesel Locomotives

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).

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

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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

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
each wheel set includes 1 traction tire

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 (?).

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.

UP + SP E8’s: joint collaboration Marklin/AZL

Marklin 88627
Marklin 88626 (only 46 prototypes were produced of the E8 ‘B’ unit)
Marklin 88628

The post war General Motors E8 diesel locomotive was built by their Electro Motive Division (EMD) in Illinois, it boasted a power reserve of 2250 hp for passenger service. Some units remained in service into the late 70’s pulling freight trains. Significantly longer than the F7 with significantly fewer produced than the latter, the E8 was designed with 2 – 6 axle trucks with 450 ‘A’ units produced versus more than 2000 F7 ‘A’ units.

Several prototypes were modeled in Z for the PRR, UP and SP railroads as a joint venture between Marklin and AZL, but aside from Marklin trucks/couplers and box the collaboration seems limited in scope with majority partnering coming from AZL.

Crisp graphics and accurate paint schemes plus detailed shells and trucks are equaled by what’s inside: heavy ballasting and robust brush-less motor.

Taking a look inside these locomotives reveal several unique design features of AZL versus Marklin including a heavily ballasted two-part frame. Holding the frame together are 3 pairs of phillips head screws which all but conceals the motor and transmission except for the circuit board which rests on top.

partial disassembly of E8 ‘A’ unit with showing skirting replacement part and extra truck included with loco

Servicing either of the trucks requires popping off the fuel tank thus revealing the middle set of screws: loosen only. Service one truck at a time by removing its designated pair of screws followed by gently prying the frame apart thereby allowing the truck to pop out. Repeat for other truck and test on track before reattaching fuel tank cover and shell.

one end of frame slightly pried apart allowing removal of truck, worm gear and pick-ups run length of frame
fuel tank and truck removed from frame, truck is held in frame within the recess in frame’s casting, two sides of frame secured with screws closes the space around top of truck frame thus securing in place
1 traction tire per truck and 2 powered axles per truck
locomotives come with Marklin couplers installed which can be replaced with provided skirting, also included is an extra truck, photo shows location of 3 screws per each side of frame
circuit board and LED light panel at one end are visible without shell, photo shows correct gap between two frame sides, drive mechanism is held within frame

Note: AZL gearing is comprised of nylon gears versus Marklin machined metal gearing, and AZL factory lubrication is grease versus oil.

brass worm gear and plastic skirting mount at frame end, frame is pried apart to allow truck removal

A full disassembly of the chassis and motor entails removing all 6 screws that hold the frame together with all components smartly fitted within. It should be noted that proper assembly of the frame leaves a consistent gap between the two sides: two frame sides do not touch. Transmission is properly fitted with plastic intermediary part positioned with prong ends down and engaged with holes in frame. Parts comprising motor and transmission must be seated properly for reassembly of frame, it is very important not to force these parts together.

truck gearing is permanently installed versus the take apart nature of Marklin trucks
inside and outside view of frame sides: worm gears held in place with nylon guides seated prong side down in designated holes
Inside view of the frame sides reveals a straightforward design concept
underside of frame shows normal gap between frame sides

The 3 ‘A’ units come equipped with prototypical skirting to replace the Marklin coupler which is simply installed following removal of shell, un-clipping coupler and spring, and sliding new skirting part with prong ends into frame recepticle.

LED light panel sits in slot with skirting bracket held in place with pressure from frame sides
skirting bracket is a two outlet plug which accepts the 2 prongs from the replacement skirting part, coupler is held in place with a removable metal clip otherwise the coupler includes the Marklin style coupler and spring, LED light panel is seen at the top of the frame assembly held in place with a designated slot
unique removable metal clip system for the coupler otherwise a normal Marklin set-up

Pulling power is further improved with traction tires which in combination with the heavy cast metal frame evenly distributed across the wheels ensure smooth operation. No need at all for adding extra weight to these locos!

Roof equipment varies between the prototypes thus the models reflect prototypical accuracy.

roof equipment varies between the locomotives

Very impressive locomotives from the stand point of aesthetics and performance unfortunately the installed Marklin couplers do not allow use of the only appropriate coaches produced by AZL. Maybe coaches are in development?

Siding: Marklin 88629 (PRR) is the fourth locomotive in this series