A new post for a older locomotive: “Marklin/Shimano” 8837 EuroSprinter, I have never seen this loco before. This one came up on Ebay coming to me with no information, but it was clearly based on Marklin’s EuroSprinter 8837 (1994-1998). Upon receiving the locomotive I inspected the shell, I determined the original shell was simply sprayed over with new paint and lettering: a professional job? yes. It turns out the original loco was recycled to make a new one as can be seen by ghosting of original graphics in the paint. Who made it is an open question, but it looks on par with Marklin production versus what is referred to as Industry print (third party without using Marklin’s design and production team) which tend to use thicker paint with less detail.
One other loco of this class was produced in a limited release: 88371- German Federal Railroad (DB) BR Eurosprinter electric locomotive. One Time Series 1998. Special imprint model with inscripton: “Help for MUKO Mukovizidose-Hilfe eV.” Limited edition of 200 worldwide. This locomotive does not have a ghost image of an original 8837 thus confirming this mystery: who produced the ‘Marklin/Shimano’ loco?
Further complicating matters the MUKO loco was assigned article number 88371 and presented in Marklin’s brown mini-club box of the day also imprinted with article number 88371. If you were to google 88371 you’ll end up with entirely different locomotive: class 285 diesel loco painted and lettered for the firm ‘ITL.’ If you have the 2015 complete regular production Marklin Z catalog this locomotive was assigned a unique article number 88371A03 thus correcting a numbering mistake 16 years before. The new number allowed Marklin to place the ‘ITL’ loco in succession to 88370 class 246 ‘Metronom.”
Marklin 88371A03 (2014)Marklin 88370 (2012-2014)
Incorporating both brands as advertising on sides of loco suggest a collaboration of sorts thus likely produced by Marklin further based on the high standard of production. It was likely produced around the end of production for 8837 in 1998 corresponding to MUKO’s release.
Siding: ‘SMI’ is an abbreviation for “Special Marklin Imprints.” Marklin has produced commissioned special imprint models (mostly rolling stock) since the late 1970’s. Most of these models are identified by a small ‘m’ printed on sides of box cars and other rolling stock. This identification has not been found on locos designated special imprints.
More than 8 years ago I shared a short post on the Railex Auto Transport Set for Lötschberg Tunnel. Today I revisit this set with an expanded post partly as tribute to 2 companies that cease to produce items for the Z Gauge Modeler: Railex and Z-Modellbau. Both companies expanded an idea: “What’s possible in Z?” Precision and execution of prototype accuracy has been the mission of both companies.
Z-Modellbau #3107 painted and lettered for the firm Vanoli is not associated in real life to the Lotschbereg Tunnel, but it is Swiss so therefore I use it for scale. The prototype locomotive for the tunnel is the BLS class Ae 4/4. Electric locomotives are used throughout Switzerland with countrywide limits on emissions: in Switzerland trucks are transported by rail.
Note: So far only Shapeways offers a Z Gauge class Ae 4/4 by Swiss Z Scale Models (Julian Ryf). Not to digress I will follow-up soon with a posting on my experience with printed Z models from the Shapeways platform.
There is little known about the company Railex except they were a German firm and one of the first to make precision Z scale locomotives and rolling stock, Railex was a company offering something else in Z. Marklin invented the scale and covered the gauge by offering electric, steam and diesel locomotives plus numerous accessories and well designed track sets which could be expanded, their unballasted track remains the benchmark for many modelers today. After more than 10 years, Marklin’s new gauge inspired a new company, Railex offered precision unpowered metal locomotives made of brass and nickel plated parts. And presumably a lot more expensive than Marklin. The unpowered locomotives could be powered by ‘ghost’ cars: motors hidden within box cars or coaches. I am not sure how successful ‘ghost’ cars were or if Railex manufactured them: were they after market retrofits? I don’t know the answer, examples I have seen over the years were non working and not identified. Today we know Railex by their products produced many years ago: their surviving legacy. And although most Railex locomotives and rolling are based on early German rail history today’s example is based on auto-transport cars used at the Lotschberg Tunnel in Switzerland. Along side my photos of the models please compare online photos of the trains operating today. Plus someone generously provided a movie.
Detail: 3 position coupler/draw-bar to allow wider gap between cars (Railex Autotransportzug (BLS) + Z-Modellbau Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin 8904 Autos)
Railex Autotransportzug is comprised of 5 cars: 2- open deck cars and 3- cars with roofs. Brass and stainless steel make-up the ingredients of these models, and the set utilizes a draw-bar coupling with 3 positions. The draw-bar is easier to use and operate than it appears, and the coupling is secure. Cars utilize a highly detailed filigree framework which demands delicate handling, but the parts are robust: not prone to bending unless roughly handled. And not for children!!! Signage is installed on the prototype at eye level and further up near framework for roofs, these signs are also installed on the Railex cars not that they can be easily seen which is interesting. Knowing all details are present on the Railex cars kind of completes the accurate portrayal of the prototype even if these details have to be sought out to see. I bought this set more than 20 years ago thus it was secondhand, it was delivered in a long black box with Railex sticker, set did not include cars. I used Marklin 8904 autos for the photos which is a great collection of 12 cars to assemble and glue. As a freight car set this is one of my favorites and one to look out for.
Railex Autotransportzug (BLS) + Z-Modellbau Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin 8904 AutosRailex Autotransportzug car detail: extensive prototypical signageRailex Autotransportzug car detail: extensive prototypical signageRailex Autotransportzug car detail: classic Railex logoRailex Autotransportzug car with open deck for autos or high roof vehiclesRailex Autotransportzug car detail: stainless steel road bed with simulated timber car deck
Stainless steel roadbed sits atop suggested timber car floor. Note: stainless steel roadway was originally attached with double-stick tape, more than likely one or more will be pulling up from car body, my best suggestion is removing the entire loose section and scrapping off residue glue which will make part go flat instead of curling plus it will form a more permanent bond.
Z-Modellbau and its owner Dr. Andreas Scheibe produced the finest small locomotives for Z, he was unsurpassed by any manufacturer for the gauge. Dr. Scheibe has retired and his catalog of 45 distinct locomotives will be marveled at for many years to come. Z-Modellbau locomotives are powered by a maintenance free motors, they are highly detailed cast metal with very fine paintwork and lettering. Most of the locomotives are based on German prototypes, but other railroads are represented in his electric and shunting locomotive range including OBB, SBB, CFL, NS, NSB, and Banverket. Lacking electric lights, headlamps are suggested only but hardly noticeable. All of my Z-Modellbau’s were purchased from Quality Toy Trains in Napa, CA, but they could be purchased directly: made on demand with months to wait for delivery. No limitation was applied to production, but models are likely very small in number. Since operations ceased a used model sold for 3 times its original purchase price, but I won’t list values and prices since that is not the aim of my blog. I can’t think of a more valued company to the hobby of Z railroading than Z-Modellbau.
Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107)Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107)Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107)Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107)Z-Modellbau (Dr. Andreas Scheibe) Vanoli-Kof Schweiz (3107) + Marklin “Administration Building from Set 89982 + Marklin “weathered funnel flow car: wascosca” (82482)
Bringing examples together from 2 of the great manufacturers of Z is due no only to my passion for these articles, but Railex and Z-Modellbau’s key participation in the history of Z scale railroading.
Marklin released 88633 more than 10 years ago, it was their 4th NOHAB Diesel Locomotive. There have been another four released to date with little to no difference in appearance with paint and lettering for various railroads as the exception. This is a favorite locomotive type for me, I have all versions released by Marklin thus far. And one by FR which I would like to explore by way of contrasting the 2 companies interpretation of this locomotive. I chose DSB Class MY models with varying paint schemes to be close enough for this posting. Both companies are known for historical research based tooling and paint schemes, but when FR released their loco they claimed a higher level of accuracy concerning the NOHAB: time to consider the claim.
I will break down the post into the following categories: dimensions, weight, color, shell details, coupler system, wheel arrangement and mechanics.
Top: FR 45.126.01 Bottom: Marklin 88633
Dimensions: buffer to buffer (FR 87mm / Marklin 86mm), body shell end to end (FR 81mm / Marklin 84mm), height from wheel flange (FR 19mm / Marklin 19mm) and width of body (FR 14mm / Marklin 15mm). Note: Marklin’s locomotive features buffers that are tiny and do not reflect what can be seen on prototypical locomotives (simple Google search will verify this conclusion). Further, Marklin’s DSB MY locomotive buffers appear to be comparable in size to the headlights. FR has modeled their buffers and body mounts more accurately to the prototype.
Top: FR 45.126.01 Bottom: Marklin 88633
Weight: using a postal scale the FR weighs 1 1/2 ounces and the Marklin weighs 1 ounce. The weight difference is obvious in hand thus the FR model should be able to outperform the pulling capacity of the Marklin loco. Note: current Marklin Z NOHAB locomotive shells are cast with metal impregnated plastic which makes recent NOHAB’s a little heavier. Stayed tuned for a future post on this topic.
Top: FR 45.126.01 Bottom: Marklin 88633
Color: as can be seen in the photos each locomotive exhibits different paint schemes which could be explained by the research each company performed. FR states the paint scheme they used is referred to as ‘economy without white striping.’ Examples can be found online with similar paint scheme as that used by Marklin.
Top: FR 45.126.01 Bottom: Marklin 88633
Shell Details: this category maybe of particular interest to some collectors due to the number of differences. Marklin’s loco is clearly longer than FR, and Marklin 88633 is clearly wider. Roof is more rounded on the FR model. Roof equipment is slightly different on both models, but both appear accurate to their respective prototypes. Two styles of vents are used by each company, both are correct as can be seen from online photos of the prototypes. FR’s venting is very detailed almost 3 dimensional. One of the more consequential differences between the 2 models is body shape with the FR’s front and rear nose sloping at a dramatic angle versus the more squared off appearance on the Marklin, FR is closer in appearance to DSB ‘MY’ prototypes depicted in online photos, but the appearance of Marklin’s 88633 is very similar to other versions of the NOHAB painted and lettered for other railroads depicted in photos found online. Doors on the FR’s front and rear nose are cast versus suggested thru imprinting as on Marklin 88633 thus giving the Marklin a smoother finish. Add-ons for Marklin include lower step for cab access, on FR they include cab steps and railings. Marklin’s wider body shell gives its locomotive a boxier appearance, and its windows are small compared with the FR model. On the flipside, FR’s body shape is dramatic with narrower body and angled nose pitch plus those large windows.
Coupler System: connecting rolling stock to these locos could not be more different. Marklin uses their tried and true system which allows easy coupling and uncoupling with track #8587 whereas FR uses a simple wire which works well with the Marklin mini-club couplers, but it does not allow automatic uncoupling with Marklin uncoupling track section. If you display your locos the FR wire coupler virtually disappears.
Top: FR 45.126.01 Bottom: Marklin 88633
Wheel Arrangement and Mechanics: one curious feature of the FR model is of course the snowplows which are standard equipment on Scandinavian trains, but missing on Marklin 88633. Marklin is missing the large pair of diesel tanks installed on the FR model’s chassis: not sure what is depicted between the Marklin’s wheel sets. The engineering and design of FR’s trucks conceal the wheels unlike Marklin’s design, I would further comment FR’s truck design is true to prototype, Marklin appears to be using a standard design they have used before which leaves top part 1st and 3rd pair of wheels exposed. Marklin wheel sets include metal gearing, FR fully nylon. Motive power on the Marklin 88633 is the very reliable 5 pole motor which was replaced in later models with motor featuring bell-shaped armature. FR has been using a similar motor for many years. And FR has been providing a choice: DC or DCC. FR’s digital (DCC) option includes extensive sound functions.
FR 45.126.01Marklin 88633
Conclusion: overall I would rate both locomotives as very good with the FR representing the prototype of a DSB MY locomotive more accurately plus FR offers a digital option. Marklin adopted a very interesting new casting feature: metal impregnated plastic thus current and future models have gained some weight which I will follow up on in a future post. Plus is there a difference between early versions of Marklin’s NOHAB locomotives and recent releases? I will follow up with a look at all released NOHAB’s to date.
Siding: FR Freudenreich has rebranded, the new company is named AB-Atelier Barkvieren. Packaging for the new company features red logo versus FR’s blue logo otherwise packaging is identical: clear acrylic boxes lined with dense white foam.
Marklin’s new addition to their starters sets was introduced in 2023, it is still in production and widely available. The box consists of two-parts: cardboard top with molded styro-foam. Less clear in the photos are 2 tape seals: after the sets are made and packaged in Hungary each one destined for the USA is opened (tape seal cut), original transformer is exchanged for USA suitable transformer then re-taped and shipped to America. The big ugly warning sticker (this time!!!) was placed on the styro-foam bottom. As some may remember my post for the anniversary starter set, big ugly sticker was placed smack dab on the the front of the beautifully designed box top.
Heading the train set is a class 285 diesel locomotive mated with 3 freight cars lettered for VTG: 1- Eaos gondola, 1- Falns dump car, and 1- Shimmns sliding dump car. No one would say the freight cars are rarely seen as they have been in the Marklin mini-club line-up variously over the years, but this is the first representation of the Class 285 painted and lettered for RheinCargo (Neuss, Germany).
A port and rail freight service company RheinCargo’s logo sports two arrows of corresponding red and blue suggesting the dual enterprise of rail and port freight service. The company is of course large with their primary origination ports in Dusseldorf and Neuss, Germany also their headquarters and registered city.
Finding photos of the prototype Class 285 diesel is a bit limited, but it appears simply with logo against silver body with little imprinting otherwise. Smooth body locos are perfect for advertising thus it is kind of refreshing to see the loco simply presented without other graphics.
Marklin 81875 starter set includes all that’s needed to start in ‘Z’ including transformer and track. And of course the set’s basic oval of track can be expanded with track sets which are a good deal and cost less than ala carte track buys.
The handsome silver Class 285 locomotive is of course built with the new generation motor both silent and smooth. Does anyone miss the hum of the old 3 and 5 pole motors? Maybe performance wins out in the day, but I like the new and old technology equally.
Is this set something to add to a collection that is already underway? Perhaps not if budget is a concern, but seasoned collectors whom I have known over the years pick-up every starter set because each is unique and complete: everything you need in the box. For me the decision to put this in my collection was easy: beautiful locomotive!
Good luck railroading and be well!
Siding: Faller laser-cut cardboard building “Old Spinning Mill” is featured in this post, it is available under article #282742. Note: still available ask your retailer!
Released to USA Dealers at the tail end of 2023 is the train set 81372: depicting a modern Era VI freight train painted and lettered for the firm EfW. Heading the train is the recognizable Class 212 known to mini-club collectors due to numerous versions released over the years. There have been fewer examples modeled after private firms, this one for the traction construction company operating out of Frechen, Germany.
Marklin describes the set as EfW (Westerwald Railroad Enthusiasts Transportation Company). I haven’t found information on the Westerwald Railroad Enthusiasts Transportation Company.
The train set includes a class 212 diesel locomotive and 4 DB AG type Fas 126 dump cars. Hydraulic dump cars include loads of gravel.
The locomotive on close examination reveals the logo for ‘EfW’. Crimson paint scheme is similar to that used by ‘DB’.
The set maybe based on the prototype used in Westerwald, Germany (concerning Marklin’s description). A Google search for Westerwald translates to “Western forest.” Westerwald comprises a mountain range and various mining activities: slate, iron ore, basalt, and clay.
Siding: cooling towers depicted in photos are laser-cut build kits by Archistories. And available from ZScaleHobo.com and ZMonster.com.
The motive power of this train set has origins to World War II. Designed to be less visible to Allied bombing than steam locomotives the Class V36 diesel locomotive was produced in small numbers with just over 250. Many V36’s survived well beyond the 2nd World War due to its reliability and easy maintenance, its removable side panels allowed easy access to the engine. Not sure how many perished before War’s end or their numbers Post War, but those that did survive seem to have served branch-line railroads for both passenger and freight plus shunting operations.
Marklin has thus far released V36’s alone and in train sets for various eras, this train set based on the 1960’s prototype for the German Federal Postal Service (Era III).
A couple of box cars along with one stake car are included in the set. Plus a Tempo 3- wheeler delivery vehicle painted yellow and lettered for the German Federal Postal Service.
The locomotive is small but fully capable of hauling the 3 freight cars in the set. Marklin describes locomotive’s construction mostly of metal. It might stall out in a turnout at slow speeds due to its short length, otherwise a good reliable locomotive in ‘Z’.
Z-Modellbau.de was the first to produce powered ‘Z’ gauge locomotives of this scale, but Marklin has caught up with their V36 models. Marklin has further surpassed what was possible in ‘Z’ with the release of Volkswagen Klv 20’s: 88025 + 88026. Of course all these developments are only possible due to the new generation motor Marklin is now using.
Set is delivered in Marklin’s current white box and includes: 1- Class V 36 Diesel Locomotive, 2- type Gmhs 53 boxcars, 1- type Rmms 33 stake car with a brakeman’s platform, and 1 Tempo 3-wheel delivery vehicle with movable rubber tires.
This is an MHI Release thus it is only available through MHI Dealers.
Siding: buildings featured in this post are Faller laser-cut kits recently released.
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.”
Based on the DB class Klv 20 maintenance-of-way vehicle Marklin’s 88025 is surely the smallest powered vehicle in ‘Z’ gauge history. Railex was probably the first to offer small locomotives for Z with their line of Kof shunting locos, but each was mechanical or non-motorized. Z-Modellbau is another evolution in small locos featuring various small locomotives including railcars and Kof’s. And they feature very good powered designs with brushless motors. But this new Marklin offering goes further, it is the smallest powered vehicle thus far for Z gauge railroading based on a modified VW bus used for MOW service.
Many photos of this vehicle exist with a simple google search, but I haven’t seen one featuring what appears to be a rack with bins on the roof, I am assuming it is a storage feature for tools, but I cannot verify this even after much research. Photos of the prototypes show headlamps covered over and non-functioning, instead they featured a pair of lamps installed either side of windshield, perhaps the prototype could not be modified for rail use while keeping the stock VW headlamps? Marklin’s model depicts headlamp area covered or as part of the body contour thus no functioning headlamps.
One of the recent examples of Marklin’s new technologies for Z is metal incorporated in the casting plastic for electric and diesel locos, adding a little weight in the shell is a genius move and adds to the overall better running of these locos, I tested this tiny crew bus through a turn-out without any skipping or hesitation: exceptional runner!
The impressive comparative size of the 88025 alongside the recent release 88484 (SJ RE 14).
One of the smallest locomotive types offered by Z-Modellbau is the Kof diesel who’s line-up includes this Swiss one plus German, Austrian and Norwegian variants. Painted and lettered for the private firm “Vanoli” this class Kof II features dark gray and yellow paint scheme.
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
Locomotive features full metal construction and brush-less motor making this one of the smallest locomotives in Z with its own motive power. Unique coupler design interfaces with Marklin, it is otherwise unobtrusive. Non functioning headlamps are very precisely painted in. Fully glazed operator’s cabin plus separately applied parts include coupling hoses.
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
Because of its short length the locomotive can potentially have difficulty thru turnouts otherwise the operation is smooth with very sensitive braking characteristics.
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
Paired with a funnel flow car the scale of this locomotive is truly impression considering it too can easily pull a line of freight cars through a yard. Unique in recent offerings by Marklin are second release freight cars which feature authentic ‘weathering’. The Swiss firm Wascosa has been featured numerous times in the Marklin mini-club line-up, but for the first time Wascosa’s paint and lettering scheme was applied to the newly produced funnel flow car type in set 82530 (2013) which included 4 blue Wascosa cars as part of the 20 car set, it was later released in ‘weathered’ variants (item #82482- 82485).
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
Administration building for the DB can be seen along the tracks, this laser cut building was included with Marklin turntable 89982.
Z-Modellbau Kof II “Vanoli (#3107) + Marklin 82484 + Administration Building from Marklin set 89982
Just now arriving at dealers in very limited quantities is the Marklin train set 81772 for the MHI Program, it is another version of the V36 diesel locomotive in Z. Each release thus far has included modifications to the original prototype built as a solution for moving goods with less detection than steam trains during the war years.
Based on the Era IV V236 prototype of the German Federal Railroad (DB) featuring a roof cupola this train set includes interesting farm themed loads: hay bales, tractor and trailer.
Referred to as a “Nurnberg” roof cupola this modification relocates the operators’ controls and seat to the top of the cab thus allowing full 360 degree views.
Marklin 81772 + MBZ R16066 (Field Barn)
Type low side Klm 441 cars make up the train set and include tall stakes that can be installed. The interesting car type with metal sides and no hand brakes was released a year ago with and without hay bale loads. Hay bale load is molded composition and painted to reflect the color of natural hay. Tractor and trailer are wonderfully detailed including painted grill on tractor and rolling rubber tires. This set includes the very best tractor ever released for Z gauge.
New generation motor powers the loco which features leading and trailing LED’s. Locomotive runs smooth due to excellent weight and motive power.
Marklin 81772 + MBZ R16066 + MBZ R16069
A great collection of rural farmsteads are available in laser-cut kits by Marklin, Archistories, MBZ and Faller. MBZ’s “Granary” is one such rural building associated with grain and feed storage with very striking design.
