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#post321354One 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