Märklin
The Märklin and Trix new items programmes are once again quite closely
co-ordinated, with Trix offering two-rail versions of
many of the new models.
The brochures this year once again give recommended prices.
The policy of offering selected new products at budget prices, no doubt in response
both to market conditions and competition from other
suppliers, continues.
Märklin are well aware of the importance of attracting beginners to the
hobby, so economical train packs and budget locos feature
first in the brochure; in this report they are put
in period context as such items can offer good value
even for the experienced enthusiast. Likewise, the new
start sets (one German and one Swiss) are far from basic.
The only new offering for Epoch I is a Württemberg train pack made up of
the T5 2-6-2T (with mfx decoder) hauling three bogie
coaches (second/third composite, third, and fourth)
plus a four-wheel baggage van.
The tiny Köf II diesel shunter is to be in original 1938 form with open
cab, with DRG Epoch II markings. The model has a
metal body, LED lighting, the fx decoder, and a miniature
motor with flywheel. Trix have a two-rail DC version.
The BR38 (former Prussian P8) 4-6-0 appears in DRG Epoch II form with three-domed
boiler, Wagner smoke deflectors, and small box bogie
tender. The model is powered by a precision motor in
the boiler, controlled through the mfx decoder, with
sound. There is a parallel offering from Trix.
To accompany the BR38, some long wheelbase four-wheel local compartment stock
- BC-21 sec-ond/third composite, Cd-21b third, and
Pwi-23 baggage van with cupola lookout - gets DRG Epoch
II markings.
DB Epoch III remains the major area of interest, and one of the major highlights
is a new model for the Insider Club of 4-6-4 BR05
003 as rebuilt in conventional form, with small Witte
smoke deflectors (above). The model benefits from a
C-Sinus motor, mfx decoder, and comes sound fitted;
a smoke generator is an optional extra. Trix will offer
a DC version as their Profi Club model.
The elegant Württemberg C class Pacific is offered as a BR181, as a limited
edition in a wooden presentation case with a period
photo in the lid. It too has a precision motor in the
boiler, the mfx decoder, and sound.
Märklin also propose an interesting double pack two versions of the BR03
Pacific, one in the special blue livery with Epoch
III markings and a standard Epoch IV machine, both powered,
and fx decoder fitted. The pair are very competitively
priced at not much more than one such loco would cost,
but one wonders if the mix of periods is wise. Trix
will have a parallel DC offering.
The second in the series of five planned limited edition ‘Carl Bellingrodt’ models
depicts the large BR45 2-10-2 as 45 004 with markings
for the loco test department (LVA) at Göttingen.
It will be supplied with a wood and glass display case
backed with one of the master’s
classic portrait photographs. However, it is not just
for display as the loco is driven by a high power precision
motor, controlled by the mfx decoder, with prototypical
three-cylinder sound.
The BR52 2-10-0 comes with a tub tender, enclosed cab, and small Witte smoke
deflectors; the model is to be equipped with the mfx
decoder, and sound.
Those with large layouts should like the new train pack for the ‘Lange
Heinrich’ 4,000 tonne ore trains that ran between
Emden and the industrial areas of the Rhein and Ruhr,
steam hauled as far as Rheine, consisting of a coal-fired
BR44 2-10-0 with ten Fad50 (formerly OOtz) bogie hoppers.
The loco has the mfx decoder and sound; all the wagons
have different markings, and are weathered. A pack of
a further five wagons is also to be offered. In addition,
Trix will be marketing a ‘display’ of
a dozen of these hoppers, individually packed, with running
numbers that are different again, giving a total of twenty-seven
versions! These trains were double-headed and to provide
the power there will be a model of an oil-fired BR44,
as was often employed. Both locos will also be available
in the Trix DC range, but separately.
The V60 0-6-0 diesel shunter is planned in original condition, around 1960;
the model has the mfx decoder, and Telex couplings. There
will be a DC version from Trix.
The limited edition model for the Märklin Dealer Initiative (MHI) will
be the DB SVT 04 (previously SVT 137 Hamburg) articulated
twin diesel railcar set, depicting the FT231 Montan Express
working, with once again a DC version from Trix.
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, there will be a brand new model of
the DB E50 Co-Co electric for heavy freight service,
in original condition with double lamps and rain strips
(below). The model will have a metal body, centrally
mounted compact C-Sinus motor with flywheel, mfx decoder,
sound, and LED lighting; for DC there will be a version
from Trix.
A new version of the E1012 Bo-Bo electric in blue & beige represents the 1962
Rheingoldrunning as a TEE service between Basel and the
Hook of Holland. Powered by a compact C-Sinus motor centrally
mounted, the mfx decoder also provides horn and station
sounds. Trix will have a DC model.
The matching stock - Av4üm-62 compartment first, Ap4üm-62 saloon first,
WR4üm-62 diner, and AD4üm-62 dome observation
car (below) - will be produced at 1:93 length, a new
move for Märklin. The models are repeated in the
Trix DC range, with different running numbers; exchange
wheelsets are available in both cases (as with almost
all rolling stock).
To go with the BR05, there will be a limited edition set of three coaches making
the F2/F3 Merkurtrain, running from Hamburg to
Frankfurt and Stuttgart two AB4üe36/52 composites
on Görlitz
III light bogies, in blue livery (above), and the
WR4ü(e)-35
dining car on Görlitz
III heavy bogies, in DSG red (below). The vehicles
come factory-fitted with interior lighting. Trix
offer a similar set for two-rail DC.
The AB4üwe-38/51 composite, WR4üg-38 DSG diner, and Pw4üse-38
baggage skirted bogie coaches will be made in DB Epoch
III condition.
On the freight side, Märklin are preparing new models of 12.74m long bogie
tank wagons, in various forms - for Epoch III, a pressurised
gas tank with protective cover as used by ‘VTG’,
on Minden-Dorstfeld bogies.
The Märklin Museum special wagon for this year is a type SSym46 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 Süßen near Göppingen;
the pack includes a MAN 450 lorry lettered for this company.
The DB Epoch III start set features a BR55 0-8-0 with four four-wheel goods
wagons as well as a BR85 2-10-2T with four long wheelbase
four-wheel ‘Thunderbox’ coaches, 184 x
84cm oval of C-track with passing loop, and the Central
Station digital controller. Both locos come fitted
with mfx sound decoders. Trix offer a parallel DC two-rail
set, but with the Mobile Station controller.
Moving on to Epoch IV, to mark 50 years of TEE there will be a train pack representing
the TEE 27 Rheinpfeilservice between Dortmund and München
in 1971, with the E1012 Bo-Bo electric (above) and one
of each of the 1962 Rheingold coaches in the red & beige
livery (below). Additional saloon and compartment firsts
will be available separately to extend the train. Trix
have a DC version, with the loco and coaches available
individually.
Based on the classic Schienenbus, there is a new model of the class 701 overhead
maintenance railcar (below). Under digital control
the pantograph can be raised and lowered and the work
platform raised and swung out - though the railings
must be put up manually! This is impressive use of digital
and micro-motor technology.
Märklin are also planning a new model of the DB BR218 B-B diesel (below).
The first version is to be in wine red with Epoch IV
markings, and is offered with or without sound (with
different running numbers). Trix will offer a similar
choice in DC, with two further numbers. The model will
have a centrally mounted compact C-Sinus motor, all
axles driven, the mfx decoder, and LED lighting.
The new version of the DB BR220 (formerly V2000) B-B diesel is in Epoch IV blue & beige,
and now powered by a compact centrally-mounted
C-Sinus motor, with mfx decoder and sound generator.
The standard UIC-X stock is to appear in Epoch IV blue & beige - Am203 first,
Bm234 second, ABm225 composite, and BDms273 second/baggage,
though the BRbumh282 second/buffet (the so-called ‘halfdiner’)
remains green and red. Parallel DC versions come from
Trix.
There will be an attractively priced train pack depicting a Bamberg area local
passenger train, using the BR280 (V80) B-B diesel (fx
decoder fitted) with two Umbaubogie coaches (composite
and second) and a ‘Thunderbox’ baggage van,
as a limited edition. Trix will have a two-rail DC version.
The freight theme for this year is related to a car factory, with most stock
appropriate for Epoch IV. The Köf II appears in
blue livery as the Daimler-Benz works shunter.
The type SSw07 bogie flat with side stakes and brake cabin comes carrying two
Mercedes-Benz type L311 lorries; this has Epoch III markings,
and the same basic wagon but without stakes and brake
cabin is planned as an Epoch IV type Rkmp656 loaded with
three U406 Unimogs, and a pair of Sammp706 heavy duty
six-axle bogie flats bear MB2624 heavy tippers while
a type Kbs442 four-wheel lowside with side stakes has
on board a type O 302 bus.
There will be two sets of the Laaes541 double-deck close-coupled car transporters,
one (denoted ‘Strich-8’)
carrying four Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 saloons and four
C114 coupés, the other (denoted ‘S-Klasse’)
loaded with four W116 saloons and four C107 coupés.
There will be parallel DC versions from Trix, with different markings, and different
coloured road vehicles.
The road vehicles are metal models, finished in different colours, and most
of them are new items.
Among other items of Epoch IV freight is the first in a significant new range
of models based on the common 19.9m bogie underframe,
a type Rs684 flat with side stakes, on Minden-Siegen
bogies (top right); the main girder has weight relieving
holes. Trix has a DC version.
The type Lbgjs598 long wheelbase four-wheel flat ferries five small ‘house-to-house’ tank
containers, type Efkr, a new model (right). The Trix
version is for Epoch III.
A shop display of twenty-four wagons, individually packaged and priced, consists
of six each of the Eaos106 bogie open, Kbs443 loaded
with a 40’ container (‘Sea-Land’ or ‘American
four-wheel lowside President Lines’), Gbs245 van
with Bundespost markings, and a small tank
wagon with brake platform.
For Epoch V, there will be a new model of the multi-supply BR189 Bo-Bo electric,
initially in ‘Railion Logistics’ red livery
(above): it boasts a metal body, four pantographs, compact
C-Sinus motor, mfx decoder, LED lighting, and horn sound.
PIC 07
The new version of the BR290 B-B diesel is in ‘DB Cargo’ red, and
Trix have a DC alternative.
The little Ka battery electric shunter is due in new version as a class 381
in traffic red, as used around Opladen works.
The new model of the BR218 in traffic red livery powers a train pack with three
matching ‘Silverfish’ coaches (composite,
second, and second/bag-gage/driving trailer) arranged
as a push-pull set. The trailer is also fitted with a
pick-up; this and that on the loco are directionally
controlled, like the working head and tail lights, and
the stock has conductive couplings, for real push-pull
working. The loco also has the mfx decoder and sound.
The ICE2 (power car, coach, restaurant, and driving trailer) makes an attractively
priced train pack, fx decoder fitted, with horn and announcement
sounds. Trix have a two-rail DC version.
The selection of Hobby locos, with digital decoder and special motor, is augmented
with a DBAG BR1461 Bo-Bo electric with ‘Niedersachsen ist am Zug’ markings, a DBAG
BR185 dual system Bo-Bo electric with ‘Railion
Logistics’ branding, and the ER20 ‘Hercules’ Bo-Bo
diesel as a limited edition in ‘EVB’ (Elbe-Weser
GmbH) livery; Trix will offer this for two-rail DC.
There will be more new freight vehicles based on the 19.9m underframe with Y25
bogies - a type Res676 lowside with side stakes (with
BR189, above); a type Rils652 bulkhead flat with
hooped cover in ‘DB Cargo’ red;
and a type Roos639 bulkhead flat with heavy steel side
stakes for timber transport. Trix has similar models
but with differing liveries and markings.
There is another variant of the new 12.74m bogie tank wagon, this time for chlorine
gas, with access ladder and platform around the top hatch,
as used by ‘VTG’, on Minden-Dorstfeld bogies
(below).
A new version of the long bogie gas tank wagon on Minden-Siegen bogies, with
sun protection cover, is also a ‘VTG’ vehicle
branded for ‘Statoil’.
There will be a limited edition set of two type 8008 32-wheel torpedo ladle
wagons used by Eisenbahn und Hafen of Duisburg, weathered.
In the Hobby range, the insulated four-wheel van appears with graphics for the ‘Ferrero’ chocolate
company and as a ‘Köstritzer’ beer van.
In the distinctive blue livery of the THW (Technische
Hilfwerk) comes a display pack of twenty-four individually
packaged and priced four-wheel wagons - six flats with
(different) containers, six lowsides carrying a Sprinter
van, six lowsides carrying a Unimog truck, and six (differently
labelled) tank wagons. The digitally-controlled rail-mounted
Krupp-Ardelt 10-tonne crane with match truck and equipment
van will be a limited edition in railway fire service
red.
DC wheelsets are available as alternatives for most new rolling stock.
As usual, the programme includes a number of foreign prototypes, but there is
no separate export model leaflet.
Switzerland
Marking 50 years of the TEE and 125 years
of the Gotthard, there is to be a brand new model of the
RAe electric train set (above) in its original five-car
form. The metal-bodied model has both bogies of the central
power car driven from a centrally-mount-ed compact C-Sinus
motor, mfx decoder, LED lighting, interior lighting as
standard, whistle and station announcement sounds. Trix
will have a DC version.
Other items to mark 125 years of the Gotthard include
a limited edition of the famous ‘Crocodile’ as
Ce6/8III, with the Winterthur rod drive in original condition,
in Epoch II brown livery (above). The model has a compact
C-Sinus motor, mfx decoder, whistle sound, and LED lighting.
Trix have a DC version.
For Epoch III, there will be a limited edition of the
Ae8/14 double loco as No.11801 with two pantographs in
the experimental light (machine) green (above). Both units
are powered by compact C-Sinus motors via an mfx decoder,
with whistle and authentic Swiss station announcement sounds.
Again, Trix have a DC version.
Swiss modellers should also appreciate a ‘mega’ digital
start set with a 380mm x 107mm oval of C-track with a passing
loop (points with motors and decoders built-in), a Central
Station controller, and two Epoch III trains - a passenger
consisting of an Ae6/6 in green with three different Leichtstalwagen
and a Ce6/8III ‘Crocodile’ hauling four assorted
freight vehicles. Both locos are sound equipped.
For Epoch IV, there is to
be a limited edition of the Ae6/6 as No.11422 Vaud in red
livery, while for Epoch V the modern Re460 Bo-Bo will be
issued as 460 118-3 Gotthard/Gottardo - of course!
The EWIV type
WR dining car with pantograph is to be adorned with ‘elvetino’ graphics.
On the freight side, the new
19.9m underframe forms the basis of a type Rs bogie flat
on Y25 bogies, as a limited edition loaded with a high
voltage mast, and there will be a set of three type Sdgkms
multi-purpose bogie flats used by the ‘HUPAC’ company
carrying ‘Hangartner’ 20' containers and a
lorry trailer.
Austria
The BR38 4-6-0 is due as a limited edition as an ÖBB 638, with three dome
boiler, no smoke deflectors, and disc wheels on front
bogie, with Epoch II markings. The model will have the
mfx decoder, and sound.
To accompany it, there will be a limited edition set of three ‘Thunderbox’ four-wheelers
(composite, second, and baggage) with ÖBB markings.
The class 5081 diesel railcar and trailer (similar to the German VT98/VS98 but
with modified internal and window arrangements) will
be another limited edition, with mfx decoder, sound,
and LED lighting (above). When run in multiple, the intermediate
lights can be switched off. Trix will have a DC version.
Also new is a four-wheel flat wagon carrying five small tank containers lettered
for the ‘Molkereigenossenschaft Wolfsberg, Kärnten’.
Trix have a parallel two-rail model.
France/Belgium
The 50 years of TEE services are also to be marked with models representing
the Étoile du Nord, linking Paris, Brussels, and
Amsterdam.
Märklin are working on a new model of the SNCF CC40100 four-system electric
loco (above): it will have a metal body, centrally mounted
compact C-Sinus motor with flywheel, mfx decoder, sound,
and LED lighting. It represents a machine from the second
batch, in 1972 condition, and will be a limited edition.
The SNCB/NMBS equivalent, series 1800, will also be produced,
with correct detail differences (below). Trix will have
DC versions.
The appropriate stainless steel first class coaches built in 1964 will also
be produced, and to exact scale length, in two limited
edition sets: the first contains two SNCB/NMBS A8tuj
saloons, SNCF A5rtuj kitchen/diner, and SNCF A2Dxj generator
car with service compartment (below); the second consists
of two A8uj saloons and one A3rtuj Bar, all SNCF. A further
SNCB/NMBS A8tuj saloon will be available separately to
extend the train.
Belgian freight is represented
by a limited edition set of two type Rils 19.9m bogie bulkhead
flats with hooped covers in Epoch V ‘B Cargo’ turquoise
livery, running on Y25 bogies.
Luxemburg
The BR185 Bo-Bo electric with four pantographs is to be produced as a contemporary
CFL series 4000 in a train pack with three double-deck
coaches (two seconds and a composite). The model has
the fx decoder and special motor, and all axles driven.
Holland
A new variant of the NS 1200 Co-Co electric (above) is planned in classic dark
blue livery with correct Epoch III details such as doors,
ventilation grilles, and end lights, asymmetrical as
per prototype. The lighting by LEDs, and the model has
the mfx decoder, with horn sound. Trix will offer a DC
version.
There will be a new version of the MaK 1206 diesel in ‘Rail4Chem’ green & white.
New freight vehicles include a set of three type Fds four-wheel hopper wagons,
loaded with real coal inserts, with Epoch II markings,
and the new 19.9m underframe supports a type Rens bogie
lowside with steel sides and side stakes, on type Y25
bogies - this is a limited edition, with Epoch V markings.
Denmark
The BR38 (Prussian P8) 4-6-0
appears again as DSB litra T No.299, with three dome boiler,
snowplough on the front bogie. Danish asymmetrical lamps,
and national colours around the chimney. The limited edition
has a precision motor in the boiler, mfx decoder, and sound.
For Epoch V, there will be
a set of two type Lgjns four-wheel flats carrying 'Maersk
Sealand' containers, one 40' and two 20'.
Norway
There will be a limited edition of the Nohab diesel as Di3 628 in Epoch V yellow
JBV (track construction and maintenance authority) livery,
fitted with large snowploughs each end (above). As well
as the mfx decoder and sound, it has added upper work
lights and warning beacons.
Sweden
The class Ue 0-6-0 electric shunter will be offered in modified form as rebuilt
in Epoch IV/V with altered lamps, buffers, windows, and
doors, in the orange & blue SJ livery. The model has
the mfx decoder, and a miniature motor with flywheel.
For Epoch V, expect a new version of the familiar Rc2 Bo-Bo electric in the
blue & grey livery with added ‘green cargo’ lettering,
as a limited edition. The mfx decoder also provides horn
and air sounds.
Also for Epoch V is a limited
edition set of four express coaches (first, composite,
and two different seconds) as an inter-regional train in
blue livery with a red band.
America
There is to be a new version of the Pennsylvania GG1 2-C-C-2 electric in the
Tuscan red livery of the 1950s. The model is substantially
of metal construction, with a central precision motor,
and the mfx decoder offers various running, light, and
sound control options. Trix will offer a DC version,
with RP25 standard wheels and working knuckle couplers.
Trix
Most of the Trix output is two-rail DC versions of Märklin models, some
in parallel with this year’s proposals, as noted
above, others repeating previous products. Locos usually
have a five-pole motor with a flywheel, and many now
come fitted with a DCC/SX (Selectrix) dual decoder that
also automatically senses DC for conventional control.
The only new item for Epoch I is this year’s limited edition wagon for
Profi-Club members, a four-wheel beer van with raised
brake house, registered with the Bavarian railways and
lettered for the ‘Gräfl. Arco Zinnebergschen
Brauerei, Stein a.d.Traun’.
DR Epoch III - a type Tnfhs four-wheel insulated van with ‘Seefische’ branding;
a type Pwgs41 goods train crew/baggage van, with flat
roof and stove for heating.
DB Epoch III - the Langenschwalbacher short bogie stock (second, composite,
and baggage van) appear in the Trix range with DB Epoch
III markings; they are already available from Märklin.
The Trix model of the type Lbgjs598 long wheelbase four-wheel flat with five
small ‘house-to-house’ tank containers, type
Efkr, a new model, has Epoch III markings. (The Märklin
version is Epoch IV.)
The Museum wagon for the year is a G10 four-wheel van with raised brake house
in the blue livery of the ‘Lyra’ pencil factory
of Nürnberg, supplied with a matching Mercedes-Benz
L319 delivery van.
Epoch IV gets a new version of BR1200 Bo-Bo electric in original red & beige
livery. The model has an eight-pin decoder socket.
There is another new freight vehicle based on the 19.9m underframe: Trix offer
the lowside with side stakes on Y25 bogies as an Epoch
IV DR type Res(3936).
As part of the car factory theme, Trix offer a limited edition set with a type
Hbis299 sliding sidewall van with ‘Continental’ branding,
a fork lift (a Wiking model), and load of large tyres
(above, with the special livery Köf). There will
also be a plain (but weathered) Hbis299 and a type Eaos106
bogie open loaded with scrap offcuts from the body panel
pressing plant, as a limited edition.
For Epoch V, there will be a new version of the ‘Hercules’ Bo-Bo
diesel as an ER20 Dispolok in silver & yellow. Although
a budget model, it has a central motor, all axles powered,
and a dual DCC/SX decoder.
Switzerland
The TEE anniversary is marked with a new model of the RAm four-car diesel train
dating from 1957 (above), originally used on the Edelweiss
service between Amsterdam and Zürich. The set consists
of power car, compartment coach, dining car, and driving
trailer with saloon, and will be to scale length. A five-pole
skew-wound motor with flywheel will be centrally mounted
in the power car, driving both bogies. The Swiss version
will come fitted with a dual DCC/SX decoder with sound,
while the Dutch version simply has a 21-pole socket for
a decoder.
Austria
The former Bavarian PtL2/2 'Glaskasten' without jackshaft is offered in ÖBB
Epoch III markings, with a dual DCC/SX decoder.
At the other end of the time and power spectrum there is to be a brand new scale
model of the ÖBB class 1012 Bo-Bo electric, a specially designed high power machine for Austria
where steep gradients and tight curves abound; capable
of 230km/h, it was intended to replace the ageing class
1044, but only three were built before the arrival of
the more economical Taurus. Trix will offer two numbers
(002 and 003). The model (below) will have a central
skew-wound five pole motor with flywheel, all wheels
driven, a 21-pole decoder socket, and LED lighting.
The ÖBB version of the new model of the 19.9m underframe (with relieving
holes and Y25 bogies) is a Res lowside with side stakes,
in Epoch IV/V markings.
There will be a ‘rolling road’ bulk pack of eight (two end and six
intermediate) type Saadkms690 low floor bogie flats loaded
with lorries (two each of four different types - ‘Engljähringer’, ‘Neier’, ‘Unitrans’,
and ‘Frikus’). The wagons are equally divided
between ÖBB and ÖKOMBI.
Italy
The Prussian T3 0-6-0T appears as No.3 of the Museo Ferroviario Piemontese.
This loco, built by Henschel in 1907, was latterly No.2
of the Ferrovia Val Sessera (FVS), and has been preserved
since 1935. The model has a miniature motor, and a 21pole
decoder socket.
There will be a new version of the Hbbillns sliding sidewall four-wheel van
in FS Epoch V turquoise, with metal sides, and a limited
edition set of two Kbs four-wheel lowsides, one brown,
one turquoise, carrying respectively a helicopter and
a speedboat lettered for the ‘Carabinieri’.
France
SNCF examples of the new models using the 19.9m underframe on Y25 bogies are
a flat with side stakes as a type Rs80-2 (Epoch IV/V)
and a type Rils bulkhead flat with hooped cover (Epoch
V).
Sweden/Norway
The Ub 0-6-0 electric shunter is due in SJ red-brown with Epoch IV markings,
and as NSB El10 in green, both as limited editions. The
model is driven by a miniature five-pole motor with flywheel,
and equipped with a 21-pole decoder socket.
As to freight, there will be a set of three SJ type Oms four-wheel lowsides
with side stakes carrying timber loads.
AC wheelsets are available for most rolling stock.
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