AZL Repair Notes | Z Trains Weekly

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 (?).

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

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

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Category Archives: AZL Repair Notes

AMTRAK Class E8A Diesel Locomotive: Marklin 88625

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