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Gauge 1
Märklin
Star of the programme is a brand new model of the BR96 0-8-8-0T Mallet (former
Bavarian Gt2x4/4) (above) representing the first
batch from 1913 in DRG Epoch II form, with mfx decoder,
digital sound unit, working lights, and smoke generator
built in. This should be a huge and impressive model,
548mm long, and will only be available to Insider
Club members. No pre-production model was shown at the
press preview a week before the fair.
To mark 125 years of the Gotthard, there will be a limited edition set of three
four-wheel freight vehicles with SBB Epoch II markings
- a type K3 van with brake house, a type L6 open
with brake house, and a twin barrel wine wagon, with
brake house, lettered for the ‘Egli’ company of
Zürich. The models will come individually packed,
and make a marvellous period train for the brown ‘Crocodile’ electric.
The BR44 2-10-0 is to be produced as a gas-fired radio-controlled live steam
model (above), which will run for 20-30 minutes according
to load and conditions. The loco will be in DB early
Epoch III form, still with large Wagner smoke deflectors,
and no less detailed than the existing electric model.
The Märklin Museum limited edition wagon for this year is a type SSy45
with DB Epoch III markings loaded with a monumental
(in scale) cast bronze reproduction of Michelangelo’s ‘David’,
as produced by the famous Strassacker foundry
of Süß·en
near Göppingen.
There are two digital start sets this year, both with DB Epoch III stock. The
first includes a BR913 2-6-0T hauling three
four-wheel goods wagons (Gmms 44 van, Omm55 open, and
X05 lowside), plus an oval of track with a siding
and the Märklin
Mobile Station controller. The second is described
as a ‘mega-set’ and offers the
Central Station controller and a longer oval
with passing loop on which run two trains -
a BR78 4-6-4T with a pair of six-wheel Umbauwagen
(second and composite), and a V60 0-6-0 diesel
with two goods wagons (Omm53 four-wheel open
and OOtz50 bogie hopper).
The basic Maxi range seems to have been shelved for the time being, although Märklin have
expressed the intention of creating a large scale
garden railway range.
The E44 Bo-Bo electric will be offered with DBEpoch IV
markings as 144 081-7 in green. The modelhas a metal body,
two motors, mfx decoder, a digitalsound unit, and remotely
operable Telex couplers. Itwill cope with curves as small
as 600mm radius.
All locos have working directionally-controlled head and tail lights, separately
switchable in digital mode. Switchable features
on sound-fitted locos depend on the controller
used. Most models are designed to run on a standard
minimum radius of 1,020mm.
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Dingler
The new steam loco will be the BR75, former Württemberg T5, 2-6-2 (above)
as a top specification brass and stainless steel
model with working leaf springs and equalising
bars, sprung roller bearing axles, constant intensity
lighting and a digital sound decoder as standard. Detail
extends to real wood on the cab floor and around the
tank fillers, and an opening smokebox door.
Also proposed is the type SS15 Köln bogie flat wagon with side stakes.
Markings for various Epochs will be available,
with and without brake house. The brake gear will be
fully represented, all axles sprung, coned bearings
like the prototype, screw couplings, and a real wood
deck.
A range of DB 1960s railway figures is also offered, cast in metal and hand
painted - driver, fireman, guards male and female,
stationmaster, and track gang lookout.
Kiss
The model of the DB BR65 2-8-4T in six versions, from Epoch IIIa to IV has just
been delivered; differing details include two types
of feedwater preheater, two styles of cab roof, and
push-pull fittings.
However, there was no sign of the planned BR5620 (Prussian G82) 2-8-0, which
was announced last year for delivery early in 2007,
in five versions from Epoch I to IIIb, distinguished
by domed or flat smokebox doors, two buffer types,
two dome arrangements, gas or electric lamps, and
three arrangements for the latter, and specific makers’ plates.
These locos are precision brass models, with Bühler motor, lights throughout,
sound, a synchronised smoke unit, the option
of fine scale wheels (at extra cost), and the possible
choice of an individual running number (for a small
extra charge).
The focus this year seems to be on rolling stock: the Silberlinge coaches (above)
are due in the second quarter, and various samples
were displayed in representative liveries - silver
with black solebars, Epoch III or IV; with blue solebars,
Epoch IV; City-Bahn orange & cream,
Epoch IV; banded mint green (Epoch V); and
traffic red (Epoch V). Three body types are offered
- first/second composite, second, and second/baggage/driving
trailer, this last only in the two silver with black
solebar schemes. The models are of combined metal and
plastic construction, with a very realistic recreation
of the ‘fish scale’ metallic
finish. They have a complete interior, current
collection from all wheels, claw couplers on close
coupling mounts, sprung buffers, and are suitable for
use on 1,020mm radius curves (the Märklin
standard) - to achieve this they have been
shortened, to 760mm (they should be 825mm,
so are at c.92%). They are due in the second
quarter.
Also new is a four-wheel tank wagon, a precision brass model, with sprung buffers,
screw couplings, and sprung axleboxes,
in ten user/number/livery options for each of Epochs
III and IV. All the Epoch III vehicles are used by ‘VTG’; for Epoch
IV the choice is ‘VTG’, ‘EVA’, ‘Esso’, ‘Shell’, ‘Texaco’,
and ‘BfB’. They too are due
in the second quarter, and unpainted and
undecorated early samples were shown (below).
Similarly specified will be fourteen Epoch III and IV finishes for the Glmmhs57
(later Gs253) long wheelbase four-wheel van with
either brown or aluminium vents, and including special
purpose vehicles reclassified and with markings
for bananas and post. Again, they are scheduled for
the second quarter, and selected samples were shown.
For American Gauge 1 (1:29), Kiss were showing an advanced sample of the Southern
Pacific AC-12 4-8-8-2 cab forward,
which they expect to deliver in the third quarter.
It is a massive handcrafted brass model, weighing in
at 9kg, carried on sprung roller bearing axles, powered
by a Pittman 24v motor, and equipped with an ESU LokSound™ digital
decoder. Cab interior and running gear are illuminated
in addition to the head and marker lights. Minimum
radius is 1,200mm/48".
KM1 Modellbau
This company offer high quality, highly detailed models, fitted as standard
with an ESU LokSound™ XL decoder and a patented
synchronised smoke generator, plus directional
headlights, running gear lights, cab lights, and
firebox glow (also synchronised). All functions
are also manually switchable. Fine scale wheels
are an option. The axles are sprung, and like the
drive carried in roller bearings, driven by a powerful
Faulhaber motor. Sprung buffers are fitted, and
scale couplings (though claw couplers can be fitted).
The loco and tender are close coupled, but are
capable of running on 1,020mm minimum radius. An
individual running number can be specified for
an extra charge.
The BR0110 three-cylinder Pacific is nearly ready for delivery, and a painted sample was
shown (below).
Next will be the BR65 2-8-4T, already announced, and
an incomplete but painted sample was on display (above).
Their next projects will be the BR57 (former Prussian G10) 0-10-0 in eight versions,
from KPEV through DRG, DR, and DB to the example
preserved by the ÖGEG in Austria; the powerful
BR85 three-cylinder 2-10-2T, built for the Höllental
line, combining the boiler of the BR62 and the running gear of the BR44, in seven versions
from DRG Epoch II through DB Epoch III to museum
loco; and the BR03 lightweight Pacific, in nine versions from DRG Epoch II through DR and DB Epoch III
to two preserved examples, at Dresden and at the
Deutsche Dampflok Museum, with specific details of
fitting and finish correct. The models will all have the smaller front bogie wheels (as fitted before
03 162) so will negotiate 1,020mm radius curves even
with the piston tail rod covers fitted.
Also proposed is a limited edition of the 1928 Rheingoldstock - first and second
class salons with and without kitchen in
violet & cream,
and baggage in violet - with DRG Epoch II
markings. Options will include real wood veneers,
curtains, carpets, and tablecloths to enhance the
interior, internal lighting with switchable table
lamps, and a set of figures.
Wunder
Several projects - the Köf III, in Epoch III red and either blue & beige
or orient red for Epoch IV, the VT085 diesel train in both original and TEE versions as either three- or four-car
sets (above), the E50 Co-Co and the E1012 (BR112) Bo-Bo electrics (both in a range of finishes from Epoch III to V) expected
at the end of June, and the modern Rheingoldstock,
due in September - are still in hand, so no new
models were announced.
Asoa - Pro Eins
Asoa are extending their selection of detailing
parts with a new accessory, body support brackets
to enhance the underframes of the Hübner models of the X05, Gr20, Om12
and V23 wagons (above). The parts are supplied painted
and should be easy to install. A set of similar supports
for the Märklin model of the Gl11 ‘Dresden’ van
is already available, and pack to suit the G10
van is being prepared.
Fulgurex
Star of the stand was the Nord Chapelon Pacific, SNCF 231E, in three versions
- Nord brown (as preserved, below), Paris-Orléans grey, and SNCF green. The level of detail is superb
- not only such features as opening smokebox door
with detailed interior and a fully fitted cab, but
even the storage cupboards on the tender have working
doors; only the driver’s lunchbox is missing!
Attention now turns to the ‘Roter Pfeil’ electric railcar in three versions - original CLe2/4 No.201 in dark red, and as RAe2/3 both
in dark red with ‘flying wheel’ and
plain red. A single axle ski trailer is also offered.
The Ed2x2/2 Mallet built by Maffei for the SCB is available in SBB form and
as a DRG BR98.7 (former Bavarian BB-II).
Lematec
The successor to Lemaco was ‘relegated’ to the New Exhibitors Centre,
some way from the model railway hall.
The expected BLS Be5/7 rod-coupled electric is due shortly in two versions,
original condition as preserved, and with chrome lettering.
Now noted for the second quarter of 2007 is the DR 132 ‘Ludmilla’ Co-Co
diesel, now in five versions - original DR red and
four DBAG 232/233/234 red varieties, on with ‘Cargo’ branding.
As to other previously announced projects, the SNCF 242A1 in either black or
green seems to have been delayed until the fourth
quarter, while the SNCF CC7100 electric, in two versions,
as the speed record holder 7107 and as a modernised
machine, is now put back to 2008/9.
New projects added to the list for 2008/9 include a PLM/SNCF Pacific, SBB E3/3 ‘Tigerli’ 0-6-0T,
and SBB Re4/4II electric.
Aristocraft
These American large scale (1:29 scale, 45mm gauge) models were shown as usual
on the Bachmann/Liliput stand, and of great interest
was their first European loco (albeit a prototype
built in America!) - the GM-EMD Class 66 Co-Co
diesel. Although primarily aimed at the UK market
they also offer one in ‘HGK’ red livery
(above).
These massive (735mm long) models have etched metal grilles, windscreen wipers,
opening cab doors, and fully detailed cab interiors,
plus dummy knuckle couplers. They come with a built-in
smoke generator, working headlights switchable for
day or night running, and rotating axle ends. The
axles run in ball bearings, and plenty of power is
provided by two motors per bogie.
Bogie container flat wagons are proposed to make a train for these locos to
haul, and samples were shown in grey primer/unpainted
plastic.
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