You can check if this spare part is similar to another from a later or much later model of crododile,it is a common practise from marklin.Find it and order a new one.Searching on ebay.de is another option.

Steve, since your models pilot truck is no longer available, and even though they do show up occasionally on ebay you may want to consider one of the new style, perhaps the the one from the 39561, Märklin part #220639. You could switch the wheels with your current set to keep the finish matching. I am not sure if the new part will take a 701560 coupler, but if not, you could use one of the NEM pocket types.

Here is a link to the sold listing of the original part:

Märklin 259680 Laufgestell

Good luck in your search,

Gordon

John, All very good, but what I was thinking, is that in place of the coupler shaft/pocket (NEM) on the new bogie, the old style/earlier coupler should mount to the new part as it has similar vertical mounting pins and side springs. That would be good if Steve wanted to stay with the original coupler and look, otherwise I would just go with the new style.

Since Steve's loco is Brown w/ black, I think he would be better served with the 39561 part, # 220639, for some crazy reason it is cheaper as well

Cheers,
Gordon

https://www.maerklinshop.de/serv...d=2&mn=mklshopwindow

# 39 Laufgestell (komplett) 259680

# 42 Kupplung 701560

http://www.ebay.it/itm/Marklin-...&hash=item4aea349bfb

Hope that helps. Nothing that a little Matt black wont fix

Dave...

Dave,
you will notice for some strange reason your spare part you've listed is not available 259680


John

If you are in Virginia, you should check with Helmut's Hobby to see if Scott can help you.
I found this listing on ebay: http://www.ebay.de/itm/M...-Be6-8III-/321784552896?
I also found this one: http://www.ebay.at/itm/M...-Be6-8III-/361321848900?

I am not sure if it is the same colour as the one from the 3352.

You should also check with APC Adams in Germany. I wonder if Alex Stelzer in Switzerland (see Maerklin.ch under service) might also have an inventory of older parts.

Here is a list of items you can search for on ebay.de: "(3056, 3359, 3352, 3356, 3552, 3300, 3556, 3652, 3656, 3756, 39560, 39561, 39562, 39563, 37569, 39569) maerklin"
A few years back, I managed to get some rare spare parts for my RET800/3014 from kolibri.ch, so keep checking dealers until you find what you are looking for.

You should also check with Jacques Vuyes, Scott (Helmut's) or one of our other experts whether you can swap out the newer pieces and install the adapter for the close coupling head on your loco, in which case you would need to upgrade both ends.

Regards

Mike C