Category Archives: New Releases

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.

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/

Marklin 86061: Baggage Car

Marklin baggage car 86061 is loaded with detail. As Marklin’s description notes: it does not have a cupola which is pretty obvious. It features extensive lettering, metal wheels and plastic shell. Identified as type Pwgs 041 Baggage Car, it is painted and lettered for German Federal Railroad (Era IV).

A freight car so rich in details it deserves its own post. And its still floating around at the dealers, but out of production at Marklin.

Era V Freight Set: Marklin 82542

Marklin Era V freight car set 82542 includes 4 type Eanos-x 052 gondolas painted and lettered for DB Cargo and DB respectively. Here is a set I nearly passed on as I have a number of Eanos gondolas already by Marklin and FR, but I changed my mind after seeing this set in person.

Not visible in the Marklin photos of the set are their loads: each car is loaded with a different scrap metal load including pipe, i-beams, and crushed rusty metal. Very good realistic representation of rust and oxidized metal. Marklin in the past has not made these loads instead they have come from specialist manufacturers in Germany, and they are usually labeled as such on the bottom. But these loads are not labeled thus I don’t believe they are made by Marklin, but I am also not sure.

A recent development is the use of a translucent plastic used to make the red Eanos cars, I first noticed this type of plastic with the tank car from the DR passenger set: 87503. The plastic is so translucent a small amount of light illuminates it. It’s a bit distracting and unrealistic thus I must give a rather mixed review for this set. Note: see translucence of red cars in photos.

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).

Marklin 82641: Set of 8 Type Sgns 691 Flat Cars with Loads

Marklin 82641 (8 individual cars + cardboard spacer)

Marklin recently released a large set of freight cars (82641) for global shipping theme (Era VI), it includes eight type Sgns 691 flat cars with tank and dry storage containers. Various railroads and shipping companies represented in the set are colorful and graphically interesting.

The release comes boxed in what Marklin calls a display box, it is intended as counter display for dealers who may opt to sell individual cars from the set. Marklin produced large car sets in the past thereby giving customers flexibility to buy 1 or all cars from the sets. With one local exception USA dealers have offered complete sets only. Cars in the set are each housed in familiar Marklin Z hard plastic boxes, and each is assigned a number 82641-….. (01-08).

Flat cars are manufactured with the relatively new technology: metal impregnated plastic. Increased weight is the primary benefit thus better running performance, and maybe casting detail is improved. Car bodies are superb, they feature open frames with extensive fine paint and lettering.

Containers are of great variety, but they are the typical containers Marklin has offered before: open bottoms with no prototypical lettering on doors, but very fine lettering otherwise. Tank containers with protective frames are standard fare offered before, tanks are finely painted and lettered, but protective frames which are manufactured apart from tanks and assembled later may need removal of excess plastic. Six tank containers are included, 3 in my set had issues: 1 missing mounting pin, 1 needed plastic trimming around pins to mount and 1 needed trimming/leveling of plastic base otherwise it wanted to pop off. Repairing tank containers took no more than a minute thus no big deal. Note: no problems whatsoever with dry containers. Further comment on tank containers: mounting has always been an issue with some collectors opting to cut off pins and epoxying the tank containers directly to the flat car. I do not recommend gluing, instead I recommend very carefully removing extra plastic in casting with a razor blade. Except for lack of graphics on doors of dry containers and mounting pin issues with tank containers this is a very good set to add to your collection.

Siding: Released in 2024/25. Marklin suggests locomotives 88136 (diesel Ludmilla) and 88235 (electric Vectron) for freight set 82641.

Norwegian Diesel with Snowplows: Marklin 88362

Marklin 88362 JBV Diesel Class Di3 628 (Norway)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atelier Barkvieren (AB): NSB Locomotive Class EL-16

By now collectors of FR Freudenreich of Germany should be aware of Harald Freudenreich’s new company: Atelier Barkvieren (AB). The only significant change has been logo and rebranding: articles continue to be presented in custom acrylic boxes with new logo ‘AB’ in red versus FR’s former blue logo. The recent release electric locomotive for NSB as Class EL-16 is evidence of Harald’s continued high level of design/craftsmanship/execution in Z gauge.

Locomotive could be ordered analogue or digital, I ordered mine as analogue. As with most locos produced by Harald Freudenreich this one is no different exhibiting substantial weight for pulling long trains. Further this loco has a maintenance free motor which he has installed in locos for years prior to Marklin’s current practice.

This is a lovely loco with very bright red paint scheme and yellow snowplows. Paint scheme is distinctive as it is used by the NSB Railway (Norwegian State Railways). The former company FR produced another electric loco for NSB as Class EL-18 (47.198.10) in an edition of 30. This loco included a modified Class 460 Marklin shell repainted and lettered, it included a snowplow that required separate installation by collector following small modification to shell. Surprisingly Marklin never produced this loco in Z although one was produced for HO, perhaps a future release is in the making?

FR 47.198.10 Class EL-18: snowplows are cast metal, they were glued on to shell after shell modification unlike locos that followed with plows attached to truck assembly

Performance of this loco is exceptional of course with 4 operating lights activated for direction of travel, but trailing lights are not included. The loco I ordered is non-digital, it is robust, but motor noise is noticeable perhaps due to my basic test track installed directly on plastic table, cork or foam roadbed will certainly deaden the sound. Not sure if the digital version includes sound, and I don’t know if it features a VELMO decoder. My train collection is mostly for display thus opting for the analogue version of this loco made sense for me. I have digital FR locos and a few Marklin ones too, and they provide an experience running trains on par with their HO ccounterparts with surprisingly loud and defined sound features.

AB 47.137.11 Class EL-16 + FR 47.819.02 “Motortransport”

Detailing includes numerous add-on parts including mirrors that are silvered. Roof equipment is well detailed and pantographs are item specific and scaled accurate unlike the more generic Marklin pantos.

Paired with the earlier release freight set: 47.819.02- Norges Statsbaner AS (Norwegian State Railways-NSB) “Motortransport” 4 car set with two pairs of permanently coupled type Hccrrs autotransportwagens privately owned and lettered for Auto Transport Service A.s. Drammen. Four car set includes 2 pairs locked together with drawbar and vestibules.

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