In 1938 Märklin came up with the overhead wire system.
“Through the combination of overhead wire and third rail, it is possible to operate two trains under fully independent control. In such a case one locomotive receive its power through the center rail while the other one picks up power through the panthographs from the overhead wire ….” (quotation from Märklin catalog)
In order to introduce this new system to the public, Märklin suggested the layout 800/216 to the dealers.




I had the space – so I started my third project – layout 800/216 !










To improve the “playing options”, I added the turntable 410 H to the layout.
Have a look at HS 700, HR 700, TWE 700 and HR 800 .1

In 1938 Märklin came up with the overhead wire system.
“Through the combination of overhead wire and third rail, it is possible to operate two trains under fully independent control. In such a case one locomotive receive its power through the center rail while the other one picks up power through the panthographs from the overhead wire ….” (quotation from Märklin catalog)
In order to introduce this new system to the public, Märklin suggested the layout 800/216 to the dealers.




I had the space – so I started my third project – layout 800/216 !










To improve the “playing options”, I added the turntable 410 H to the layout.
Have a look at HS 700, HR 700, TWE 700 and HR 800 .1

In 1938 Märklin came up with the overhead wire system.
“Through the combination of overhead wire and third rail, it is possible to operate two trains under fully independent control. In such a case one locomotive receive its power through the center rail while the other one picks up power through the panthographs from the overhead wire ….” (quotation from Märklin catalog)
In order to introduce this new system to the public, Märklin suggested the layout 800/216 to the dealers.




I had the space – so I started my third project – layout 800/216 !










To improve the “playing options”, I added the turntable 410 H to the layout.
Have a look at HS 700, HR 700, TWE 700 and HR 800 .1







Regards Wolf

Hello Wolf,

With your large collection and all the years you had them for, you might be able to answer this. Have you had any of your engines -that remained perfect until the mid/late 1980's- developing zinc pest only in the last few decades? Or is it something that always started showing the problem in the 60/70?

Thank you!
Alex

Hi Wolf

WOW - absolutely lovely.

Mike

Hello Wolf

I had no idea the problem appeared as early as that. Neither about the replacement parts provided by Marklin creating this controversy about originality.

I am relatively new to this forum too but while the subject of zinc pest keeps resurfacing here regularly. However, I have not yet seen a complete historical explanation on when the problem started to appear after production, the reaction from buyers and the company and how it all evolved since the problem appeared.

The problem is very extensive and an important one that affected many companies not just Marklin. Even today you still see from time to time products that suffer from casting and alloy problems. I am sure if you are ever willing to to write what you know about it many people would be very grateful. Thank you!