The locomotive features 4 mechanically operating pantographs, though like most modern Marklin models, they are no longer capable of drawing power. There's a fair amount of additional detail of vents as well as electrical busses and insulators although some of the colours and their scale seem a bit off.

If upgrading the decoder, the locomotive also has NEM coupler pockets. This would lend itself well to adding telex couplers.

Overall a nice locomotive for the price that even advanced modellers I think will be able to appreciate.

Hi,
Thanks for the review.
The model is not all bad. The RRP (2012) is € 129.95.
But it has yellow LEDs, a very basic decoder, the NEM pockets are far away from the loco (there is a replacement from M*, have to check if it's back in stock again).

I'm not willing to pay more than € 80 for what they have to offer. But that's a personal decision.
I bought TRAXX models from Roco or Trix for less than € 100 - no metal body, no yellow LEDs, not so many integrated details (separately applied details instead).
Another competitor is Piko - they offer old TRAXX models in their Hobby range and newer TRAXX models in their Expert range.

My review of the 36608 can be found here:
https://www.marklin-user...28-TRAXX-Locomotive.aspx

I like these TRAXX locos, and they can generally be picked up between 80 to 120 euros inc VAT. The fact that Marklin can produce models of this quality at these prices is very good. The 36850 Br185 was one of the first models I purchased back in 2005 when I was getting back into the Marklin hobby. At the time, I couldn't believe how cheap they were.

You have to be careful with the one piece led lights with cable as they seem to fail quite easily. I had one fail on my 36850, and I recently noticed a friend had 2 on his 36850, and one on another Marklin TRAXX loco. Since the early models, Marklin has now included plastic protectors to protect the lights from damage. I believe they are retro fittable, but I can't remember what the part no is.

Edited by user 05 January 2013 21:24:58(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Thanks for the review and the nice photos.

I have the Maerklin 36606, the Roco 68506 and the Trix 22631. All three models represent the second series of Re 482 (482 035 to 482 049). The Maerklin and Roco models are factory AC. The Trix model is DC, but I hope to have it converted to AC this year.

I like the idea of Maerklin having a Hobby series for children. However, the Traxx series, along with the ES64U (Taurus) and a few other designs are rapidly becoming the standard locomotive types throughout Europe and elsewhere in the world. It would make sense to me that Maerklin should also have a regular model of this type of locomotive for more advanced modellers. I, personally, would not mind if Maerklin would market AC versions of the Trix locomotives, even though the shell is made of plastic.

Maerklin seems to have made the decision to offer these Hobby loks for a cheap(er) price, and to offer decoder upgrades and sound functions which bring these "Hobby" models up to the price of a regular model.
The MSRP for the 36606 is EUR 129,95. Add to that the decoder with sound which lists at 99,95 and you have a lok with a price of 229,90, so you are getting a sound lok with minimal details for a similar price to fancier models.

Detail wise, the Roco and Trix models are more detailed than the Maerklin "Hobby" model. This includes more detailed lok body, parts like brake pads, pantographs, roof wiring, handrails and footsteps, and so on. The Roco and Trix models also come with standard 3 x white /2 x red lighting and white LEDs.

The Roco model comes with the "Flusterschleifer" which makes for a very quiet ride. The Trix lok has a mounting for the standard Maerklin slider (same as the Re 4/4II and Re 6/6 and presumably other models), so conversion should be relatively simple.

Here is a link to an earlier thread about the Re 482 models with some photos I posted a while back:
https://www.marklin-user...find=lastpost#post321354

One final thing to consider is that the original 36850/36851 had a MSRP of 89,95 when they were first released. The current models of the same series are now retailing with a MSRP of 129,95, which is quite a mark-up for entry level products.

I don't mind the Hobby loks for some consists. I use them with some freight trains made up of pretty basic cars. For the fancier passenger trains or more detailled freights, I much prefer the Roco or Trix models.
For the record, there are also models from RailTop and ACME, but I do not have any of those in my collection.

Regards

Mike C

Mark's suggestion to upgrade the lights using the Luessi kit will add an extra amount to the cost. I have also seen photos in some European photos of models where the Maerklin roof wiring was replaced by similar parts from Roco or ACME models. I guess that you could use the generic 8 pin loksound decoder for Traxx loks with the Luessi interface, which would replace the need for the MsD decoder, but the end price would still add over 100 EUR to the MSRP of 129,99.

Regards

Mike C

Hi

I have some questions about my BR482 SBB Cargo.

First for all, I apollogice for my english, it's basic.

Down the loco I can see a ref. number: H7304645, it is a SBB Cargo 482 011-4 and I lost the specifications document, but I think is AC Digital with 3 positiver connector under the Boggie.

Well, I have a HO DC circuit and I want to know, if it's possible, How can I convert this locomotive to DC analog?

I know, the axis isn't isolated electrically and I need to do it to work on DC line, but the motor and the decoders Is it necessary to change or eliminate?

I need to know how can I convert thi loco to work in DC analog circuit.

Thanks

Sergio

I'm with you on this one I like these locos, there not as detailed as the more up market models. but they still look ok with older Marklin wagons and can look good weathered, as I have done. It's sold out at Marklin but the Euro cargo rail 186 appears to have greater paint detail than others, to reflect the 186 difference with the 185. The 186 is a basic model and should be made by Marklin as a detailed model. But for know it will do as a cheap version and I may get the ECR version if I can get hold of one!

The decoder of a Märklin TRAXX will not work with DC AFAIK. The decoder of a Trix TRAXX loco will work with DC.

You can buy Märklin 60949 (RRP €99.99): you get a sound decoder that supports DC, but loco keeps yellow LEDs. Trix TRAXX would be cheaper.
You can buy a decoder PCB from e.g. Modellbau Schönwitz for € 30. Warmwhite LEDs are included, decoder has to be bought separately (about €30). You'll have white LEDs - but Trix TRAXX may still be cheaper.

You're correct. 60949 will have the elok sounds loaded on it.