Joined: 19/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 128
Location: Maryland
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All,
My understanding is that now Marklin makes several models of locomotives in China. Can anyone confrim this and what models are now made there? Is the quality comparible to models still made in Germany?
Regards, Kevin
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 Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,772 Location: New Zealand
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I don't know about locos, but there were freight cars, etc made in China. We had a big long thread about this topic about a year and a half ago.
AFAIK most Marklin locos are made in either Germany or at the Marklin plant in Gyor, Hungary. I should imagine that the only Marklin locos made in China would be the locos in the cheapie starter sets.
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 Joined: 27/08/2005(UTC) Posts: 11,071 Location: Murrumba Downs QLD
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Bigdaddynz wrote:I don't know about locos, but there were freight cars, etc made in China. We had a big long thread about this topic about a year and a half ago.
AFAIK most Marklin locos are made in either Germany or at the Marklin plant in Gyor, Hungary. I should imagine that the only Marklin locos made in China would be the locos in the cheapie starter sets. The plant (Sanda Kan??) that they were using cancelled most of the Contracts they had for "Foreign" Firms so as to increase production of their own Lines of Model trains. Not sure if M found anothr manufacturer or not. NN |
NOt wearing the Pink Pinny, which is hard to see and now I have a white Pinny which also is hard to see against MY pure white Skin Still have 2 new shiny tin Hips that is badly in Need of Repair matching rusting tin shoulders
and a hose pipe on the aorta
Junior member of the Banana Club, a reformist and an old Goat with a Bad memory, loafing around |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,446
Location: DE-NW
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Kevin Weis wrote:My understanding is that now Marklin makes several models of locomotives in China. Märklin has factories in Germany and Hungary. They said they keep the metal technology in Germany. Because of the insolvency, there were many news reports with films made in Germany. Nowadays there also is Märklin TV. You could see them assembling e. g. Insider locos or Bellingrodt locos in Germany. Hungary makes plastic locos (e. g. TGV, Gläserner Zug). While Märklin has no factory in China, they have contracts with companies there. Rumours say a lot of the Z scale stuff and much of the US stuff is made there. Nev already said their contractor in China cancelled the contract and Märklin said this came as a surprise but wasn't a problem because they already had the intention to shift production from China to their own plant in Hungary. Rumours say the Köf II was made in China. I don't know for sure. I've never seen a "Made in China" sticker on a Märklin product. But our US members may be able to name some items. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
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 Joined: 01/02/2007(UTC) Posts: 729 Location: Ontario
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Yes, I can tell for sue that at least one locomotive is made in China. And yes, Köf II is made in China. OK, not sure if it is Köf II or other Köf, but I do have one from 2007-2008 and has the Made in China sticker. I will check and update the post later today or tomorrow. I was disappointed to see such a sticker on one of my locos, but honestly never had an issue with it. I believe ther is another loco like that, but again I have to check. Also, there is a car, the Nescafe one, which is Made in China. And the Marklin "Rheingold" Express Train Passenger Car Set Item# 41928 is also Made in China. This set already had issues and had to be sent to the factory for repairs.  |
DRG, DB and SBB
Era II, III and IV
Sincerely,
Sebastian |
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 Joined: 30/01/2006(UTC) Posts: 1,893 Location: Keene, NH
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H0 wrote:Hungary makes plastic locos (e. g. TGV, Gläserner Zug). Most of the Hobby lok series (metal bodies) are made in Hungary and my 39421 Re 4/4 I was made in Hungary. My 36743 Belgium tank lok was made in China. |
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Joined: 19/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 128
Location: Maryland
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Thanks for the response! Well specifically I'm interested in purchasing a 36241 which I believe is a fairly new item (2010?). I believe it is mostly metal except maybe for the cab section?? Being supposedly a fairly new item I need to know if there is a China connection on this loc. Can't bring myself to buy it if it is made there (no offense). Maybe it's my German roots. Anyways, any information anybody can provide on this locomotive is much appreciated.
Regards, Kevin
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 Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,870 Location: Gibraltar, Europe
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Don't buy it! It probably has some hidden Chinese components.
In fact, maybe you should avoid Marklin altogether, and go for something safe, like Hornby, or Bachmann, or virtually any other maker.
Good luck on your crusade! |
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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Joined: 08/01/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,218 Location: Shady Shores, TX - USA
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Keven,
Most likely the 36241 it was Assembled in Germany but it could be Hungry, I have gotten some small cheep freight cars back in 2006 that say made in China, good price and good quality, but even the last freight car that I got, a flat car with a DHL van on it didn't have the made in china mark on it, showed made in Hungry. The US has import laws that require the manufacture origin has to be shown where more than 50% of the product was assembled, which can cause problems with sets because you could have an Loc made in Germany a freight car made in Hungry and three other fright cars made in china, so where does the set say its made China.
There were some quality problems around 2006 and 2007 the first batch of mobile station 1 had big problems but since then I think marklin has made a big turn around. And since the 36241 is new you shouldn't have any problems.
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DT
Now powered by ECoS II unit#2, RocRail
era - some time in the future when the space time continuum is disrupted and ICE 3 Trains run on the same rails as the Adler and BR18's. |
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 Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 31,692 Location: United Kingdom
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I think the loco was made in Europe.
What about motor/decoder? |
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy. |
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 Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,457 Location: Scotland
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Almost everything I buy has been made or part made in or around China. If the quality is good then thats fine and hopefully the workers are getting a reasonable days pay for their efforts.
I would like to buy goods made in the UK but it is almost impossible as the selection (other than food) is so small.
I would not mind paying a bit extra for home products but most just go for the cheaper option.
dave |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
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Joined: 19/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 128
Location: Maryland
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Ray, All, I'm not saying if some parts of a marklin product made in China it's no good. I'm just looking for something that if it is made there, it's been proven good. You got to look at the history of manufacturing there. Historicly the precision of the tooling and quality of material was questionable no matter who's name was put on it. But I'm sure it's significantly better now. Same thing post-war Japan. Didn't mean to stir up a hornets nest on this. Just wanted to know whats going on with it. Thanks all, good, bad, or indifferent.
Regards, Kevin
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Joined: 27/07/2009(UTC) Posts: 5,862 Location: Leesburg,VA.USA
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Hi, 6 months ago I purchased the 3 car tanker set DB 46460. It is the first item I have ever bought of Maerklin's that says "made in china". I must say the cars are fine and the detail is great. I understand that Maerklin had a quality control person there in China. I am happy now that they are not using China anymore and I hope this is permanent.
Cheers,Peter
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Joined: 19/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 128
Location: Maryland
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All, I just heard back for the current owner of the 36241 locomotive. She confirms it does say made in China. Mayby this is not a new item and is a few years old???
Regards, Kevin
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Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 31,692 Location: United Kingdom
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Have anyone see 'Made in China' sticker on box few years ago? |
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy. |
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 Joined: 16/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,752 Location: Jakarta
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If an item got a Marklin sticker on it, that should be good enough. We should expect Marklin-quality from what we bought. If not satisfied, we can/should lodge our complain to our dealer or Marklin customer service.
I don't think it's worth it to hunt down the lineage of each model and trying to find where it was made/assembled. I don't think if you ask Marklin they'd want to tell you either. Today, it maybe assembled in Germany/Hungary. Tomorrow, who can guarantee that they'd not move the production elsewhere?
What matter is the end quality of the model that you're after. What are its strength and weaknesses? Is there a known trouble spot with the model? Can you live with its weaknesses?
(there is no such thing as a perfect model, btw)
Btw, do you know that more than 95% of global production of electronic components are from Asian countries?
You can probably safely bet that this is where most of Marklin electronics are made/sub-contracted for assembly. Think about those new in-house MFX decoder or the flash new CS2.
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Now collecting C-Sine models. |
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 Joined: 01/05/2010(UTC) Posts: 303 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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Seasons greetings friends,today I purchased a Sthil brushcutter which I know is of German origin, only to find to find it labelled
made in Brazil.Baring what seemed to be a small assembly problem with the gearbox during the demonstration,which was sorted out immediately by the agents in S.A.,the machine works well.Early days I know,but we will have to get used to living in a global village and hope we have a global
quality standard.Hope & pray!!!
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Joined: 27/07/2009(UTC) Posts: 5,862 Location: Leesburg,VA.USA
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Jay wrote:Seasons greetings friends,today I purchased a Sthil brushcutter which I know is of German origin, only to find to find it labelled
made in Brazil.Baring what seemed to be a small assembly problem with the gearbox during the demonstration,which was sorted out immediately by the agents in S.A.,the machine works well.Early days I know,but we will have to get used to living in a global village and hope we have a global
quality standard.Hope & pray!!! Yes, Jay you're absolutely right about the global village philosophy. It must prevail but there must also be a moral global quality control. I have absolutely nothing against the Chinese people but I and many others were victims of a greedy breach of trust by the pet food company that produced in China dog and cat food which , it was found out, was added with plastic as a filler in the food. These kinds of practices should be punished severely. Peter 
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Joined: 27/08/2005(UTC) Posts: 11,071 Location: Murrumba Downs QLD
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Mercedes Cars Made in South Africa or Thailand Available at your friendly Dealer in Australia.
(Not Germany) |
NOt wearing the Pink Pinny, which is hard to see and now I have a white Pinny which also is hard to see against MY pure white Skin Still have 2 new shiny tin Hips that is badly in Need of Repair matching rusting tin shoulders
and a hose pipe on the aorta
Junior member of the Banana Club, a reformist and an old Goat with a Bad memory, loafing around |
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Joined: 19/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 128
Location: Maryland
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TimR, All, Agreed, the Marklin name on the box should garantee it's qualtiy no matter where it's made. Based in response on this thread I'd say that's the case.
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Joined: 30/11/2010(UTC)
Posts: 725
Location: Stamford, CT USA
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Some say:
If it's not made in Scotland, it's Junk (spelled C.R.A.P)
The US comedy show Saturday Night Live did a whole skit based on this concept :)
Another option is to avoid the whole issue and buy only vintage (pre '90's) Marklin. :)
Happy Regards,
Paul
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Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC) Posts: 12,139 Location: New York, NY
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nevw wrote:
Mercedes Cars Made in South Africa or Thailand Available at your friendly Dealer in Australia. (Not Germany)
Now what, Nevvie. American Dodge cars with break-away axles from crappy German Mercedes E-Class. Not USA. Thank you very much  |
I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide
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 Joined: 29/04/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,391 Location: Chennai
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When I buy a premium product like Marklin, I will not be happy if it has a Made in China sticker on it however good the quality is.
If an item is made in China, the price should reflect it. |
Gautham
Atlanta, GA USA |
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Joined: 29/04/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,391 Location: Chennai
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john black wrote:nevw wrote:
Mercedes Cars Made in South Africa or Thailand Available at your friendly Dealer in Australia. (Not Germany)
Now what, Nevvie. American Dodge cars with break-away axles from crappy German Mercedes E-Class. Not USA. Thank you very much Actualy, a lot of Chrysler vehicles coming out now are built on old Mercedes designed platforms (from the days they were one company). |
Gautham
Atlanta, GA USA |
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Joined: 19/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 128
Location: Maryland
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It seems that the price is being reflected on the ones mande in China. From what I've been able to see the ones made in China appears to be mostly the entry level models that have a price range of around $138 - $200 or so. It seems that ones that have a substantial purchase price are the ones still or are being made in Europe. I will say on the photos of the ones that I've seen that are apprantly made in China seem very well detailed and pleasing to the eye, typical Marklin quality. Someone else may have another opinion. Now I'll probably end up buying one to satisfy my curiosity on this.
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Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC) Posts: 12,139 Location: New York, NY
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I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide
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Joined: 27/08/2005(UTC) Posts: 11,071 Location: Murrumba Downs QLD
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U R Lucky. Lemon Laws here Exclude Motor Vehicles NN   |
NOt wearing the Pink Pinny, which is hard to see and now I have a white Pinny which also is hard to see against MY pure white Skin Still have 2 new shiny tin Hips that is badly in Need of Repair matching rusting tin shoulders
and a hose pipe on the aorta
Junior member of the Banana Club, a reformist and an old Goat with a Bad memory, loafing around |
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Joined: 15/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 1,591
Location: Pennsylvania
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steventrain wrote:Have anyone see 'Made in China' sticker on box few years ago? I just bought several 4MFOR cars with tanks - all of the boxes (ex. the gepard flakpanzer and MAB truck) had a :made in china" sticker on it. I have several others, regular marklin, with the same sticker.
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Joined: 27/08/2005(UTC) Posts: 11,071 Location: Murrumba Downs QLD
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Similar Here. MAny Wagons had Made in China Sticker,, but only on items purchased from the USA. Same item from Europe No sticker.
NN |
NOt wearing the Pink Pinny, which is hard to see and now I have a white Pinny which also is hard to see against MY pure white Skin Still have 2 new shiny tin Hips that is badly in Need of Repair matching rusting tin shoulders
and a hose pipe on the aorta
Junior member of the Banana Club, a reformist and an old Goat with a Bad memory, loafing around |
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Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,772 Location: New Zealand
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nevw wrote:...but only on items purchased from the USA. Yup, same here. I don't buy much Marklin from the US, but the last loco I brought (39121 E10.3) had a made in Hungary sticker on it.
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Joined: 10/01/2010(UTC) Posts: 64 Location: Pennsylvania,USA
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I recently picked up Marklin#37256 DRB steam powered rail car (very well detailed and overall nice model) and where is it made?...China. I would rather see a "made in Germany" sticker on everything from M but I still like the model. This happened with Lionel years ago. |
Kev
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Joined: 16/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,752 Location: Jakarta
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2002 seemed to be the last year that Marklin stamped "Made in Germany" on their locos.
I noticed that my 2003 model no longer has this - I would presume that 2003 was when they started to diversify their production base. |
Now collecting C-Sine models. |
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Joined: 10/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 2,162
Location: Portugal
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Once in New York, I saw a Hugo Boss (German brand) store where they had a sale running. I went in and bought a very nice raincoat for a good price. I went back home (Portugal), and only then looked at the sticker saying "Made in Portugal". How about that?
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Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,278
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Didn´t Michael Pluta said by confirm,that ours products has become worse quality by producing in other foriegns states...? |
H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,870 Location: Gibraltar, Europe
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Goofy wrote:Didn´t Michael Pluta said by confirm,that ours products has become worse quality by producing in other foriegns states...? I think I read somewhere that he said they were getting some quality control issues. This is why they were thinking of bringing all production back to their European plants. |
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,446
Location: DE-NW
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Goofy wrote:Didn´t Michael Pluta said by confirm,that ours products has become worse quality by producing in other foriegns states...? I don't remember ever seeing such a statement from Mr. Pluta. A newspaper quoted unnamed insiders: Quote:Die Fertigung von einzelnen Märklin-Komponenten - beispielsweise für die Starterpackung - in China hatte bei dem Göppinger Modellbahnhersteller offenbar immer wieder für Probleme gesorgt. Lieferschwierigkeiten der chinesischen Partner und Qualitätsmängel brachten nicht selten die Produktion ins Stocken, berichten Firmeninsider. Source: http://www.swp.de/goeppi...oeppingen/art5583,531398Handoptimized google translation: "The production of Märklin components - e. g. for the starter packs - in China had led to problems for the model train manufacturer at Göppingen. Delivery problems of the Chinese partner and quality issues often brought production to a halt, report company insiders." |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS |
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Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,870 Location: Gibraltar, Europe
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Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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Joined: 19/03/2010(UTC) Posts: 474 Location: Hudson FL
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My newest engine was made in China, I do like it and the price $150 on Ebay brand new is fair however I think they should be made in Europe rather than Red China? here is a video I made of it. Matt
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 Joined: 31/05/2007(UTC) Posts: 534
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Hello,
generally all the locos affected by Zinkpest were produced in China. This means E71 and Köf. Who wonders about that??
The Kittel was done in China too, that's why the body was bended in the front cabin nearly on all Kittel.
Who complained got his money back, because Märklin was not able to change it with a good one and Sandakan is not producing anymore for them.
rgds
Stephan
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Joined: 06/04/2008(UTC)
Posts: 1,573
Location: ,
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My koff is from China. My very exspensive 49950 digital crane set also China.
Now about the Chrysler products on mercedes platforms; Remember, that I know my cars. There were 2. Only TWO. The Crossfire shared underpinnings with the SL, and was assembled in Germany on the same production line. Second, the Pacifica. Very heavy, exspensive, and discontinued, was rumored to share the rear lower control arms with the previous generatin E class. I have seen both vehicles from the bottom, on a hoist, at Chrysler HQ in Auiburn Hills Michigan where my brother in law works. The two don't look anything alike underneath.
If chrysler will be sharing any design segments with anyone fron now on, it will be Fiat-Spa
Their new mostly owner.
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Joined: 05/06/2009(UTC) Posts: 424 Location: Boksburg, Gauteng
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Originally Posted by: spitzenklasse  .............Now about the Chrysler products on mercedes platforms; Remember, that I know my cars. There were 2. Only TWO. The Crossfire shared underpinnings with the SL, and was assembled in Germany on the same production line. Second, the Pacifica. Very heavy, exspensive, and discontinued, was rumored to share the rear lower control arms with the previous generatin E class. I have seen both vehicles from the bottom, on a hoist, at Chrysler HQ in Auiburn Hills Michigan where my brother in law works. The two don't look anything alike underneath.
If chrysler will be sharing any design segments with anyone fron now on, it will be Fiat-Spa
Their new mostly owner. This is OT, go place it on NMR. |
Marius in Africa
HO, ECoS 2, Märklin C-track, any country, any design, any era & any brand which i like. |
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 Joined: 04/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 1,062 Location: Neu-Ulm, Bavaria
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Goofy:Quote:Didn´t Michael Pluta said by confirm,that ours products has become worse quality by producing in other foriegns states...? Originally Posted by: H0 I don't remember ever seeing such a statement from Mr. Pluta.
I believe that I have found a quote confirming Goofy in an old interview: "Wir haben es bisher geschafft. Aber wir produzieren ja nicht nur in Göppingen, sondern auch in Ungarn, wo wir dieselben Produkte herstellen können. Darüber hinaus haben wir aber leider - muss ich sagen - Zulieferer in China, die für uns inzwischen aber ein Problem darstellen. Inwiefern ein Problem? Weil die nicht ganz die Lieferzuverlässigkeit haben, wie wir sie erwarten." Linkaddress: Stuttgarter ZeitungMany regards, Hans |
I like M-track and my things that run on it were built between 1959 and 1972. |
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Joined: 29/04/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,391 Location: Chennai
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Originally Posted by: spitzenklasse Now about the Chrysler products on mercedes platforms; Remember, that I know my cars. There were 2. Only TWO. The Crossfire shared underpinnings with the SL, and was assembled in Germany on the same production line. Second, the Pacifica. Very heavy, exspensive, and discontinued, was rumored to share the rear lower control arms with the previous generatin E class. I have seen both vehicles from the bottom, on a hoist, at Chrysler HQ in Auiburn Hills Michigan where my brother in law works. The two don't look anything alike underneath.
If chrysler will be sharing any design segments with anyone fron now on, it will be Fiat-Spa
Their new mostly owner. 2011 Jeep grand cherokee - Mercedes ML platform. http://www.caranddriver....rand_cherokee-auto_shows |
Gautham
Atlanta, GA USA |
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