I have finally decided to get into Z scale, as I don't have the room for a permanent HO scale layout. I've picked Marklin, as for one they're made in Germany instead of China, and they have both a metal shell and chassis, eliminating the need for that clunky weight underneath the shell I've found that Reynauld's Euro Imports offers two Marklin sets (81564 and 81569) for about $127, which is around the same what an N scale set made in China by Bachmann costs. One has a Class 89 steamer locomotive, the other has a V60 diesel. Which is the better locomotive? I've learned that Marklin made a large number of promo cars, which seems like they would be really fun to collect, like I do diecast models in all scales. As far as cost, I myself don't see much issues. Z Track Resale offers used track in packs of 10 for $10 each pack, which averages out to around a dollar per piece, which seems reasonable to me. Electrically operated parts such as decouplers and turnouts are $20 each, which is a little expensive to me. Are joiners needed for Marklin track? If so, are extra joiners readily available? What should I keep on hand for cleaning the locomotive and track, as well as lubrication of the locomotive? What else should I buy when I order the Starter Set? How often should I lubricate and clean everything, as I know Z locomotives tend to be very sensitive to dirty track and wheels? I plan to add on electrically operated parts such as decouplers and turnouts shortly after I buy the set. How do I wire them?
I would recommend Rokuhan track over Marklin track as the Rokuhan track is much easier to work with. It can be temporarily attached to a layout board using their clips, while various ideas are tried out. Marklin track needs to be attached using double sided tape, or by some other semi-permanent method, making changes more difficult. You could start with a R028 Oval Set or a R062 Double Oval set and a R047 Siding Set. Rokuhan turnouts come with wires attached and turnout switches are available. These might be more expensive than you want to pay, but Z scale on a tight budget is difficult. Currently, a Rokuhan uncoupler for European (i.e. Marklin) uncouplers is not available but Rokuhan have announced (re-announced) that one should be released in October 2015. (At the moment I am using Marklin uncouplers with Rokuhan track, which is a bit of an ugly lash up.) Are Marklin locomotives made in Germany? I thought currently manufactured somewhere else in Europe. Rob Pearce (aka ViperBugloss)
I second the Rokuhan track. I picked it for user freindliness because I was new to modeling trains and Z scale. It was a great choice. I use alcohol on a qtip to clean the rails. Later I got an Aztek cleaning car and LOVE it. That combination works for me. I have MTL and AZL locomotives and AZL wins hands down in my book. I have not used any Marklin products so I can comment there. Have fun. Trey
Cody, Welcome to Z. You seem to have a lot of questions and you have an interest in the European Marklin side of the hobby. Might I suggest: http://www.guidetozscale.com/index.html It's an old text, but not much has changed with Marklin over the years and it does a good job explaining the Marklin system. I have Marklin locos (mostly American mini-club) and have been happy with them, although nothing as small as the units you're looking at. One thing to understand about Marklin is that for the most part the product line is old (20+ yrs.) technology. It's not a bad thing, but expect noisy motors and to replace brushes on a regular basis. The locos prefer to run mid-throttle or faster. I'm not familiar with the locos you're looking at, but considering their size, I wouldn't expect them to pull many more cars than come with the set. Marklin has always been big on promo cars, limited run and anniversary cars and sets. The resale site and a number of examples. While I'm not a collector myself, I have several cars and have to say they are eye-catching and generally have a good story behind them. As far as track, I have to concur that the Rokuhan system is the best for operations and easiest to use. But it depends on your goals. There is a limit to how well you can make the plastic roadbed look like the real thing. If you're looking for a more realistic effect, you may want to go with the Marklin track on cork roadbed and you apply the gravel ballast. The Rokuhan turnouts look much better than the Marklin since the switch machine is under the roadbed, rather than alongside the track. The is a Rokuhan adapter: A014, that will let you mix the two tracks. Marklin recommends oil on their locos every 20 hrs. of operation. In general, I found that to be a bit too frequent and in general rely on regular inspection. I've found the maintenance cycle is more a matter of how clean the track is, more than anything else. For an oil, I use Labelle 108. I've found it works well, came recommended by the Z community, and was suggested by a Marklin rep as a substitute for their oil. The biggest problem with Z is over lubrication. When you think you have the tiniest amount possible, use half as much. Hope this helps, Mark
Cody, just so ya know, märklin also has locos, rolling stock, track and accessories made in China. Itally and Hungary too. And, even the German runs have had their quality ups and downs. This is a small scale and nothing runs perfect. But, it is a lot of fun, and much can be made with a small layout.
