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.
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.
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.”
It’s 2022, and many new Z items coming this year from Marklin including Vectron series locomotives. The first release for this new series is painted and lettered for OBB as item #88234.
Based on OBB (Austrian Federal Railways) prototype class 1293, Marklin 88234 portrays a multi-system locomotive built by Siemens Mobility. Era VI thus currently used in Europe. Operating for little more than 4 years the multi-system OBB Vectron’s are certified for use in Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, and Italy.
The very handsome modern locomotive is modeled in Z with 4 pantographs, add-on handrails with highly polished silver wire and bold paint and lettering for OBB. Snow-blades are suitably represented too!
Running characteristics are up to the standards achieved with the new motor technology. And headlight and trailing lights are LED powered.
Very exciting new locomotive class featured in the Marklin Z line-up.
I plan to spend a little more time with this model in a future post, but for now I am sending a shout out to anyone interested that now is the time to track one down even if you have a preorder for it.
Marklin 88146 (released 2021)
In October (2021) Marklin sent a letter to dealers announcing a limited release of this model, they further explained the release would be smaller than anticipated and not all customers with preorders would receive one. I am one such customer thus when one became available on Ebay I ordered it. Some models might still be available through Marklin’s USA Dealer network or German dealers on Ebay.
Note about the model: small steam powered locomotive with passenger compartment based on the Era II prototype with paint and lettering for the German State Railroad. Manufactured in China, Marklin 88146 is a companion to the earlier release 88145, both are similar in appearance with the exception of paint and lettering, add-on parts and mechanism are identical. Collectors sometimes comment on Chinese manufacturing as a problem, but every add-on part which there are many was individually applied. And this level of production with a Marklin Z release is usually well done in China. “Usually” is the word of the day: my first 88146 was missing the left hand side rod, my second one was missing the add-on part installed behind left cab window. Both defects are covered by Marklin’s 2 Year Warranty, but I will be without this locomotive for quite some time.
Paint, lettering, and details are finely produced on this model, it is a perfect locomotive to feature in a small railroad perhaps in a country setting too! It could be conceived to be a railcar propelled with steam propulsion, this all-in-one locomotive with passenger compartment can be hitched to a coach or freight wagon as the prototype required. Two Nuremberg Toy Fair cars from 2008 and 2017 complete the train each commemorates German Railroad history. The 2008 Toy Fair car painted and lettered for the RHEINGOLD train, and 2017 Toy Fair Car commemorates the 60th anniversary of Trans Europ Express.
Noticeable differences apply to Marklin’s Era III Class E 18 electric loco both on the outside and inner workings.
The Class E 18 electric locomotive was designed for express train service, it was built over a 20 year span starting in 1935 in Germany and Austria. Although it was designed for express train service it subsequently became an important general purpose locomotive. Marklin’s 88080 and 88088 are based on post war (Era III) prototypes.
Marklin 88080 was released in 2002, it stayed in the program until 2008. This attractive locomotive was the first mini-club Class E 18, its features include 5 pole motor and LED headlamps.
Marklin 88080Marklin 88080
The recent release 88088 features a new motor designed to be maintenance-free: no longer are worn brushes changed out as was the case with the earlier 3 pole and 5 pole motors. The paint scheme is similar for both locomotives, but paint sheen varies: 88088 is matte (prototypical?), and 88080 is glossy which gives the paint an appearance of more saturation and maybe bluer looking.
Marklin 88088
Both generations of the E 18 are good runners with the 88088 running a little quieter and better at slow speeds. It should be noted that earlier versions of the E 18’s performance are exceptional: in my opinion no great improvement between the new release and the older versions, I don’t think a trade-in of the old for new is warranted: save your money for other new releases (?). Perhaps others may feel differently, but I have felt since its release in 2002 the 88080 ran superbly, and I still do, including all the various releases since 2002.
How do they look? Paint scheme of 88088 maybe more prototypical (?). Paint is brighter on the 88080 due to its gloss finish.
Marklin 88080Marklin 88088
Siding: releases of the E18 have included a bright pink/red instruction sheet placed over loco in box with instruction to store loco in box with pantographs fully extended thus to avoid breakage of the delicate roof details and wires rendered in plastic. This loco did not include this warning slip, but it is advised to store your loco with pantographs up!
Marklin’s MHI Release 81356 includes a new design Class 141 electric locomotive and 3 “Silver Coin” coaches comprising their “Commuter Service” train set, but first let’s look at the loco’s new design.
Under the shell are numerous new details at work to support the new motor concept currently being used in new locos. A few basic observations are the robust cast metal frame supporting the circuit board and trucks. Another interesting detail about the frame is its split design: frame is actually two parts held together with 6 machine screws located variously: 1 pair each end and 1 pair in the middle inside an easily removable section between the trucks. Circuit board is sandwiched between the two sections of frame as are all inner workings, and lamp circuit boards are held in slots front and back, two small pieces of black foam are installed between the two sections of frame below the lamp circuit boards. Everything looks different than a traditional Marklin Mini-Club model, but similar in their straight forward design thus it is possible to take it apart but with some difficulty.
Removal of 6 screws holding the frame together should provide easy disassembly of the loco but that is not the case. Bushings holding the frame parts and screws are tightly fitted and prone to breaking plus circuit board is taped down on one end (2 bushings on my loco were stripped with a crack in one). And freeing the circuit board is half the battle as the frame is gently pried apart a little at a time from end to end with care not to break the bushings. Bushings are tightly mounted in the frame thus the frame is tightly held together even without the screws, it appears the screws main job is expanding the bushings thus making a tighter connection with the the 2 part frame (?).
After the frame is pulled apart the trucks simply pop out, their plastic housings fit within indents in frame and secured by pressing the frame parts together. A further interesting detail about the trucks are the nylon gearing which have been greased not oiled at the factory. And coupler/spring assembly is secured by plate facing up rather than down as with previous locos. If there is a problem with coupler/spring which there shouldn’t be the loco will have to be taken apart to free the trucks.
A motor with robust worm drive is maintenance free (no brushes to be replaced) and quiet to run, but instructions do advise oiling the trucks from time to time (intervals of 20 hours run time). Note: small pieces of yellow acetate are mounted below both lamp circuit boards.
The loco in my set arrived with poor/non-working running characteristics, one truck stiff and seized (angled upward not parrellel to underside of shell): trucks should rock gently up and down with wheel-sets able to make contact with track. Taking the loco apart and reassembled fixed the problem: something was out of sync likely due to shipping. Not a big deal, but I would advise sending defective items back to Marklin thus receiving full warranty coverage, I don’t advise following my lead.
The shell of this loco is a real winner as can be seen on the roof with improved detailing with addition of add-on parts. And grab rails below windows on both ends. The latter was a great surprise! This set is part of a small handful of items in recent years manufactured in China following the Kittel of recent memory.
Marklin’s description of the set: German Federal Railroad (DB) “Commuter Service” train set: 1- class 141 electric locomotive with 5-light headlights / marker lights, multiple forced air vents with vertical fins, and a continuous rain gutter, 1- type Bnrzb 725 “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter car, 2nd class, 1- type ABnrzb 704 “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter car, 1st/2nd class, and 1- “Silberling” (Silver Coins) commuter cab control car, 2nd class, with an engineer’s cab. All of the units look as they did in Era IV. Special One Time Release for the MHI Program (Marklin Handler Initiative).
81356-1 (Class 141 electric locomotive)81356-281356-3 (Note: yellow stripe denotes 1st class section)81356-4 (note: headlamps, marker lights and destination board illuminate in both directions of travel
Siding: Parts List for this set does not include part numbers for retaining bushings for frame and no part number for circuit board, Marklin indicates parts on schematic without part numbers require Marklin repair department.
Marklin has released for the first time coach set 87513 painted and lettered for DR/GDR with car type Daai baggage car and Baai 2nd class coaches. Falling within Era IV this set depicts a prototypical passenger set for East Germany as operated by the German Democratic Republic (1949-1990) and DR. Marklin mates this set with the soon to be released steam locomotive 88032 which is based on a class 37 locomotive from 1970. Attractive 2nd class coach set based on the prototype with few comforts with no nonsense green paint scheme and bold ‘DR’ lettering.
Marklin 87513_1a (Type Daai baggage car) Marklin 87513_1b (Type Daai baggage car)Marklin 87513_2 (Type Baai 2nd class coach)Marklin 87513_3 (Type Baai 2nd class coach)Marklin 87513_3 (Type Baai 2nd class coach)
Marklin’s recent release Era II freight sets include 2 for the DR: 82327 + 86010. Each is identified as Deutsche Reichsbahn thus Era II freight sets. Cars from 86010 are based on an earlier car type from Era I, prototype used on the K.Sa.St.E. B. (Royal Saxon State Railways- Königlich Sächsische Staatseisenbahnen) and released as Marklin item #8601 (1991-1998). Set 82327 features O 10 gondolas released many times before in sets and individual releases including 82322 for the DB (1997-2001).
Marklin 82327 (2021)
Set 82327 is a unique release because of 3 details: paint and lettering for the DR, Tempo A400 Delivery Van and light weathering suggestive of dirt/grime kicked up from track. The Tempo van is cast metal featuring rubber tires that rotate and prototypical paint scheme from the late 30’s.
Marklin 82327 (2021)Marklin 82327 (2021)
Set 86010 features 3 type K Wuppertal gondolas each equipped with 6 hatches that can be opened because of course each is hinged. Bold lettering for the DR contrasting against brown paint scheme.
