Category Archives: German Federal Railroad (DB)

Marklin Laser-cut Signal Bridge: 89601

Marklin laser-cut building 89601 + Marklin 88031

The recent release Marklin 89601 Signal Bridge is an inexpensive but extremely impressive building for Z modelers. One of the more important buildings to include in a layout is a relatively modern signal bridge thereby incorporating multiple possible era’s within a German model railroad. Marklin’s new release class 24 steam locomotive 88031 provides interesting scale to the new building, it represents an extensive redesign of the ’24’ with new coupled tender and improved running gear: side rod action on this locomotive is lively and expressive in a way early versions are not.

A very interesting small build kit with a very reasonable price based on a preserved prototype in Germany, 89601 is not an easy kit to build, it has it’s challenges, but it is none the less a good and recommended kit to try.

For one the building exhibits excellent scale in one particular way: trains running along side her are magnificently modest as they travel along under her wing. The scope of the building includes an attached shed and transecting observation and control room with controls depicted in cut-out illustration.

Such structures are common enough that their omission on a model layout should be reconsidered.

Build Notes: consider attaching all small parts after building the structure, these parts include small window sills and architectural decorative moldings as these may be exposed to excessive handling during completion of the building. Further veering away from printed instructions consider adding steel roll-down sheeting on two windows with attached parts otherwise omit in accord with personal preferences. Presumably the sheeting is covering adjacent windows rapping a corner to allow more wall small within the structure (?).

Another build note: extension over tracks is supported by a modeled steel framework which is a delicate part and inserted into a cardboard base, photos for this post do not show the main structure and supporting structure comprising base for track-over extension cemented to a base therefore they appear crooked or “out-of-sync” with each other, please disregard building will be perfectly lined up after permanent cementing.

Another build note: consider filling gaps between parts with wood glue followed with painting part ends/seams to create a seamless edge-to-edge appearance. *building depicted in this post document the building without any finishing touches.

Marklin Rheingold Passenger Set 87269: MHI Release

Marklin’s passenger set 87269 is a One Time Series available only through the Marklin Dealer Initiative Program (MHI). This is not the first version of Rheingold coaches in burgundy and ivory paint scheme, they have been available as single cars since 1975, but this set includes the very interesting “hump-back” dining coach which was newly tooled for the 2004 “Rheingold Car Set (1)”: 87265.

Marklin 87269 Avumz 111 compartment car, 1st class

Marklin 87269 Apumz 121 open seating coach, 1st class

Marklin 87269 WRumh 131 “hump-back” dining car

This is first time interior details have been modeled on Rheingold coaches which also includes the omission of “RHEINGOLD” lettering on the vistadome based on the prototype from 1973-1974. Accordingly the vista dome car was used on the Rhine until 1975 according to Marklin literature.

It is notable to discuss Marklin’s Era III and Era IV Rheingold sets in side by side comparisons. Note: nickel window trims are fashioned on Era III coaches which has been replaced with brass trims on Era IV set 87269.

For this blog post the Rheingold sets with burgundy and ivory paint schemes will be discussed including: 87265 – Rheingold Set 1 (MHI-2004), 87285 – Rheingold Set 2 (MHI-2004) and 87269 – Rheingold set (MHI-2018).

87265 (3 car set): 1- type Avumz 111 compartment car, 1st class, 1- type WRumh 131 dining car, and 1- type Apumz 121 open seating coach, 1st class

87285 (3 car set): 1- type Avumz 111 compartment car, 1st class, 1- type Adumh 101 vista dome, 1st class and 1- type ARDumh 105 bar car, 1st class

87269 (5 car set): 2- type Avumz 111 compartment cars, 1st class, 1- type ADumh 101 vista dome, 1st class, 1- type WRumh 131 “hump-back” dining car, and 1- type APumh 121 open seating coach

Marklin 87265 WRumh 131 “hump-back” dining car

Marklin 87265 Avumz 111 compartment car, 1st class

Marklin 87265 Apumz 121 open seating coach, 1st class

Marklin 87285 Adumh 101 vista dome (“RHEINGOLD” lettering in silver below observation window)

Marklin 87285 Avumz 111 compartment car, 1st class

Marklin 87285 ARDumh 105 bar car, 1st class

Note: set 87269 does not include the ARDumh bar car

Marklin 81772: DB “Light Freight Train”

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.

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.

Marklin 81772 + Archistories 111181 (Makeshift Tower) + MBZ R16066 (Field Barn)

New generation motor powers the loco which features leading and trailing LED’s. Locomotive runs smooth due to excellent weight and motive power.

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.

Marklin 88040 + 88041: class 42.09 Franco Crosti locomotives

The German class 42.09 steam locomotive from era III was realized in 2005 as another interesting Marklin Z featuring the Franco-Crosti modification of a class 52 locomotive, a collaboration between two Italians included a system modification which made use of exhaust steam as well as exhaust gases incorporating a main boiler and secondary boiler to effectively utilize more of the energy produced by the BR 52. A second boiler/smoke gas pre-heater below the firebox was thus coupled with a chimneys attached to each side of the boiler, this system modification would be identified as Franco-Crosti boiler.

Attilio Franco and Dr. Piero Crosti designed the first such boiler nearly 20 years before class 42.09 was built . Modification to the wartime class 52 locomotive by Henschel in 1952 resulted in reclassification due to increased axle-weight resulting from the added 2 ton weight of modification.

Referred to as economisers (Abgasvorwarmer) the Franco-Crosti modification of 2 class 52 locos had a relatively brief service life of less than 10 years, but another 31 class 50’s were rebuilt by Henschel with Franco-Crosti boilers by the end of the 50’s.

Marklin’s release in 2005 of the 88041 was preceded by another Franco-Crosti locomotive (88040) for Insider Members in 2003. Painted in photo-grey for Henschel’s builder photographs 88040 with operating number 42 9000 is based on prototype retired in 1959 (Bingerbruck, Germany).

Painted and lettered for German Federal Railroad (DB) Marklin’s 88041 includes Wagner smoke deflectors and tub-style tender with operating number 42 9001 thus based on prototype built in 1952 and retired in 1960 (Oberlahnstein).

Siding: more than 7000 class 52 locomotives were built during World War II by 13 manufacturers throughout Europe

Marklin 81191: Commuter Service Train Set

The German commuter train set modeled in Z is based on an Era III prototype with class 78 steam locomotive for the German Federal Railroad (DB).

Marklin train set 81191 includes 4 coaches and a tank locomotive. Released in 2011 the set was in the regular production until 2013 thus rare but not as rare as limited releases.

The 4-6-4 tank locomotive class 78 included with this set includes the fine running 5 pole motor and predates improvements to current highly detailed running gears incorporated into steam locomotives of current generation Marklin Z’s, but this locomotive is handsome nonetheless and features finely detailed metal casting and nickel add-on parts including whistle and bell.

Included in the set are 3 coaches and baggage car: 1- type PW3PR 3-axle baggage coach, 1- type C3PR04 3-axle compartment coach without brakeman’s cab, 3rd class, 1- type BC3PR03 3- axle compartment coach without brakeman’s cab, 2nd/3rd class, and 1- type C3PR04 3- axle compartment coach with brakeman’s cab, 3rd class.

On the heels of this post is the recent release 87040, it varies with cars of set 81191 featuring similar baggage car and 1 three-axle coach, and it includes 2 two-axle coaches. Paint scheme and era are the same and a loco to go with this set is the upcoming release 88031: class 24 with tender.

The added bonus of interior details of the new coach set 87040 bring to life more realism with Era III railroading.

Compartment coaches of this type were repainted and lettered from earlier era, they featured compartments accessed from exterior doors. Relatively short in length these coaches were designed to be boarded quickly and featured running boards full length of car.

Siding: German steam locomotives with painted red frames are a distinctive feature, but the purpose of red paint was to better detect stress fractures during routine inspections.

Marklin Insider Model 2018: BR 01 (88012) Locomotive

Marklin’s Insider Model for 2018 is based on the 1957 BR 01 express locomotive of the German Federal Railroad (DB). The particularly attractive locomotive featuring steel blue paint scheme is released as an important anniversary model celebrating 25 Years of the Insider Club.

Locomotive features the new generation motor thus a maintenance free brush-less type still requiring infrequent light oiling of moving parts only.

Warning stripes are realized on locomotive’s pair of buffers. Tender too!

Locomotive can be seen passing Marklin’s new station 89703.

Hand-painted boiler bands in silver.

A specially designed wood presentation box is included with the locomotive featuring its design on the lid.

Siding: some dealers have suggested having extra 88012’s available this year for non members of the Insider Club, but joining the Club is easy and comes with numerous perks including yearly catalog, Insider News Magazine, Marklin Magazin, “A Year in Marklin” (DVD), invitation to order Insider Models, and the free Insider Club car in choice of gauge.

Pairing 2 New Releases by Archistories and Marklin

The year is 1957 as the DB BR 01 crosses Altenbeken Viaduct pulling “Lorelei” train set.

Recent Releases: Marklin 88012 Insider Model 2018 and Altenbeken Viaduct by Archistories (item #128171). Trailing the BR 01 loco is the “Lorelei” train set by Marklin released in 2003 – 2006 as an MHI Exclusive release.

Coming soon: posts covering each including cross reference guide to Marklin’s passenger sets and individual coaches thereby facilitating easy determination of era’s and railways.

Plus next time the viaduct is seen it will be authentically weathered after filling gaps in the cardstock and retouching.

For now:

Marklin: 88135 newest ‘Ludmilla’ diesel

After reunification in Germany the class of diesel locomotives nicknamed ‘Ludmilla’ were reclassified BR 232 by Deautsche Bahn (DB AG) with their former life as BR 132’s of the East German railway system (DR- Deutsche Reichsbahn: 1949-1993) built starting in 1968 by the firm Voroshilovgrad (Russia).

This heavy weight freight locomotive is still in widespread use within Germany and Poland with 400 operating units. It is a beautiful and particularly impressive locomotive with two cabs and a length of 68′ 3 3/4″. More than 700 locomotives were built between 1973-1982 with 3000 hp motors and operating speed 75 mph. Other class ‘Ludmillas’ were soon retired after German reunification, but the class 232’s are still in use today nearing 50 year service record.

Marklin’s recent 2018 release of 88135 is painted and lettered for DB/Railion (Era V), it is now designated as ‘sold out’ at the factory. 88135 is the latest release in the series which includes: 88131 (2009), 88132 (2014), 88133 (2013), 88134 (2016), and 88135 (2018). Plus sets: 81450 and 81451.

Note: Marklin 88131 is based on the BR 234: rebuilt 232 with bogies allowing an increase in the operating speed (87 mph)

Note: Marklin 88134 is based on the East German DR’s BR 132 with representative paint scheme from 1982

Note: Marklin set 81451 features the class 233 ‘Tiger’ (Ludmilla), this trainset is still available. A very nice and interesting H0 scale version of the Tiger (Ludmilla) includes the very latest cold steam technology and in digital operation can be controlled to simulate engine start-up idling (minimum exhaust), running operation (medium exhaust), and maximum exhaust, it is found under item #36431

81450 (2009/2010)

81451 (2017/2018)

88131 (2009) MHI Release

88132 (2014)

88133 (2013)

88134 (2016)

88135 (2018)

A common feature shared among all models in this class are LED headlamps and trailing lights, cab interiors suggested in white relief, superb running performance even at low speeds, excellent pulling power and varying roof equipment details specific to the prototype. A truly outstanding series of Marklin Z locomotives.

Siding: ‘BR’ designation preceding locomotive classification number is an abbreviation for the German word Baureihe which means class thus BR or class refers to locomotive classification

Siding: Archistories building kit ARC-114111 “Gantry Crane” is seen depicted in the background with Marklin 88135, it is a fine detailed kit with swiveling platform. It is available from zScalemonster.com and zScalehobo.com.

Notes from a Marklin Insider: Precision and Z Scale

photo: Marklin 88091 KPEV BR P10 (Insider Release – 2003)

I received Marklin Insider Club News in yesterday’s mail, it features a two page 25th Anniversary chronology of the Insider Club in Z. The article highlights the collector Rolf-Dieter Woerz who is a long time Marklin collector and enthusiast, he was at the very beginning of mini-club in 1972! And he was a first year subscriber to the Marklin Insider Club!

photo: Marklin 81436 DRG BR 61 (loco from Henschel-Wegmann set – Insider Release 2005)

Mr. Woerz comments on the precision required in Z: “If you build in Z, you can’t cut corners.” How how true!

photo: Marklin 88010 DB BR 01 express locomotive and tender (Insider Release – 2012)

Whether gluing a shutter on a laser cut building or weathering rolling stock precision is demanded every step of the way. The right tools and techniques are part of this so called precision, but patience and confidence mirror the same. Research , time and experimentation help build the foundation for precision work while personal charm and expertise form the working methods that can be used for success in Z.

photo: Marklin 88053 DRG BR 53 loco and condensation tender (Insider Release – 2007)

In celebrating post 301, I hope to continue to share my insights in Z scale. And I hope to help others avoid mistakes that I have made along the way.

photo: Marklin 88183 DRG BR 18.1 express locomotive lettered for 1936 Olympics (Insider Release – 1996)

Siding: Marklin Insider Club membership in the United States is just $99/year and includes the magazines: Insider Club News, Marklin Magazine, and catalogs. It also includes an invitation to purchase Insider locos plus each member gets a free car in their selected gauge. As Florian Sieber states: “The Club is not there to make a profit, but to be a platform to promote communication.”

photo: Marklin 88294 DB BR 96 heavy freight locomotive (Insider Release – 2013)

Marklin Insider 81352: “DB Freight Train for Coal Transport”

“Remarkable things come in small packages!” An often used expression with new and veteran Marklin Z enthusiasts, but never as true as with model 81352. Here is a class 80 tank locomotive one of the smallest German steam locomotives used for shunting and general regional freight traffic exquisitely realized as a smooth running Marklin Z gauge locomotive heading 5 cars loaded with coal.

Note: photos only show 4 of the 5 coal cars!

What can be said of this locomotive referred to as “Little Bull” in the Marklin literature is all positive, it features glazed window openings, very detailed running gear with side rods of great complexity, superb weathering, LED headlamps, and brushless motor. And it looks great! Cars too!

Type 0 10 and 0 11 wagons loaded with removable coal inserts complete the Era III set.

Much care and attention to detail went into the production of this latest Insider release that will add a high level of realism to a prototypical mid century layout. Weathering was presumably applied with airbrush, but the level of quality maybe difficult to match even for the more experienced modeler.

*MBZ cardstock building #16058 (weathered) available exclusively in the United States from Reynaulds

As a bonus the train set included an unfinished brass casting of the locomotive shell, it is remarkable to see the unpainted and unfinished casting next to the finished loco which suggests the massive amount of handwork that takes place before these sets reach the collector.

A real stunner of a train set!

Siding: tucked nicely inside the small cockpit of this loco is a new brushless motor described as maintenance free, but other aspects of the loco require the usual maintenance including periodic oiling of wheels (as little as necessary which is not much) and wheel cleaning.

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