Hello friends,

I was originally looking for a steam loco, as I don't have one yet, but I cannot find anything new that REALLY catches my eye right now, although there are many possible candidates, most of them are on eBay and I prefer buying new if given the chance.

So I started looking at older electric locos instead, and narrowed it down to the Ce 6/8 II Crocodile (39595) and the "Prussian Crocodile" E71 insider (39771).

One dealer near me still has one or two E71 insider locos for sale new in storage, but they also have the Swiss Croc on discount, so they would cost just about the same right now (about 460 euros)

On one hand, it would be very cool to have a crocodile, as its very iconic, fully metal and it would indeed be my first croc. On the other hand, the E71 is unique, and I have an opportunity to buy one new, it would also be my first insider loco.

So, what are your opinions? I created a poll so you can vote if you want, for those of you who own one of these or both, how are you finding them?

I don't like crocs and only collect steamers so would not buy either one. I think crocs were for mountain railroads with switchbacks. They are not appropriate to flat layouts. I love my S 2/6's, S 3/6's and B VI's. Bought most of them used and have had few problems.

Dear Märklin friend,
you absolutely need to get a Crocodile in your collection and the brown one is a must!!
Enjoy it!
Best regards
Stefano

I've got a green Marklin Hamo SBB croc analog, a brown Marklin Setal, and a blue Roco fat little girl E 70 dc analog with the DB 40 year anniversary thunderbox set. Only the Setal is metal.unfortunately, it suffered a broken nose joint.

Hi
It depends on your intentions.

1. Are you planning to have a permanent layout in the future, and if so how large?
If it is a small layout, I would go for the E71. It is a brilliant model.

2. If you are a collector only, go for the larger Crocodile because that will always be the most recognisable model into the future.

Kimball

My initial thought! But then I started questioning myself



I think I might just get the brown Croc:)



I am not planning on getting a permanent layout any time soon, part of the joy and benefit of C-track for me is the ability to try new track plans etc.

I must admit I am currently leaning towards the larger Croc, but the E71 is a real nice model.



This is what is keeping me from getting the brown Croc right away! And the alure of an insider-only model is there as well.

You can go to youtube and search for both marklin 39771 and marklin 39595 to get some impressions of them... and maybe think twice before getting any of them.

The crocodiles were used on the Gotthard route and were to be found up and down the route, operating from Basel to Chiasso.
Later on, they were used on other routes as well, notably for the heavy gravel trains from the north to the south, notably the Weiacher Kiss train, but also on other routes. Over time, they were replaced by Ae 6/6 and Re 6/6s in most operations.

Regards

Mike C

Until I can get my hands on the rolling stock that go with it, I think the insider car for 2023 would look alright, and I also have a lovely Underberg car that will fit perfectly:)

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Yes, thunderbox coaches and other era 2 short freight and passenger cars.

What a beautiful layout you have there, very nicely done. The E71 does look incredible in that scenery, and fits together nicely with the dark-green rolling stock as well!

Enjoy it! The cab lighting is rather whitish for an era 2 model.