There have been numerous topics in the past where someone is looking for parts for a loco, a car, a building kit, etc. The usual solutions are checking the Maerklin website, other manufacturers' websites, Lokshop, MBSL, AJCKIDs, and so on, or buy an identical item on eBay and use one as a source of spares.

Buying an identical item is a good response if the item is inexpensive, but certainly wouldn't be what you would do for an expensive locomotive.

Mainly for locomotives and building kits the manufacturers provide a very detailed blow up diagram of the item along with a list of all of the assembly part numbers that can be bought from the dealer. Nice information and comment until you actually try and buy a part other than the usual slider, light bulb, tires, brushes, etc. However, the normal items that are going to get damaged or missing from an operating item such as steps, ladders, puffers, headlights, and other fine details are next to impossible to find.

Therefore, I have 2 questions:

1. When a manufacturer prepares such a list and sells a new product, what is the purpose of identifying the part number if it is not readily available?
2. In general do the manufacturers create a finite number of parts when the product is first produced and then nothing more?

It seems to me that the parts may only be available for a short time after a new product is released. It then would be best when you obtain a new item to take a guess what small details may break in a derailment, maintenance disassembly, normal handling, etc. and order them at that time. If not they probably will not be available when you actually need them.

I have numerous locomotives of various ages from the 1970s to brand new c/w all of their parts number diagrams where I either have a broken step, handrail, or ladder, yet when I look to buy a part it is never listed as available on the M site and dealers generally will look no further. So does anyone have a good source that stocks old spare parts, or is it truly a hit and miss?

Cheers
Peter

Hi!
Most likely yes - there could be exceptions. When new variations appear, identical parts will also be available for previous models.

For current Märklin models, the spare parts list is usually very short anyway.

Though for high end products like Mercedes Benz cars you CAN still bet spare parts for 49 or 50 year old cars. But for models that cost $250 not so much.

To the OP, the benefit of an exploded parts diagram with numbered parts is even if no spares are available you can at leas reeder to the parts by number when discussing them, rather than ambiguous descriptions.

Here are some sources for spare parts:

Ritter-Restaurationen ritter-restaurationen.de
APC-Miniaturmodell apc-miniaturmodell.de
Amiba buco-hag-maerklin-ersatzteile.ch

You can also try Alex Stelzer through Maerklin.ch service

Regards

Mike C

There'll be some old stock still around in fact ritter seems` to have plenty of it but that is not all. There are people actually making parts, these days if you have the knowledge making/copying parts in plastic, rubber is easier than ever, metal remains a bit more challenging but it is still easier for someone with the ability because of newer products that make possible backyard operations which were unthinkable in the past
.

Nobody better than me to know everything comes at a price but sometimes is worth it others may not be but if you want it bad enough you'll do it. Look at this old thread, towards the end you'll find some parts I made in metal, they weren't perfect but usable, I later made a better one but because I have too many things going on I have never finished it. I have made lots of things in plastic but is generally more convenient to buy from someone else who is making it as a business, it tends to be cheaper than making it myself no need to mention the time.

link to old thread

I have a 30 year old Ford (Sierra RS Cosworth) and most parts for it are still available, even if I have to get them from the UK rather than source locally. Some parts are still available from Ford, but there are other manufacturers who make and supply them. Some parts aren't available though, and these have to be sourced usually off other wrecked vehicles (some body parts and also the oil cooler that sits underneath the oil filter are some examples).