Embedded Files
Märklin the manufacturer
Märklin the manufacturer
Märklin's motto - Märklin HO - die Modelleisenbahn mit dem klaren System - (Märklin HO - the Model Railway with the distinctive System). The trains are unique in that the most common scale – HO – was invented by the company, and has continued with the original theme of using a three rail pickup system with the motors being fed from alternating current. The third rail enables trackwork to be developed without the complexity of polarity switching in loops. Alternating current motors use field coils rather than the permanent magnets which weaken their field strength with time.
Märklin is based in Germany as the world's largest manufacturer of model railways and has a history stretching back to 1859. The beginnings were devoted to the manufacture of dolls furniture by Wilhelm Märklin and his wife Caroline. Production has included model airships, ships, steam engines, carousels, automobiles and a proprietory Meccano. The original locomotives were primitive tinplate 'carpet runners' without track, and developed into clockwork and steam powered models on track. Older toys have become collectors items and have auctions with devoted followers.
SBB class Ae6/8 1'C+C1' "Crocodile
Railways now dominate Märklin production in three scales:
Railways now dominate Märklin production in three scales:
HO (scale 1:87.1 or 3.5mm to the foot) was invented by Märklin and introduced in 1935. This scale ratio originated from when the prototype plans were in Imperial measurement and the scale models built in Metric. Before the second world war models were exported to Britain painted in the big four colour schemes.
Z (scale 1:220) was invented by Märklin and introduced in 1972 with a track gauge of 6.5mm, smaller than N scale. The smallest Z scale locomotive will fit inside a walnut shell - as proudly demonstrated in company literature.
No1 (scale 1:32) was introduced in 1925 with electric motors, to the detriment of the company's production of clockwork II and III gauge models. Märklin has continued development of models with the concepts of digital multiple train control and on board sound. The oldest digital setup was originally developed for control by a Commodore 64. A Z gauge digital system was available for two years, but proved untenable.
DB class 85 2-10-2 Tank Loco
Some Compatible Manufacturers for the HO scale 3 Rail AC system
Some Compatible Manufacturers for the HO scale 3 Rail AC system
Other companies produce compatible models for the HO system, with a third rail pickup for the locomotives and a special reversing chip to handle the Märklin reversing pulse. Wheelsets are usually exchanged to obtain wheels with deeper flanges and non insulated axles.
Märklin – Built to last, though expensive. A perfect example is a 1958 0-6-0 tank locomotive, still running strong since its purchase over six decades ago.
Primex – The supermarket brand of Märklin. Now integrated into the mainstream Märklin catalog as the Hobby series. Märklin with simplified detailing and lower cost.
Piko – Originally East German models, now modern European electric and diesel locos, and German steam. Competitively priced but with less detail than Märklin.
HAG – Prototype electric locomotives and railcars from a small Swiss firm. Ruggedly built with slightly less detail than Märklin. Very expensive.
Roco – Accurate models of North European trains, but appear to be delicate. The 3 rail AC locomotives are modifications of 2 rail models. Moderately priced.
Fleischmann – Well built competitor for Märklin. The 3 rail AC locomotives are modifications of 2 rail models. Expensively priced.
Do It Yourself – You may be able to convert your own 2 rail loco to the Märklin system with the inclusion of a third rail pickup shoe and a reversing mechanism.
Google Sites
Report abuse