The model features a more basic FX type decoder mounted inside the roof of the cab. Basic functions can be programmed like acceleration and braking delays.

Power is provided via a miniature (controlled high efficiency) motor to a worm drive. Both axles on this locomotive are powered. As you can see from the photo as well, the connection between the decoder and the motor (as well as power/return) is done via a series of copper spring contacts. This allows the locomotive to be split with no wires connecting the two halves. Care should be taken when putting it back together to ensure none of these are bent out of position.

The locomotive features all LED (white and red) headlights and markers that switch with direction.

Thanks, nice pics and description of the model !
I gotta get me a Kof one of these days ...
Howard

Thanks for detailed review and excellent photos.

Brgds - Lasse

Thanks for the review, Tulit.

I would not have expected such a tiny loco to pull more than a couple of wagons. I have the slightly larger Kof III, and that can pull at least 5 wagons with ease, but I think it looks silly with a long train anyway!

Your comment about the difficulty getting across turnouts is something I've experienced with small locos as well, and seems to be related to the springs on the slider being too strong. It just pushes the loco off the track on the higher "pukos".

Thanks again for posting such great information and lovely photos.

Hi Ray.

My problem with the turnouts in this case isn't so much derailment, rather the locomotive gets stuck spinning all four wheels. A little nudge from behind and off it goes again.

Yes, that's what I meant. It happens to me with two or three of my lightest locos.

You would need to fit grooved wheels, or have a groove machined into the existing wheels to be able to fit traction tyres.

An alternative might be to use a product called "Bullfrog Snot" (readily available in the US), which is a rubberised compound which you brush on to a locomotive's wheels while they are turning. Once the compound is dry, you then have a traction tyre. When it wears out, you repeat the process.

However, with such a small loco, I'd be worried that this might affect the proper grounding of the loco. You might end up fixing one running issue, but create another.

Edited by user 26 May 2013 08:37:04(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

The RRP 2013 for this MHI loco is 159 Euros (incl. VAT). It's a 2006 model.
I got mine in 2008 for less than 100 Euros (incl. VAT) - and I think it is worth it.

This loco is a must-have for any serious collector of blue locos.

Two dealers still offer them NEW on eBay. One asks for the RRP, the other asks for even more. Don't wait too long to get a model - OTOH the dealers that still have it may reduce their prices some day ...

The Köf II was made by Märklin in dozens of liveries. The review is also useful if you're after another livery.
Future models include Telex and RRP is around 190 Euros.

Here's a quote from the manual:
Despite that, they sold trainsets with Köf II and two four-axle freight cars.

Even without grades, turnouts can be a problem even with short trains. So make sure the train gets enough speed before crossing turnouts.

I attach a picture of a Ka/Ks that was taken to the limits. It got that train going, but it came to a standstill with slipping wheels later on.

Hi, Tulit:

You said:"Unfortunately even with the magnets the locomotive still lacks much traction. You won't be able to pull more than one or two relatively light wagons at once on flat grades (forget about any gradients). The locomotive even sometimes has trouble gaining enough traction on it's own to make its way across turnouts (I've only tested on C-track). "

Each and every locomotive I have can do all of the above without a problem. The only exception are the battery-operated ones that give me some issues on turnouts.

To me a a train is a toy, not an item of collection. It has to be fast, raggedy and capable of pulling a few wagons. If it cannot do any of the above it seems useless to me. Then again, I am not a collector.

As for the price of my locos, the most I have spent for each of two locos is $110 Euros. One was digital, brand new (36614, see below) ), and the other one about 50 years old (3035, see my avatar).

For very different reasons, they both turned out to be unsatisfactory. You may have seen my postings on point here in this forum.

I have been in this hobby for less than a year and have not had much luck with Marklin. Walthers so far has offered me better value for my money.

I do apologize if I have offended anyone by referring to this loco as useless.

Cheers.

Silvano

Hi!
The Köf II is amongst the slowest locomotives that were ever made (with respect to Märklin and prototype).
It is slow, it is a weak puller, it is finely detailed and nice to look at - and it can pull a few cars around a layout.

If you're looking for fast, strong, and cheap locos, don't get a Köf II.

Many digital MRR fans look for locos that can drive really slow, but at a constant speed.