 Joined: 03/08/2017(UTC) Posts: 47 Location: Oregon, Waldport
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Just found out about this group and have joined, and here's why: I picked up a little Marklin set #8165 at a local yard sale.   Now, I did dabble in Marklin HO back in the early 1990s, but was not impressed enough to pursue it further. I guess that, after being used to can motors and DC current, the AC powered "pancake" motors and all the associated gear that comes with it seemed a bit too "primitive", kinda like the Lionel stuff I had when I was young. No offense intended! :) In any case, this was too good a deal to pass up, and I had been curious about Z ever since Marklin introduced it so many years ago. After a gentle cleaning and light lubing, I must say I am very impressed with how well this little thing runs. Sure, it is a bit on the fast side, but using a Rokuhan controller, it ain't bad. I've had some 6-wheeled N scale switchers that didn't run this well. I'm thinking a nice little coffee table layout might be a worthwhile addition to my living room... Mark in Oregon Edited by user 04 August 2017 00:49:24(UTC)
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 8 users liked this useful post by strummer
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,446
Location: DE-NW
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Hi, Mark,
Welcome to the forum!
Märklin H0 has changed a lot in this century: there are a lot of DC can motors nowadays, rarely some motors with bell-shaped armatures (coreless motors) - and until a few years ago there even were brushless motors.
Z gauge has seen a development in motors, too: three-pole motors, straight-wound five-pole motors, skew-wound five-pole motors, can motors.
I have mostly H0 (and mostly Märklin), but I also have a few Z gauge loco because they are so tiny. |
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: 03/08/2011(UTC) Posts: 1,571
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Hi Mark, Welcome to the forum  Brgds Lasse |
Digital 11m2 layout / C (M&K) tracks / Era IV / CS3 60226 / Train Controller Gold 9 with 4D sound. Mainly Danish and German Locomotives. |
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Joined: 03/08/2017(UTC) Posts: 47 Location: Oregon, Waldport
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Thanks for the greetings.
As a sort of "PS" to this purchase: I'm guessing this set was pretty much un-used, as the little loco (#8895) was pretty "stiff" right out of the box.
It now has a couple hours or so of running time, and seems to be improving the longer it runs...is that usual? It's very quiet, and is now capable of some very decent low-speed running, which I find quite remarkable for an engine of such small size and low weight.
I think I'm beginning to see why Marklin has such a high reputation! :)
Mark in Oregon
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Joined: 22/01/2014(UTC) Posts: 186 Location: CALIFORNIA, Irvine
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Originally Posted by: strummer  Thanks for the greetings.
As a sort of "PS" to this purchase: I'm guessing this set was pretty much un-used, as the little loco (#8895) was pretty "stiff" right out of the box.
It now has a couple hours or so of running time, and seems to be improving the longer it runs...is that usual? It's very quiet, and is now capable of some very decent low-speed running, which I find quite remarkable for an engine of such small size and low weight.
I think I'm beginning to see why Marklin has such a high reputation! :)
Mark in Oregon 8895 is a 2-6-0 ( LINK) Your set contains an 0-6-0 and that unit is usually 8800/8805 part number. Usually, locos that have sat for a long time will freeze up. If you keep them clean and lubricated (lightly) they will run great. :D |
Frank Daniels Owner - z.scale.hobo A Noch "Top Dealer" Marklin Dealer and Z Locomotive Service Irvine, California, USA www.zscalehobo.com |
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 Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 31,692 Location: United Kingdom
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Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum. |
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: 03/08/2017(UTC) Posts: 47 Location: Oregon, Waldport
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Originally Posted by: zscalehobo
Of course you are correct: what was I thinking? :) Thanks.
Mark in Oregon
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1 user liked this useful post by strummer
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Joined: 04/11/2016(UTC) Posts: 153 Location: Maryland, South Laurel
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Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum. I am also a fan of Marklin z-scale. I started out with the 81841 Christmas set during Christmas 2015 and have been steadily increasing my collection ever since. I have a layout planned but just need to find the time to build it! Enjoy your new set!
Regards,
David
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1 user liked this useful post by AmalfiCoast
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Joined: 03/08/2017(UTC) Posts: 47 Location: Oregon, Waldport
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Thanks David, for the nice welcome. In my initial post, I mentioned something about "a nice little coffee table layout". Well...    I cobbled this together over the weekend. I got my hands on a bunch of Micro Trains track, and just kind of threw this together. At the lowest "reasonable" speed, it takes 1 minute 18 seconds to make an entire loop around the track. Just kind of "kicking it around" to get an idea of what I might do...suggestions? comments? Mark in Oregon
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Joined: 04/11/2016(UTC) Posts: 153 Location: Maryland, South Laurel
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Joined: 03/08/2017(UTC) Posts: 47 Location: Oregon, Waldport
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David, et al.
That looks like a very solid design for a layout. Please keep us posted as to your progress.
When I was into N scale, I used Kato "Unitrack", which the Micro Trains track reminds me of.
It (Unitrack) was very reliable, easy to "play with" and conducted electricity very well. I really liked the fact that Unitrack eliminated any track issues. If I was experiencing issues with a given engine, I knew the problem was with the loco, not the track. I'm hoping that the MT track will prove as useful.
I know it probably cannot look as good as "real" track with added roadbed and ballast, but the fact that it has rail joiners and roadbed connectors makes for a very substantial foundation on which to run trains.
Mark in Oregon
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21/11/2002 20:11:45(UTC)
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