I was happy to see that Maerklin decided to introduce AC versions of some of the models of the Traxx series locomotives originally released as Trix DC locomotives in 2012.
These will be the first Traxx loks as regular models. Previously, Maerklin had released a number of loks of this type as basic hobby models.

Some may not be happy that these new models come with plastic shells. This is offset by the fact that the models are much more detailed than the Hobby versions and look very nice alongside freight cars (Re 482) or passenger coaches (BR 146) which are already made in plastic.

I hope that Maerklin follows this up with additional Traxx models like these, especially considering that these are among the most common loks to be found in Europe today.

I would love to see a SBB Re 484, a silver TXL 185 with 4 Pantos, a black MRCE one and maybe a few more variations (Veolia, etc)

Regards

Mike C

Because, it is the Märklin version of the Trix models from around 2008/2009. The models are only new to the Märklin range.

I prefer the Trix models over the Roco versions, simply because they feature more options with the lighting, and because I do not have to apply the detailing myself. The overall detailing is almost identical to the Roco versions, though.

I have several of the Trix TRAXX'es:

22630 146.2 DB Regio
22639 185.2 DB
22634 146.18 Metronom

They run like a charm and look great. I would highly recommend them.

Plastic or and metal body...well what is most important to make sure good running results?
5 pole motor and flywheels.
The problem is what kind of motor product.
Traxx models have only special can motor and i don´t know what the hell is the name of manefacture who are producing can motor...

I sincerely doubt that the Trix plastic bodied Traxx models have the same motor as the Hobby/My World playthings.
The new models have a higher level of detail, will have red/white lights and Swiss changeover and sound.

I was very satisfied with the performance of the Trix (DC) version (22631) on my test track.

The fact that Maerklin is releasing these models this year may bode well for those who were hoping for an updated version of the TEE Edelweiss RAm, as Trix released a model under the number 22131 a few years back that Maerklin could also release if they have gotten over the metal body thing. It is important to remember that the Maerklin RAm has always been a plastic bodied model.

Regards

Mike C

No wonder: they were aimed at the two-rail customer. Excellent detailing, uncompromised models - that's what Trix promised.
They made BR 185.2, 120.1, RAm, E 19.0, ET 56 and era III double-stock coaches in that period. Most of those models failed in the two-rail market (too many compromises, not really well done). So far only the double-stock coaches came from Märklin. Now the BR 185.2 will follow.
All items were made with plastic shells.

The Trix TRAXX locos were made around 2006-2008. They became popular amongst Märklinist when they were dumped for prices ranging from 50 to 120 Euro as they can easily be converted to three-rail.

Nice models and good runners - Trix promised five-pole motors with skewed armatures back then.
Now they come from Märklin - but as usual we do not know which motor will be used this time.

Of course I know, I have some of the hobby models as well. My statement was my general feeling about the metal vs. plastic models, I do not think it matters anything. I also do not think a metal model is better quality than a plastic model, if the running conditions are poor and/or the technology is old. That's what I meant. :-)

I really prefer metal locos and I think it is easy for Märklin to have the Traxx non-economical edition in metal.

I think Märklin should have it done and shouldn't present the plastic version as a Märklin loco. Although I accept it, I think it is
important to keep the Märklin loco bodies mostly metal. If Märklin goes in this direction, one day I will not care if I buy Märklin or Roco, or Piko or whatever...

Mike,

Thanks for your post. You're right. The plastic Traxx is only one loco and, as you say, they have done others (3075, etc). The solution is simple, I buy other models that I prefer more. As I can only buy a few it is easy to find many I really like :) The Ks and Cs are for me top in this respect, although they still have some plastic like for example the tender cover with coal.

The reason I don't like plastic locos is that they don't feel so solid when I have them in hand and also the feeling or perception that, if they fall in the floor, then they will be more damaged than the metal ones. Also they probably don't resist so easily to high temperatures. I accept these arguments maybe not very strong: I only left one loco fall in the floor (it was the pre-Traxx 12X and it was Märklin and didn't damage at all, but off course I was lucky too) and I never had a loco exposed to high temperatures...

I can understand your point, but it is worth noting that not only the 37446 and 37465 TRAXX models have plastic bodies. In the new items catalog I've identified the following models with plastic bodies:

26593 set with DB BR 151
36863 DB BR 98.3 "Glaskasten"
37138 DRG BR 73
37319 DB AG BR 111
37419 TÅGAB Rc2

Then in addition to this virtually every heavy steam lok has metal boiler and plastic cab.

In my mind, given the economical difficulties that Märklin was in just a few years ago, I think it is a good idea to make use of the old toolings, in particular for the 37319 and 37419 these models have not been available before from Märklin in these liveries.

The BR 111 was most recently released in 2007/2008 in "Verkehrsrot" era V livery and now it appears in "Verkehrsrot" era VI livery of DB Regio AG Baden-Württemberg.

The tooling of the 37419 has only been used for the in ÖBB liveries before and this version of the Swedish train operator Tågåkeriet i Bergslagen AB, TÅGAB, is an entirely new livery and in my mind it is justified to call it a new model.

Back in 1968 when the 3043 SJ Rc and the 3075 DB 216 were among the first larger models released by Märklin with plastic body, it was pointed out in the brochures of that time that the use of plastic made it possible to reproduce details better than with metal bodies.

Since then the technology for producing metal bodies has evidently been improved and I would of course welcome if the 37XXX TRAXX loks, the DB/DB AG BR 111 and the SJ Rc/ÖBB 1043 could be re-tooled and given metal bodies, but I can live with Märklin releasing them in plastic rather than not having any model released at all.