Category Archives: Collecting

Norwegian Diesel with Snowplows: Marklin 88362

Marklin 88362 JBV Diesel Class Di3 628 (Norway)

Delivery has started in the United States for a most interesting Z gauge diesel, it peaks my interest for 2 reasons: big big snowplows and Scandinavia. Plus it is another version of the well received NOHAB locomotive type as seen in Marklin’s Z gauge line-up.

Marklin’s 88362 is a regular production item that will undoubtedly generate a lot of interest. Scandinavian railroads are now represented more and more by Marklin for us Z-scalers which is wonderful to see, FR Freudenreich was solely representing the railroads of Scandinavia with few examples from Norway. This Marklin loco is unique as a specialized maintenance of way locomotive for Norway, it is owned and operated by Rail Network (JBV) as class Di3 628. As stated in Marklin’s description it is a modified former class Di3a with the installation of snowplows. One of the more characteristic traits of Scandinavian locos are the inclusion of snowplows, nearly all that I have seen over the years include plows of various size with this loco presenting very large plows of heavy construction.

When I saw the announcement for this locomotive I assumed plows would be made of plastic, it turns out they are metal and feature very good detailing including realistic profile and heavy beam construction. The plows are installed pushed into the buffer posts which might may not be concerning since the shell is made of metal impregnated plastic thus perhaps allowing a stronger joint, but care should be taken with this loco as it may not tolerated too much bumping. Track clearance with plows is as close as a hair width: almost!!! Very impressive to see the tight tolerances in design and execution. Very very high precision manufacture allows for models like this, each new technological advancement seems to have been applied to this loco. Made in Hungary 88362 is an attractive locomotive model with good paint detail work except on the one I received window trims are painted silver only on one end.

I would not try removing the plows which are tightly installed and maybe glued in place. Horns between windshields appear to be add-on parts: exceptional! Middle axle on each wheel set is free from gearing thus wheels easily turn on their own, but they do not sit with the same contact with track as the geared axles with their wheels: not something to dwell on. Beautiful smooth running performance even at low speeds, and it moves quick when throttled up. 3 headlights changeover with direction of loco, but there are no trailing lights, I hope future designs add red marker lights to this series of locomotive. Headlights on this loco are not bright unless full throttle is applied.

Big surprise: I read in description the locomotive comes with working warning lights above cabs, but to my surprise they pulsate simulating what would be seen with the prototype.

At a length of 4 3/8 inches this is a long locomotive adding 7/8 inches onto the same locomotive type with buffers only (no plows). Manual that comes with loco warns the user to carefully check layout compatibility to rule out signals, catenary masts, bridge railings, and tunnel portals being in the way of plows. As can be seen in this post’s photos plows swing out over tracks quite far. Marklin states minimum track radius for this loco is 195mm/7 11/16 inches.

Overall a very good release, it represents how far Z gauge has grown by applying all the latest and newest technologies: maintenance free motor, metal impregnated plastic (heavier: more pulling power), and pulsing light feature (warning lights). And of course more Scandinavian trains and specialized trains.

Marklin’s New Series for Z: Pantone Color of the Year

A New Year and a new series for Marklin Z scale enthusiasts: “Pantone Color of the Year” freight cars. So far 2 cars have been presented coinciding with Pantone’s annual celebration “Color of the Year”: ‘Viva Magenta’ (2023) / ‘Peach Fuzz’ (2024).

Pantone Color Matching System has been used widely by graphic designers and those in the print industry for 60 years. Developed from 18 basic colors each numbered and titled color can be faithfully reproduced using Pantone Matching System (PMS).

Pantone’s importance to the print industry perhaps inspired this new series. And maybe links with Marklin Magazin releases (2001 – present), it too makes reference to the print industry. And the unmistakable “Prussian Blue” painted freight cars and steam loco released in the series.

Pantone describes Viva Magenta (2023): “….a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration….” And Peach Fuzz (2024): “It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”

Produced in HO as well as Z this new series is a “One Time Series.”

Just In Time: 88963 DRG Class 86 (new at USA dealers)!

New at USA dealers is Marklin 88963 tank locomotive Class 86 painted and lettered for DRG (German State Railroad) from Era II. An early German tank locomotive built in the years 1928 – 1943 for passenger and freight. Used on main and branch lines, Class 86 is one of the “Jack of All Trades” locomotive types. According to the Wikipedia page: 775 Class 86’s were built by various German Factories for use in the Mittelgebirge Region. Have a look at the Wikipedia Page for other historical details.

Marklin’s latest model of this fine locomotive is outstanding with great detailing of body and running gear. Two LED headlights illuminate its path, water tanks run length of boiler up to the cylinders, its a treat to watch the lively action of the moving locomotive.

Marklin’s first class 86 for mini-club was in production for a number of years starting 1980 until 2008, its item number 8896 painted and lettered for DB thus Era III. In 1996 the locomotive was reintroduced as a One Time Series for the MHI Program: painted “photo gray” and lettered for DRG with item number 88961. Both locomotives were powered by 3 pole motors.

As it happens (often) Marklin did not release a coach or freight set to go with this Era II locomotive this year, but there are plenty of good choices already produced including the very finely detailed 4 car coach set: 87681. The set is so good I am expanding this post to include lots of photos of it.

To fully appreciate the interesting architecture and detailing we look at each car independently thus next 4 photos are 87681-1: Baggage Car with 2 pair of hinged doors each side. Car number 101 976.

87681-2: 2nd and 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window (one side). Car number 35 909.

87681-3: 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window (one side). Car number 79 867.

87681-4: 3rd Class coach with curtain drawn over lavatory window. Car number 79 847.

Released in 2002, Marklin 87681 was offered until 2008, it followed the earlier release and first time introduction of identical car types as set 8768 (1990 – 1995), this set was painted and lettered for DB.

Final photo includes Faller’s new laser cut building: “Old Spinning Mill” article #282742. A good building design, but roof material is challenging to work with as its heavy texture gives way to damage during bending for assembly. Only trick I have found with this material is to score bending joints with a sharp knife otherwise material frays and you won’t have clean folds for assembly. Expect some less than desirable results.

Siding: hard to find ‘dealer old stock’ of this set thus the secondary/used market is likely only possibility. Check car numbers to confirm you have to a complete set.

Christmas Comes Once a Year: Marklin Delivers 2 in ‘Z’

I am a self professed Christmas Toy nut thus collecting all things Christmas in Z comes easy. But because they are fantasy designs serious railroading fans scorn the addition of such rolling stock on their layouts: many are good friends that I respect a lot for their knowledge and commitment to the hobby and history of trains thus I get it, but for all others Marklin’s 2 offerings this year are a hit!

First there is 80633 Christmas Ornament Car continuing the yearly special edition begun in 2000. This year it is the first Christmas car designed around the all familiar baggage/luggage car painted chocolate brown with a tasty ornament design strung along its sides. This beautiful car is housed in an acrylic gingerbread house. And a ribbon is included for the tree. Outer carton carries the label “Made in Germany” which is unusual these days for Marklin Z items: no matter however. The outer carton is beautifully printed and designed, but with Marklin Z Christmas Ornaments the carton is often dented and creased, this year is no different: too bad! Car and ornament are always delivered perfect by contrast.

Big deal for Christmas this year is the Christmas steam locomotive and tender, it is based on the classic heavy freight Class 50 loco and features a beautiful wispy Christmas themed design previously incorporated into design of Marklin 55389 Gauge 1 ‘P8’ (2016) and Marklin 37899 HO Class 50 (2016). Both former releases featured lit Christmas trees on the front buffer beam as well Christmas tunes from the sound-board as a digital feature. It took Marklin a few years to produce and offer 88847 design used previous, and I believe it will be as popular as the Gauge 1 and HO Christmas locomotives. But there is an additional surprise: custom wood box housing locomotive features a pressure-sensitive device which plays “Jingle Bells” when box is open thus converting display box to music box too!

Siding: USA Dealers recently received loco 88847 already sold out at the factory.

Siding: Marklin produced a 2nd HO Christmas themed Class 01 with different design perhaps it will follow for Z? Hope so!

“50 YEARS MARKLIN Mini-Club!!!” SETS 81873 + 87402

Celebrating and commemorating fifty years of miniclub with two terrific releases: starter set 81873 and supplemental coach set 87402.

With reference to the first and second generation box designs, the new releases incorporate wood grain from the 70’s mini-club articles and later beige/orange stripes into box designs of the anniversary releases, further referencing mini-club history through depictions of Marklin’s clever advertising from the 70’s included on the starter set box.

A lovely passenger train with diesel locomotive, baggage car and 2 coaches in “Pop Colors” paint scheme further referencing the early 70’s: 1972 to be exact. A whole lot of effort went into these sets, Marklin designed something very special for the diehard mini-club collector.

Link to Marklin for a very special 50 Year chronology: https://www.maerklin.de/en/lp/2022/50yearsz#chronik

Talking trains: what comes inside the boxes?

Set 81873 includes everything you need to set-up a basic oval layout (according to Marklin: homage to set 8901) with train and transformer. The train (German Federal Railroad (DB): 1- class 216 diesel locomotive (includes new generation motor), 1- type Düm 902 baggage car, 1- type Aüm 203 1st class compartment car, and 1- type Büm 234 2nd class compartment car. “Pop Colors” paint scheme from 1972, Era IV.

Supplemental set 87402 extends the train set with 3 additional coaches painted variously: 1- type Bcüm 243 express train 2nd class slumber coach (bluish lilac), 1- type Büm 234 express train 2nd class compartment car (blue), and type Bcüm 243 express train 2nd class slumber coach (reddish violet).

Additional comments about 81873: I bought mine from a USA dealer, the set arrived with wear in the corners plus tape seals holding clear acrylic lid to styro-foam tray were slit open, it looked like an open-box item. It turns out the Marklin factory opened up sets destined for the USA to insert correct transformer. I have heard condition of some sets are better than others so wise to check with your dealer before buying. Additionally there is a big ugly ‘USA’ electrical warning sticker on the cover of the box which is too bad. Box appears to be fragile and susceptible to shelf scuffing, I have placed mine in an archival plastic sleeve just to be safe! Lastly plastic lid covering train in styro-foam tray is rigid plastic (great protection), it has a slight warm color: not neutral.

Big anniversary with 2 great items of celebration, I highly recommend these sets.

Siding: MHI (Marklin Handler’s Initiative) Release for “50 Years of Marklin Mini-Club.”

Marklin’s 8800 Golden Lok from 1972

Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972) and Archistories ARC-104171 Transfer Table Shed

In two years Marklin “mini-club” will be 50 years old, and this loco too! The common theme of course is gold in celebration of this milestone. The 1972 Nuremberg Toy Show would introduce ‘Z’ as Marklin’s new model railroad gauge; they touted it as the smallest in the world, it would eventually be eclipsed by T gauge thus becoming the second smallest gauge today, but who cares at this point.

Marklin produced the gold 8800 locomotive on the occasion of the 1972 Nuremberg Toy Fair and announcement of their new ‘Z’ gauge model railroad. Presented in a special box the gold locomotive was given to Marklin’s business partners (some have suggested it was a gift for members of the press?) at the 1972 event. Edition size is unknown, but it is fair to say limited. Interest in the model has waned over the years after reaching auction prices of $2000 twenty years ago (based on other collectors’ information and not verified by this author), today examples sell for $150- $300 sometimes missing the original box.

Many details about this model have been gathered over time from numerous sources thus some inaccuracies maybe unavoidable, as new information comes forward I will seek to update this post.

Note: plating reveals texture in the casting similar to gold-leaf which is not seen in painted versions

Looking out for counterfeit versions: one dealer told me years ago following high auction prices that Chinese firms were making fakes. I haven’t seen any fake versions, but another dealer told me fake ones have 5 chrome gears whereas originals have 5 openings in the oil pan with 4 bronze gears and 1 chrome one. The locomotive also featured the original 3 pole motor which was used in mini-club locos until the introduction of the 5 pole motor in 1998. Original shells were gold plated metal casting thus no tarnishing will further distinguish it as authentic. An original box is another helpful article to find with this loco, it featured wood grain in its design as other mini-club locos, but also featured metallic sheen too. Note to collectors: original complete box is perhaps equal in value to the locomotive.

Original presentation box for Marklin 8800 special Golden Loco (1972)

“Goldene Lok (Golden Lok)” and “Goldiloks (Goldilocks)” are nicknames given by collectors for the locomotive, but Marklin may have originally named it “Goldene (Golden)”. Produced in gold perhaps distinguishing it as being made during the Olympic year of 1972?

First fold-out: “She is a delightful present for her (you?) and much more” -Google Translate

Box features multiple fold-outs and text: “it (locomotive) is the symbol of the <Golden> chance 72” thus marketing the new gauge as “the first world record of the olympic year.” Further describing the attributes of the new small gauge we have all come to know and appreciate.

Note: 50 years on and this little loco runs like a top due to the extremely good design and manufacturing at Marklin: here’s to fifty more!

Siding: rough performance and shaking with steam locomotives maybe due to bent side rods, if the side rods are bent inward they can impede smooth running, bending the side rods outward with great care should remedy it

Marklin Christmas 2019: 80629

Another Christmas has come and gone but with it we are left with a unique freight car celebrating Christmas with a snowman theme: Marklin’s 80629 for Z.

A couple of decades worth of Christmas releases each with their own design and acrylic ornament, but this year’s release featured a rather curious snowman theme with etched acrylic design standing upright inside the freight car.

The very striking design including two snowmen and presents is further brought to life with crystal clear etched and polished plexiglass. Acrylic ornament is two tone with colorless front and orange background shell riddled with glitter. The very pretty low side freight car is painted red with snowflake design.

This year’s release will catch a lot of twinkle lights under the tree, and it is still available.

NetRail type Fs-u gondola for SJ: FR new release.

Harald Thom-Freudenreich’s new release “lift and dump” car for NetRail is another production in FR’s already extensive line of Scandinavian rolling stock for SJ.

FR 46.330.01 type Fs-u + Z-Modellbau 3107 class Kof II

Paint scheme and lettering depicts NetRail’s lift and dump car used for transporting loads such as gravel, ballast or other loads unaffected by weather. The striking black paint scheme and red axle bearings are further combined with applied detail work found in other FR freight cars, this one being injection molded with applied metal add-on parts.

The class Fs-u lift and dump car can be found on other railroads including the SBB although the odd pairing with a Koff II painted and lettered for the private firm Vanoli (Switzerland) is an unlikely pairing: Z-Modellbau article #3107.

DB Tank Locomotive: Marklin 88955

Marklin 88955 class 74 Era III tank locomotive for German Federal Railroad (DB)

The class 74 tank locomotive painted and lettered for the German Federal Railroad is a recent release sort of (2017-2018), I got mine recently but it proved to be a rather difficult loco to get a hold of: I should have pre-ordered it! Other locos in this series with improved running gear based on the first generation 8895 (2000-2006) were much easier to find than this one. Perhaps some dealers have these in inventory, it is or should be a fairly popular loco lettered for the DB and based on Era III: a perfect loco for small railroads and regional passenger traffic.

Several subtle modifications exist within the evolution of this tank locomotive for Z including brass bell prominently installed behind stack on the 88955. Identifying tank locomotives is easy, it is hard to miss the water tanks installed on the sides of the locomotive and coal hopper behind cab. Plus “tender-less” operation. Motor in the model is mounted vertically with worm-gear facing down, motor is 5 pole type with long brushes (part #89871) extending from the armature alongside the chassis providing current to the circuit board and LED lights. LED lights in this locomotive are bright and trailing lights continue to be rendered with paint versus working. Also features plastic couplers at both ends for push/pull operation.

Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen”

Marklin 88955 + Marklin Special Imprint 98085: “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” . Plus Faller 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen.

The curious coach seen here with 88955 is the graffiti car issued by Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg) as one time release in 2008 (600 total): Marklin 98085 “Graffitiwagen-Knuffingen” and Miniatur Wunderland’s Car #10.

Faller’s continuing series of laser-cut building kits included this nice train station from a few years ago: 282704- Bahnhof Huinghausen (based on 1915 prototype).

Siding: here is a link to Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg: https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/

DRG Brewery Freight Sets: Marklin 82519 + 86615

Five hundred plus years since the German Beer Purity Law casting Germany as serious about beer as anyone can be. Beer advertising is a widely produced motif on Marklin freight cars in Z crossing numerous eras and freight car types. Two freight sets for DRG (Era II) include one time series sets from 2001 and 2003 for MHI Program.

The first set to consider for Era II modeling is set 86615 which includes road transport set for Ganter Brewery (Germany). Set includes refrigerator car painted and lettered for BRAUEREI GANTER, FREIBURG im BREISGAU plus Kaelble type 70 021 tractor and DRG Culemeyer design road roller. One Time Series 2001. Set features die-cast road roller and truck.

Another brewery themed freight car set is 82519 released in 2003 for the MHI program. The one time series Deutsche Reichsbahn-Geselischaft (DRG) bierwagen set is painted and lettered for Ledererbrau Nurnberg. Set includes refrigerator car with brakeman’s cab, low-side car with brakeman’s cab and die-cast delivery truck with 3 wood barrels. Packed in a custom tin box along with beer coasters lettered for LEDERER PREMIUM. Era II.

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