Category Archives: Laser Cut Buildings in Z

Once Upon a Time: Building Kits in Z Gauge

GC Laser #59025 Lindsay Bros. Entry Backdrop + Marklin 88625 (class E8A)

I am starting a new series of posts examining older (some very old) building kits for Z gauge partly inspired by a gift of a friend: great variety of Z gauge building kits from the 80’s and 90’s. Already this part of the Z gauge history is now 25-35 years ago which astounds me, where has the time gone; my old vintage Marklin Z locos and rolling stock are now like old friends. Scenery went through an evolution in this timeframe just as trains did.

C Laser #59025 Lindsay Bros. Entry Backdrop

American manufacturers of building kits were small and larger but still small compared to German makers. A great variety of kits included paper, wood and plastic: cast, laser and photo etched.

In the mix is this first kit by GC Laser a known manufacturer for Z gauge buildings: #59025 Lindsay Bros. Entry Backdrop. This is a space saving backdrop building featuring a beautifully detailed facade. Constructed of laser cut cardboard and wood, kit features parts that are glued to both sides of a 3/16″ piece of wood. Very quick and easy to assemble with blackout paper attached as the final step. No need to paint this building due to very realistic color and detail.

Footprint: 3 3/8 ” (length) x 3 1/16″ (height) x 5/8″ (depth including sidewalk). Signage is very attractive, but does not appear to refer to an actual business based on Google search for this post.

I will be posting other early kits in the next few weeks as I build them to show and review. Thanks for looking and Happy Railroading.

V 100.57 Diesel Locomotive for Salzburg Transport Logistics, Inc.: Marklin 88212

Marklin 88212 class V 100.57 SETG + Atchistories ARC-102121 Two-Bay Locomotive Shed

Featuring distinctive yellow green/light gray basic paint scheme SETG (Salzburg Transport Logistics, Inc.) rolling stock specializes in freight transport. Headquartered in Austria, SETG (based on google search) runs a regular route between Koper (Slovenia) and terminals in Enns/Salzburg (Austria), its freight includes timber, steel, agriculture, chemicals, vehicles and other freight.

Color of the delivered model is more attractive than Marklin’s advertising photos suggest: green is less bright and less ‘electric’. Light gray referred to in description is closer to grayed white so to speak. The appearance Marklin 88212 is striking: much better in person. Highly recommended loco featuring highly detailed lettering, metal construction and fine LED headlights and trailing lights. Of course this is another in the long evolution of this locomotive class represented in Z gauge, first one released in 2001 as item #88690 (turquoise) BR 212 for German Federal Railway (DB), it featured the last generation motor (5 pole): 25 years and going strong!

Pictured with Marklin 88212 is Archistories Two-Bay Locomotive Shed (ARC-102121) building kit featuring precision laser cut card-stock parts, it features glued windows and hinged doors, its design inspired by Prussian Railway Architecture.

Archistories kits represent a modern approach to significantly improve architectural examples for model railroad layouts in Z. This topic is currently being explored on this site in coming weeks: Z gauge building examples from the past 35 years (stayed tuned!).

Archistories dealers in the United States include Zscalehobo.com and Zscalemonster.com.

Siding: weathering an Archistories building is another topic for another time: perhaps this week!

Siding: Archistories (ARC-102121 Two-Bay Locomotive Shed) made its debut on ZTrainsWeekly.com October 2015, 10 years later I continue to highly recommend this kit for ease in construction, durable build materials and historical appearance. And with all Archistories kits, builders will receive very high value for their purchase.

Sugar Beet Train Set: Marklin 81773 + 82396 + 82540

Marklin 81773 train set (announced 2025)

It has arrived: Marklin train set 81773 and freight set 82396. Identified as sugar beet freight train of the firm Grafschaft Hoya (VGH) both offerings include type Eo 17 gondolas with sugar beet loads. A build kit for loading equipment is also included with the train set.

The important arrival (this author’s opinion) of 81773 marks another release of the German V36 diesel-hydraulic locomotive in the mini-club line-up.

261 WR 360 C14 locomotives were built in Germany during wartime as a less conspicuous alternative to steam locomotives in shunting operations. After the war surviving WR 360 C14 locomotives were designated V36, and their future operations included Branchline passenger and freight as well as shunting, their useful life extending to early 80’s.

Marklin 82396 (2 car freight set to supplement 81773 train set)

More than 10 years later Marklin has released locomotives and train sets (8) with variations of the V36: 88770 Double Diesel class BR236 German Federal Railroad (Insider 2015), 88771 East German Railroad (DR) class BR 103 (former V 36) announced 2018, 88772 class V36 DB Museum Nurnberg locomotive (limited 499) announced 2021, 81341 German Federal Postal System train set: class V 36 locomotive, 3 freight cars and Tempo vehicle (MHI Release) announced 2022, 81770 German Federal Railroad commuter train set: class V 36.2 locomotive and 3 type “Thunderbox” coaches announced 2016, 81771 Railbouw Leerdam (Netherlands) maintenance of way train set: class V 36 locomotive and 3 type side dump cars announced 2023, 81772 German Federal Railroad (DB) freight train set: class 236 locomotive, 3 low side freight cars (as new tooling, 1 with hay load), and tractor + trailer (MHI Release) announced 2018, 81773 Grafschaft Hoya (VGH) beet transport train set: class V 36 005 (former DB 236 237-4), 3 type Eo 17 gondolas with beet loads, and build kit for beet loading machine announced 2025.

As Marklin charts new territory with technology and design mini-club’s future is bright with possibilities. And as a collector I never imagined the trains we are offered today back in the late 80’s. This new set is an example of what Marklin has made possible which was not possible in the 90’s: reliable motive power in small locos. And with working headlights and trailing lights.

Sugar beet transport does not subsume conversations concerning rolling stock of America railroads, but it should. In North America sugar beets are harvested in numerous colder climate states and Canada. A few years back my Wife, Mother and I witnessed a sugar beet loading facility in North Dakota, their equipment was not unlike what is seen in Europe. And of course it is an important crop in North America finding it in many food items for good or bad. Marklin has loaded up the gondolas of the train set and supplemental freight car set with very realistic sugar beets from a Fall harvest. Sometimes loads are labeled with manufacturer stickers in this case no labels can be found, but I believe the loads for this train set were likely made by Heico-Modell as they are known for very very good sugar beet loads for model railroading. High praise is warranted for these sugar beet loads which fit snugly in Marklin’s gondolas, and heaped over top edge of gondolas realistically suggest the natural loading process at a sugar beet facility.

Marklin 81773 (type Eo 17 gondolas with sugar beet load)

Marklin 81773 (sugar beet load possibly manufactured by Heico-Modell)

Locomotive features LED lights, motor with bell-shaped armature, and very very dark green paint scheme which almost looks black under most lighting conditions. Paint scheme has similar but different attributes of PRR’s Brunswick Green. Almost electric yellow striping around body of loco with matching engine grill, red frame and wheels make for its interesting appearance.

Operationally the loco runs flawlessly when tested with realistic tiny headlights and trailing lights which change over from white to red depending on direction of travel. If I were to run this on a layout with turn-outs it might stall within a switch as it is short and lite. But keeping good current running through your layout with clean track and solid connections should likely remedy this potentiality.

Interesting to read Marklin’s description concerning the locomotive which is a preserved museum locomotive, it is required to maintain last paint scheme in service, and it must remain in the area of its last activity.

I bought 2 of these sets, one was delivered with missing part which I feel is important to include a photo of as it conceals screw holding shell to motor/chassis (I think?). Marklin is sending me a replacement snap on part in 4-6 weeks.

Defective (missing cover) V36 (set 81773)

Included in the train set is a build kit for sugar beet loading, it is modeled after the prototype which features wheels. Two functions of prototype appear to include shaking off dirt and loading in rail car. The model is okay, its scale along side the train is very big and basic functions are suggested not detailed in the finished build. Build instructions are basic and confusing requiring a little extra patience thus much time is needed even for this small kit. Parts are very small to tiny and made of lightweight paper materials, thus it will challenge even the more experienced laser-cut cardboard builder. Lots of room for improvement, but it is important with its flaws to accessorize a sugar beet facility.

Marklin 81773 Sugar Beet Loader (laser cut cardboard build-kit)

This is the second time Marklin produced a sugar beet themed Z gauge item. In 2016 they announced a Swiss freight set for sugar beet harvest which introduced new tooling for the EANOS high side gondolas: 82540. The freight set also included a build kit for another example of beet loading this one superb. Sugar beet load for 82540’s EANOS gondolas identical in appearance to that included with the current train set. 82540’s sugar beet loading machine is smaller than 81773’s, but it loaded with many more details and signage based on a more mechanical prototype.

Marklin 82540 Sugar Beet Loader (left) and Marklin 81773 Sugar Beet Loader (right)

Several Marklin dealers have this train set and freight car supplemental set still available, I highly recommend it.

Fish Belly Bridge: Marklin 89758 Building Kit (2019)

Here is a build kit suitable for Germany and the United States. Released in 2019, Marklin 89758 is another laser-cut cardstock building kit based on a fish belly bridge. Such a design allows for very heavy freight trains, in the United States Lehigh Valley Railroad built a steel fish belly bridge in 1901, it connected Easton, PA and Phillipsburg, NJ. This bridge is now abandon, but its original purpose was transportation of very heavy freight trains hauling coal. Interesting to note: this bridge was built on piers built in 1866, it stands today far outliving its useful life.

Marklin’s 89758 is described in Marklin literature as similar to one historically protected in Plettenberg, Sauerland, Germany.

The bridge model represents a steel bridge with quarried stone piers. It measures: 8 5/8 inches (length) X 1 1/8 inches (width) x 1 1/8 inches (height). The build is straight forward comprising precision parts that fit together without modification thus a very fine kit. My only criticism for the kit is a limited number of gusset plates. I may opt to use paint with dry brush and/or air brush for an added layer of weathering perhaps making the bridge look for ‘steel’ like.

Marklin’s Exquisite Insider Model for 2024: 88820

**Marklin 88820: Insider Model 2024** copyright ZTrainsWeekly.com

Wow! I have every reason to like Marklin’s recent release 88820: detailing, running performance, and appearance: all charm and no disappointment.

Many Insider Members who I know have been waiting anxiously for this model, and several have asked if I could land one for them. Unfortunately I have only one for my collection otherwise I would happily connect collectors with a dealer who could provide one. Best option to secure rare Insider Models is joining the Club for $99/year, membership includes free Insider car in HO or Z, subscription to Marklin Magazine, and invitation/order form for Insider Locomotive Release.

Marklin 88820 (Marklin’s website: with permission): A Rustic Icon on German Tracks
When currently one of the numerous preserved Wismar rail busses comes on stage, even steam locomotives retreat to the background. “Pig Snouts” are the name given to these powered rail cars, which during the world economic crisis kept many small and branch lines from being abandoned. The design was ingeniously simple and at the same time extremely cost effective: A simple welded car body was used and a mass-produced drive system from the truck industry was installed in each direction of travel. As with road trucks there was a motor hood at both ends, commonly called a snout. Most cars had a roof baggage rack for baggage or small freight. The car builder Wismar built 57 units between 1932 and 1941. Railroaders and passengers loved their rustic rattling boxes and gave them the nickname “Pig Snouts”. Currently, the Wismar rail busses enjoy an absolute cult status. This is not the only reason a snout belongs on the roster of every model railroader. In addition, the German Federal Railroad had three Wismar units for a short time on its roster after 1949. The red “Pig Snouts” thus goes on any Era III layout.

This is the first Marklin Z Gauge Wismer ‘Snout’ locomotive, but the now shuttered company Z-Modellbau produced it first. Both companies use similar motors, and both appear built to scale, but Z-Modellbau have slightly better build quality than Marklin: Z-Modellbau locomotives used brass gearing and metal construction. BUT Marklin’s example could be seen as better design with just the right combination of plastic and metal. Although Z-Modellbau locos were entirely handmade masterpieces now considered very rare, Marklin is offering a much more affordable solution with working headlights.

Marklin 88820 is based on an Era III class VT 88.9 (former DRG class VT Cvt-34) rail bus painted and lettered for the DB (German Federal Railroad).

The model is a charmer with metal hoods and frame, efficient maintenance free motor, headlights and interior lighting, and metal add-on parts including roof rack and ladders.

On the test track the rail bus moved flawlessly at slow speeds. Tiny tiny headlights unique to this Marklin model: brilliant and realistic.

This release will be remembered for years as a truly exciting new addition to the Marklin Catalog of Z gauge items. Mine received yesterday from ZscaleHOBO.com is already proudly displayed alongside equivalent examples by Railex, FR, and Z-Modellbau.

Siding: Viaduct Bridge (128171) featured in this post is non other than Archistories, it can be infinitely expanded with 2 Arch Extension (129171). 128171 + 129171 can be built single or double track. Kits available in USA: https://zscalehobo.com/ and http://www.zscalemonster.com/

Faller’s Z Gauge Swiss Alpine Buildings: and more

Faller 282702 Banhhof Langwies (released: December 2023)

Faller’s continuation of laser cut card-stock buildings include two I have waited for: train station and lodge for Swiss Alpine theme. Combining wood and card-stock parts Faller has produced 2 buildings unmistakably Swiss in appearance.

Faller 282772 Alpenhaus Langwies (released: January 2024)

On a personal note, I have 2 laser-cut structures based on the Swiss Alpine theme in my collection, I have owned them for many years, but they weren’t enough to base a layout on. Faller’s Swiss Alpine build kits have inspired a layout build for this Summer (2025).

Left to Right: Faller 282772 (Alpine Lodge), Fides CH1039 (Alpine Covered Bridge), FR Freudenreich ZB570 (Attendant’s House RhB Railway), and Faller 282702 (Langwies Station)

Fifteen years ago I purchased a covered wood bridge (CH1039) manufactured by Fides/Milbert Creations (Montreux, Switzerland), it is handmade balsa wood construction comprised of numerous parts with realistic printed wood shingle roof. Scaled for ‘Z’ the bridge is naturally finished, and it is presented in a nice display box diorama alpine illustration. I haven’t found much evidence for the company’s output, their products don’t show up on internet searches, and I presume the company was dissolved many years ago. This example I purchased on Ebay.

Fides Alpine Covered Bridge CH1039 (Milbert Creations Montreux, Switzerland)

My second structure was purchased maybe 10 years ago, it was produced as a kit by Harald Freudenreich (FR): ZB570- Swiss (SBB/RhB) Attendant’s House (RhB) build kit “Zm Warterhaus der RhB.” It is a railway building also referred to as “Guard-House” for RhB railway. Kit features etched nickel parts and wood construction: balsa wood laser-cut parts, brass gutters and downspouts and printed terracotta tiles for roof. Kit was delivered unpainted. In my examples I painted shutters and used Danish Oil on other wood parts. Roof material was painted with gouache which I like using, it is opaque watercolor which dries quick and can be reactivated with water to smooth out and blend to one’s desire. Note: FR produced accessories such as Guard House to go along with locos and rolling stock in production thus he produced RhB (Rorschach Heiden Bergbahn) items including Serie Fzeh2/4 cog railway locomotive (ZF108a).

FR Freudenreich ZB570 “ZM Warterhaus der RhB”

Faller 282702 Langwies Station and 282772 Langwies Alpine Lodge are 2 laser-cut build kits released December 2023 (station) and January 2024 (lodge). Station kit includes 91 parts and lodge 126 parts, Faller states difficulty level as “Demanding.” I found both kits to be enjoyable to build, but they demand concentration and time as the instructions can be challenging to interpret. The wood parts in these kits include pieces that slide together, I found the station kit to have tighter fitting parts than lodge. If you buy these kits, I recommend building the lodge first which is somewhat easier than the station. Both kits needed excess wood removed within windows which is easy to do with a toothpick. Common sense and prior experience building kits like this in Z will be invaluable, but mistakes will still happen and remediating those errors are sometimes easy and sometimes hard. In the latter scenario apply some creative thought and add a modification or hid an error with a bush! Faller has been building scenery and buildings for multiple scale railroads, this experience and professional shows in these kits; they are must haves for the Swiss railway. Note: first time lettered decals have been included with a Faller Z kit as self sticking (station kit), formerly decals were cut from paper labels and glued on. Roofing material has a naturalistic aged color and texture thus no need to dry brush. I only painted chimneys in the final result (not pictured).

Faller 282800: Three-Sided Half Timber Farm Kit

As the title suggests Faller’s new 3 part farmstead is inspired by German timber frame construction, it is recognizable to all who have built model houses and buildings for German themed layouts thus there are many such kits in plastic and cardboard. This cardboard kit for Z scale by Faller contains the typical characteristics of Fallers laser-cut cardstock buildings including interior masking (introduced in their plastic kits years ago) and lightweight paper parts. Building the kits is fun but challenging particularly with the filigree paper ‘timber’ parts. So far I have built 16 Faller Laser-Cut Kits with no regrets or problems; they take good magnifying goggles, tweezers, small drops of good glue and PATIENCE. The finished builds are excellent, and I highly recommend them.

I divided this article into 3 sections mostly to show what the kit looks like built without alteration followed by 2 sections covering my attempts to add realistic color and texture. I am not a professional scenery modeler, and my steps taken should be considered as one way to do things not the only way to do things.

Section 1: How the Buildings Look Built with no Alterations

Note: end walls of barn were installed improperly, stucco wall should be installed other end so stucco wraps around building. Mistake is less noticeable further in build.

Note: roofing materials used by Faller are heavily detailed which is a nice feature, but they fray easily when bent from their flat original state. I score along the seem with 3 light scores with razor blade which significantly helps make a good bend.

Note: brick walls and fencing come with the kit to frame out the barnyard, there are numerous layout designs to consider along with Faller’s own suggestions.

Section 2: Attaching Buildings to a Light Birch Plywood for Later Layout Installation. Plus First Steps with Color and Scenery Construction.

Buildings glued to very thin birch plywood available from hobby stores which was first painted black.

Note: application of pigment with an airbrush to establish a layer of aging.

Note: dry-brush was used on roofing material to bring out texture, it was applied with inconsistent amounts of paint to mimic how roofs age with time.

Section 3: Fine-Tuning Paint and Textures. And Adding Cows and Shrubs

Note: fine brown ballast by Woodland Scenics was applied to ground surface.

Note: very thin birch plywood is prone to warping even at time of purchase, but it will be flat when glued to layout board.

Note: numerous dry-brush applications were used to enhance color and texture, I have gotten better results with my projects by not rushing things thus I came back to this model many times and tweeked this or that.

Note: Dark brown paint was applied to ground to suggest the varying shades of earth, grass will later be applied in patches to further layer the visual detailing surrounding the farmstead buildings. Dairy cows by Preiser were added to the pen. When this small diorama is ready to install on layout more animals will be added, flower boxes installed on house, tractor or other equipment placed somewhere in scene, and a tree or 2 will be added for shade. I will also open a door and add a figure too!

Thank you for having a look and happy railroading!

Faller 282795: Kandelhof Cinema

Kandelhof Cinema (No. 282795) was released last year, it serves as another interesting architectural offering by Faller for Z gauge. Faller is unique in that they offer both laser-cut cardstock kits and plastic kits. Faller’s build kits in cardstock or plastic share one thing in common: interior detailing in the form of masking. First designed for plastic kits Faller’s ingenious masking material provides window details (curtains and drapes) while also providing opacity after insertion of light inside buildings thus plastic parts don’t unrealistically glow. The mask material for laser-cut kits is unchanged from earlier versions for plastic kits even though the mask’s opacity is not an issue with cardstock kits, window details are thus provided for realism as an unchanged characteristic of Fallers kits.

This example based on prototype (Freiburg, Germany) comprising 4 story multi-use building which includes a cinema. Other parts of the building suggest apartments. Faller’s kit is a very good translation of the prototype with one difference: kit building is freestanding whereas prototype is abutted with another building. Faller thus added a garage and receiving area along with a wall of windows which make for a very interesting building irrespective of the prototype.

Characteristics of Faller’s laser-cut cardstock buildings are fairly lightweight paper parts and some fragile parts as well, but overall the buildings have a realistic scale and color. Packaging is top notch with shrink-wrapped sturdy box, but packaging doesn’t always ensure perfect delivery of the kits if factory errors occur. In this example my kit was delivered with heavy curled and folded parts, it took a bit of finesse to put things right as well as a bit of patience. The fragile parts of Faller kits are the roof pieces, they fray just by looking at them. I have found a little extra scoring on fold line of roof panel helps otherwise paper breaks and separates unrealistically. Movie poster signage was a bit disappointing, it looks nothing like those on the box’s packaging. Also color of parts varies with those found illustrated on the packaging, but this I found minor.

Modification: I made changes to the kit including framing out cinema signage and repainting shutters. The kit instructs cinema signage to be glued to cardboard parts before gluing to building, I didn’t think this would translate well thus I opted to frame out the 2 signs. In the second modification I decided to paint the shutters in a color complementary to those found on prototype: dark red/mahogany. Kit provided light gray shutters, I felt more contrast would work better thus I airbrushed the shutters before installation. Airbrushing has become an essential tool for me to add a little weathering or change color of cardstock parts without damaging the kits with other painting methods.

Overall I would highly recommend Faller kit 282795: good fun and good architecture.

Thanks for taking a look at this post and happy railroading!

Marklin 81372: Train Set for Freight

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.

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.

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