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Offline Jabez  
#1 Posted : 19 July 2017 22:47:09(UTC)
Jabez

Belgium   
Joined: 30/08/2016(UTC)
Posts: 636
Location: Brussels
Could someone explain to me the crocodile cult that is so widespread here?
It is a nice looking loco, but there must be more to it than that.Smile
I heard that lonesome whistle blow. Hank Williams
Offline White Buffalo  
#2 Posted : 20 July 2017 01:03:21(UTC)
White Buffalo

United States   
Joined: 29/12/2016(UTC)
Posts: 414
Location: South Dakota
In my mind it's all about the excellent craftsmanship that went into building this model. If my history is correct the Crocodile was first built in the 1920's. during WW I the Swiss were unable to import the coal they needed for its railroads. So they decided to electrify most of their main routes. Some of them remained in service for 60 years.

A one of a kind.......
Offline Oliver SBB-CFF-FFS  
#3 Posted : 20 July 2017 09:50:11(UTC)
Oliver SBB-CFF-FFS

Sweden   
Joined: 22/06/2011(UTC)
Posts: 544
I would also say it is because it is a very unusual locomotive. It differs a lot from other locomotives out there and is sort of a symbol of the SBB. I must say I really do like the Mörklin H0 models as well.
SBB Era IV - VI
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#4 Posted : 20 July 2017 11:50:22(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: Jabez Go to Quoted Post
Could someone explain to me the crocodile cult that is so widespread here?


I think all you have to do is read this thread.......

https://www.marklin-user...---Gators-and-Crocodiles
Offline analogmike  
#5 Posted : 20 July 2017 12:56:20(UTC)
analogmike

United States   
Joined: 02/08/2014(UTC)
Posts: 737
Location: NEW JERSEY, USA
I think it's like having kids; If you don't have one, You wouldn't understand.
BTW I have no kids, Just crocodiles.BigGrin
I think When a machine out performs anything it was ever designed for, it becomes a legend. That goes for the prototype as well as the model. Another lok in this class is the GG-1. They ran for 49 years. Crocodiles ran for over 60 years!
Like a sports team that's on a winning streak, They can't be beat. And everybody falls in love with them.

I recently stumbled onto this video. It's a part one of several.




Mikey
I love the smell of smoke fluid in the morning .
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Offline river6109  
#6 Posted : 20 July 2017 16:32:19(UTC)
river6109

Australia   
Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC)
Posts: 14,636
Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
Originally Posted by: White Buffalo Go to Quoted Post
In my mind it's all about the excellent craftsmanship that went into building this model. If my history is correct the Crocodile was first built in the 1920's. during WW I the Swiss were unable to import the coal they needed for its railroads. So they decided to electrify most of their main routes. Some of them remained in service for 60 years.

A one of a kind.......


I don't know whether the author of this topic meant the origin of the crocodile and its history which you've described is incredible. I think it has more to do with obsession with these locos and the colour scheme which has almost all colours of the rainbow

John

https://www.youtube.com/river6109
https://www.youtube.com/6109river
5 years in Destruction mode
50 years in Repairing mode
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Offline steventrain  
#7 Posted : 20 July 2017 18:07:25(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,601
Location: United Kingdom
Crocodiles was very famous and top favorites for collectors.
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.
Offline Webmaster  
#8 Posted : 20 July 2017 19:17:36(UTC)
Webmaster


Joined: 25/07/2001(UTC)
Posts: 11,161
I was also a bit lukewarm emotionally regarding it, ok it's a märklin classic and so on...

Then I met a real one...

Then you just love it, especially when you have seen it for real and been in the cab and so on... Smile
It came to Sweden some year ago - See this photo topic.


crocystad.jpg
Juhan - "Webmaster", at your service...
He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes. He who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. [Old Chinese Proverb]
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Offline 1borna  
#9 Posted : 20 July 2017 20:04:49(UTC)
1borna

Croatia   
Joined: 21/12/2012(UTC)
Posts: 1,340
Location: Hrvatska
Crocodiles really differ from other electric locomotives, they are impressive and the models are noteworthy
(My son and I in Lucerne 1989)
UserPostedImage
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Offline Markus Schild  
#10 Posted : 20 July 2017 20:18:55(UTC)
Markus Schild

Germany   
Joined: 14/01/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,802
Location: Wurttemberg
Hi Jabez,

Have you ever seen a Märklin 3015 / CCS in service with a heavy train? The sound, the smell? How it bends the rails? That's an impression of the real locomotive no electronics and no artificial sound can deliver. No, it's not an exact model as understood today. It's a piece of art, like an impressive painting. A Manet - painting is not as realistic as an photography. But it transfers an impression or a mood like the classic Märklin - crocodile. That's the source of the myth in my opinion.

Regards

Markus

Edited by user 21 July 2017 07:09:36(UTC)  | Reason: grammar corrected

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Offline artfull dodger  
#11 Posted : 21 July 2017 20:26:21(UTC)
artfull dodger

United States   
Joined: 31/08/2014(UTC)
Posts: 475
Location: Indiana, Kokomo
They are just a beautiful locomotive, as was the USA version the GG1 on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Metal fatigue in thier frames and running gear was thier downfall. With many having over a million USA miles of them. Even wore out and tired, they could out accelerate thier replacements that were brand new at the time (AEM7's) While the GG1 lacked the outside side rods that make the Swiss Croc just a wonder to behold, espically at track speed! Mike
Silly NT's..I have Asperger's Syndrome!!!!
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Offline eduard71  
#12 Posted : 22 July 2017 00:10:17(UTC)
eduard71

Chile   
Joined: 27/02/2008(UTC)
Posts: 294
Location: Santiago
Since I was a child I have been looking in the Märklin catalogues and the Crocodile. I am a big fan of this Locomotive and I own more than 12 different models. I just returned from a trip to Europe and I was able to see, touch and feel a real one in the Transportation Museum of Lucerne. A dream made true.
The machine is fantastic almost a piece of art. Solid it just looks indestructible. I was very impress.

Regarding the cult, yes this machine really deserves cult!!!

Br

Eduardo

UserPostedImage
UserPostedImage
UserPostedImage
UserPostedImage
UserPostedImage
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Offline dickinsonj  
#13 Posted : 22 July 2017 02:21:32(UTC)
dickinsonj

United States   
Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC)
Posts: 1,676
Location: Crozet, Virginia
Interesting question Jabez. I find that it is often good to reexamine things that you have always just taken as a given.

For me the Märklin crocs were fascinating from the very first time that I saw one and I knew that I had to own at least one. I currently have three but IMO you can never have too many versions of this classic loco. They are unique and very special locomotives. That is what I focus on in my collecting, regardless of the era or the country of origin.

Of course I have been required to get various other Swiss locos to keep my crocs company, but that is just a burden that I have accepted. BigGrin

Edited by user 26 July 2017 01:24:10(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Regards,
Jim

I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time.
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Offline Jabez  
#14 Posted : 23 July 2017 23:58:00(UTC)
Jabez

Belgium   
Joined: 30/08/2016(UTC)
Posts: 636
Location: Brussels
Thanks for all your confessions of croc-love.
The crocodile is clearly not just a loco, not even a reptile, but a bug, one bite from which infects you for life.
I must admit that when I first saw one in a Maerklin catalog many decades ago I found it had a strange allure--luckily I did not get any closer at the timeBigGrin
I heard that lonesome whistle blow. Hank Williams
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Offline 60904  
#15 Posted : 24 July 2017 09:29:19(UTC)
60904

Germany   
Joined: 27/11/2007(UTC)
Posts: 312
Crocodiles are the European BBs.
Greetings
Martin
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Offline White Buffalo  
#16 Posted : 21 May 2018 05:20:35(UTC)
White Buffalo

United States   
Joined: 29/12/2016(UTC)
Posts: 414
Location: South Dakota
It took me a long time. But I finally got my first Krokodil. I only had one question.....Warum habe ich gewartet?.....why did I wait?

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Offline steventrain  
#17 Posted : 21 May 2018 18:04:36(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,601
Location: United Kingdom
Originally Posted by: White Buffalo Go to Quoted Post
It took me a long time. But I finally got my first Krokodil. I only had one question.....Warum habe ich gewartet?.....why did I wait?



Well done on first crocodile.
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.
Offline RayF  
#18 Posted : 21 May 2018 18:13:05(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,838
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
I always loved the crocodiles when I saw them in Marklin catalogues in my youth, but I could never afford one. Afterwards, when more accurate models became available, I promised I would get myself one of those. Eventually I managed it!

UserPostedImage

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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Offline ktsolias  
#19 Posted : 21 May 2018 20:24:10(UTC)
ktsolias

Greece   
Joined: 01/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 609
Location: Athens
I had see one Marklin maybe 3015 in Switzerland when I was a Child in the 60's.
My father refuse to buy it for me.. it was very expensive...
From then I am in love with crocodiles

I have 3 so far but not any 3015....

I am waiting for my Insider Croco 2018 in about one month!!!!!

Costas
Offline dominator  
#20 Posted : 21 May 2018 23:09:08(UTC)
dominator

New Zealand   
Joined: 20/01/2015(UTC)
Posts: 1,195
Location: Kerikeri
I am like most of you. I drooled over the crocodile since seeing it in the 57 cataloge [ about 27 NZ pounds in those days which was probably more than my dad earned in a week]. I didnt get one until about 1999 [3756 ] and then I got the 26730 set shortly afterwards. Both were expensive [ $750.00 and $1125.00 NZD at the time ]
Northland. NZ REMEMBER 0228 for ä
Offline tiono  
#21 Posted : 22 May 2018 05:41:12(UTC)
tiono

United States   
Joined: 09/02/2010(UTC)
Posts: 234
Originally Posted by: Jabez Go to Quoted Post
Could someone explain to me the crocodile cult that is so widespread here?
It is a nice looking loco, but there must be more to it than that.Smile


As far as I know, the "crocodile cult" only happen within Marklin community and collectors. There are other brand which produced the croc in HO scale, e.g.: Roco, Lematec, Fulgurex. but never become a cult.
Marklin started to produce the croc in 1934, gauge 1, model number CCS66. This is an expensive "high end model train" which only a few can afford. The perceived status of the croc as expensive high-end toy started here.
In 1947, Marklin started the production of the croc in HO scale; the CCS800, which enjoyed the same status symbol as CCS66. Those perceived status eventually created intangible value many years later as collectors willing to pay high for those toys.
Marklin also produced the "german crocodile", E94 (DB 194, DR 254) which has similar articulated design as the Swiss croc, but never become a cult.

Below is the list of HO scale (3-rail) Marklin croc:

ccs800 1947-1957 tin plate, green color, analog
3015 1957-1978 metal body, green color, analog
3056 1976-1981 plastic body, green color, analog
3300 1985 metal body, green, set with DB 194, analog
3352 1987-1995 metal body, brown, analog
3352 1988 metal body, white, "125 Jahre Henry Dunant", analog
3356 1982-2000 metal body, green, analog
0097 1990 Set Technologieschau, include 3356 silver, analog
3359 1988 metal body, green, "snow covered", analog
3556 1988-1993 metal body, green, analog
3556 1990 metal body, silver, analog
3556 1988 metal body, white, "125 Jahre Henry Dunant", analog
3652 1987-1994 metal body, brown, digital c80
3656 1989-1993 metal body, green, digital c80
3756 1993-2000 metal body, green, digital c90
26591 2012 Freight set, metal body, brown "weathered", digital mfx
26730 1998 Freight set, metal body, green, digital c90
29680 2007 Starter set "Gotthard", green, digital mfx
30159 1996 metal body, brown, Insider, analog
31100 2015 double lok set, green, digital mfx
31859 2009 "150 Years of Märklin" Crocodile Set, green brown and white, digital mfx
31860 2009 "150 Years of Märklin" Crocodile Set, green brown and white, digital mfx (same as 31859, except the road number)
32000 2000 Marklin Millenium platinum/titanium, silver, digital fx
36159 1996 metal body, brown, Insider, digital c90
37564 2014 metal body, blue, digital mfx
37565 2013 Double croc set, metal body, green and brown, digital mfx
37566 2013 metal body, green, digital mfx
37567 2013 metal body, "Toy Fair", black, digital mfx
37568 2014-2015 metal body, green, digital mfx
37569 2003 metal body, green, "weathered", digital fx
39560 2001 metal body, green, digital fx
39561 2002 metal body, brown, digital fx
39562 2007 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39563 2009-2011 metal body, green, digital mfx
39564 2009 metal body, black, digital mfx
39565 2011 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39566 2015-2016 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39567 2018 metal body, green, Insider, digital mfx
39569 2001 metal body, snow weathered, digital fx

Edited by user 22 May 2018 09:30:24(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

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Offline vilithejou  
#22 Posted : 22 May 2018 07:21:45(UTC)
vilithejou


Joined: 17/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 840
Location: Vic, Barcelona
Originally Posted by: tiono Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Jabez Go to Quoted Post
Could someone explain to me the crocodile cult that is so widespread here?
It is a nice looking loco, but there must be more to it than that.Smile


As far as I know, the "crocodile cult" only happen within Marklin community and collectors. There are other brand which produced the croc in HO scale, e.g.: Roco, Lematec, Fulgurex. but never become a cult.
Marklin started to produce the croc in 1934, gauge 1, model number CCS66. This is an expensive "high end model train" which only a few can afford. The perceived status of the croc as expensive high-end toy started here.
In 1947, Marklin started the production of the croc in HO scale; the CCS800, which enjoyed the same status symbol as CCS66. Those perceived status eventually created intangible value many years later as collectors willing to pay high for those toys.
Marklin also produced the "german crocodile", E94 (DB 194, DR 254) which has similar articulated design as the Swiss croc, but never become a cult.

Below is the list of HO scale Marklin croc:

ccs800 1947-1957 tin plate, green color, analog
3015 1957-1978 metal body, green color, analog
3056 1976-1981 plastic body, green color, analog
3300 1985 metal body, green, set with DB 194, analog
3352 1987-1995 metal body, brown, analog
3352 1988 metal body, white, "125 Jahre Henry Dunant", analog
3356 1982-2000 metal body, green, analog
0097 1990 Set Technologieschau, include 3356 silver, analog
3359 1988 metal body, green, "snow covered", analog
3556 1988-1993 metal body, green, analog
3556 1990 metal body, silver, analog
3556 1988 metal body, white, "125 Jahre Henry Dunant", analog
3652 1987-1994 metal body, brown, digital c80
3656 1989-1993 metal body, green, digital c80
3756 1993-2000 metal body, green, digital c90
26730 1998 Freight set, metal body, green, digital c90
29680 2007 Starter set "Gotthard", green, digital mfx
30159 1996 metal body, brown, Insider, analog
31100 2015 double lok set, green, digital mfx
31859 2009 "150 Years of Märklin" Crocodile Set, green brown and white, digital mfx
32000 2000 Marklin Millenium platinum/titanium, silver, digital fx
36159 1996 metal body, brown, Insider, digital c90
37564 2014 metal body, blue, digital mfx
37565 2013 Double croc set, metal body, green and brown, digital mfx
37566 2013 metal body, green, digital mfx
37567 2013 metal body, "Toy Fair", black, digital mfx
37568 2014-2015 metal body, green, digital mfx
37569 2003 metal body, green, "weathered", digital fx
39560 2001 metal body, green, digital fx
39561 2002 metal body, brown, digital fx
39562 2007 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39563 2009-2011 metal body, green, digital mfx
39564 2009 metal body, black, digital mfx
39565 2011 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39566 2015-2016 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39567 2018 metal body, green, Insider, digital mfx
39569 2001 metal body, snow weathered, digital fx


31860 2009 "150 Years of Märklin" Crocodile Set, green brown and white, digital mfx 250 units

Joan Vilarrúbia
vilithejou@yahoo.es
Fan of Märklín, Kroko lover
Offline foumaro  
#23 Posted : 22 May 2018 07:52:07(UTC)
foumaro

Greece   
Joined: 08/12/2004(UTC)
Posts: 4,420
Location: Attiki Athens Greece
You forgot the 26591 weathered set from the year 2012.
Offline tiono  
#24 Posted : 22 May 2018 09:29:35(UTC)
tiono

United States   
Joined: 09/02/2010(UTC)
Posts: 234
Originally Posted by: foumaro Go to Quoted Post
You forgot the 26591 weathered set from the year 2012.


Thanks. I have updated the list, added 26591 and 31860.
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Offline PJMärklin  
#25 Posted : 22 May 2018 12:55:45(UTC)
PJMärklin

Australia   
Joined: 04/12/2013(UTC)
Posts: 2,206
Location: Hobart, Australia
Originally Posted by: RayF Go to Quoted Post
I always loved the crocodiles when I saw them in Marklin catalogues in my youth, but I could never afford one. Afterwards, when more accurate models became available, I promised I would get myself one of those. Eventually I managed it!


Originally Posted by: ktsolias Go to Quoted Post
I had see one Marklin maybe 3015 in Switzerland when I was a Child in the 60's.
My father refuse to buy it for me.. it was very expensive...
From then I am in love with crocodiles
Costas


Originally Posted by: dominator Go to Quoted Post
I am like most of you. I drooled over the crocodile since seeing it in the 57 cataloge [ about 27 NZ pounds in those days which was probably more than my dad earned in a week]. I didnt get one until about 1999 [3756 ] and then I got the 26730 set shortly afterwards. ...



Many with the same story !

I admired the somewhat overscale classical 3015 Crocodile on my friend's layout in my early collecting days but did not ever seem to acquire one.


Along the way I obtained one of the more "modern" models - 3352 :


UserPostedImage


and more recently a classical 3015 :


UserPostedImage


UserPostedImage


UserPostedImage



Regards,

PJ
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Offline foumaro  
#26 Posted : 22 May 2018 20:53:09(UTC)
foumaro

Greece   
Joined: 08/12/2004(UTC)
Posts: 4,420
Location: Attiki Athens Greece
Originally Posted by: tiono Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: foumaro Go to Quoted Post
You forgot the 26591 weathered set from the year 2012.


Thanks. I have updated the list, added 26591 and 31860.


I got it yesterday and i am waiting for the dhl paket.LOL Woot ThumpUp Scared LOL Love

Edited by user 23 May 2018 08:42:03(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Offline dickinsonj  
#27 Posted : 23 May 2018 00:57:13(UTC)
dickinsonj

United States   
Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC)
Posts: 1,676
Location: Crozet, Virginia
Originally Posted by: foumaro Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: tiono Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: foumaro Go to Quoted Post
You forgot the 26591 weathered set from the year 2012.


Thanks. I have updated the list, added 26591 and 31860.


I got it yesterday and i am waiting for for the dhl paket.LOL Woot ThumpUp Scared LOL Love


You guys make me feel like a real slacker. I passed on buying the Insider croc because I already have three others. But now I feel like I am way behind. BigGrin
Regards,
Jim

I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time.
Offline dominator  
#28 Posted : 23 May 2018 05:07:04(UTC)
dominator

New Zealand   
Joined: 20/01/2015(UTC)
Posts: 1,195
Location: Kerikeri
Nah. Two's company, three's a crowd.

Dereck
Northland. NZ REMEMBER 0228 for ä
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Offline Br502362  
#29 Posted : 23 May 2018 07:30:26(UTC)
Br502362

Finland   
Joined: 05/03/2014(UTC)
Posts: 680
Location: Finland
Hi,

I got my Crocodile in the late 60's from my ucle as a present.
He was designing paper mills at Jaakko Pöyry company so he could afford it.

This Croc has been my treasure since then and is still in nearly mint condition.

3015.jpg

Cheers
Åke
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Offline foumaro  
#30 Posted : 23 May 2018 08:40:50(UTC)
foumaro

Greece   
Joined: 08/12/2004(UTC)
Posts: 4,420
Location: Attiki Athens Greece
Originally Posted by: dickinsonj Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: foumaro Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: tiono Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: foumaro Go to Quoted Post
You forgot the 26591 weathered set from the year 2012.


Thanks. I have updated the list, added 26591 and 31860.


I got it yesterday and i am waiting for for the dhl paket.LOL Woot ThumpUp Scared LOL Love


You guys make me feel like a real slacker. I passed on buying the Insider croc because I already have three others. But now I feel like I am way behind. BigGrin


It is my first Swiss gator,i have four German.I do not know if it will be the last.Woot
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Offline TEEWolf  
#31 Posted : 23 May 2018 16:46:10(UTC)
TEEWolf


Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
Originally Posted by: Jabez Go to Quoted Post
Could someone explain to me the crocodile cult that is so widespread here?
It is a nice looking loco, but there must be more to it than that.Smile


Crocodiles are dangerous and danger always challenges the human beings. Flapper

The Swiss named their loco Crocodile, because it looks like a living real Crocodile, which has a long dangerous and powerful mouth - and the Swiss one even has two of them! - OK, a real crocodile does not have a reverse gear - but the Swiss one does! For this the croco I do love.Love Love


P.S.: Jabez, what do you think about the Big Boy cult?

Next year a refurbished and half rebuilt Big Boy will be released for the tracks in gauge 1:1 again! Wait for the new and next cult!
Offline TEEWolf  
#32 Posted : 23 May 2018 16:50:44(UTC)
TEEWolf


Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
Originally Posted by: dickinsonj Go to Quoted Post

You guys make me feel like a real slacker. I passed on buying the Insider croc because I already have three others. But now I feel like I am way behind. BigGrin


Love I ordered the Insider Crocodile.BigGrin
My first croc - beside the German crocs.Love
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Offline TEEWolf  
#33 Posted : 23 May 2018 17:03:38(UTC)
TEEWolf


Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
Originally Posted by: PJMärklin Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: RayF Go to Quoted Post
I always loved the crocodiles when I saw them in Marklin catalogues in my youth, but I could never afford one. Afterwards, when more accurate models became available, I promised I would get myself one of those. Eventually I managed it!


Originally Posted by: ktsolias Go to Quoted Post
I had see one Marklin maybe 3015 in Switzerland when I was a Child in the 60's.
My father refuse to buy it for me.. it was very expensive...
From then I am in love with crocodiles
Costas


Originally Posted by: dominator Go to Quoted Post
I am like most of you. I drooled over the crocodile since seeing it in the 57 cataloge [ about 27 NZ pounds in those days which was probably more than my dad earned in a week]. I didnt get one until about 1999 [3756 ] and then I got the 26730 set shortly afterwards. ...



Many with the same story !

I admired the somewhat overscale classical 3015 Crocodile on my friend's layout in my early collecting days but did not ever seem to acquire one.

Along the way I obtained one of the more "modern" models - 3352

and more recently a classical 3015

Regards,

PJ



Of course, most of us do not live Down Under. The home of the biggest crocodiles in the world!BigGrin Well, a kind of Worldchampions. Cool We only have to be satisfied and can achieve their technique.Love

P.S.: PJM, but do you have shunting crocs in Down Under too?Huh Laugh
Offline TEEWolf  
#34 Posted : 23 May 2018 17:11:33(UTC)
TEEWolf


Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
Originally Posted by: tiono Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Jabez Go to Quoted Post
Could someone explain to me the crocodile cult that is so widespread here?
It is a nice looking loco, but there must be more to it than that.Smile


As far as I know, the "crocodile cult" only happen within Marklin community and collectors. There are other brand which produced the croc in HO scale, e.g.: Roco, Lematec, Fulgurex. but never become a cult.
Marklin started to produce the croc in 1934, gauge 1, model number CCS66. This is an expensive "high end model train" which only a few can afford. The perceived status of the croc as expensive high-end toy started here.
In 1947, Marklin started the production of the croc in HO scale; the CCS800, which enjoyed the same status symbol as CCS66. Those perceived status eventually created intangible value many years later as collectors willing to pay high for those toys.
Marklin also produced the "german crocodile", E94 (DB 194, DR 254) which has similar articulated design as the Swiss croc, but never become a cult.

Below is the list of HO scale (3-rail) Marklin croc:

ccs800 1947-1957 tin plate, green color, analog
3015 1957-1978 metal body, green color, analog
3056 1976-1981 plastic body, green color, analog
3300 1985 metal body, green, set with DB 194, analog
3352 1987-1995 metal body, brown, analog
3352 1988 metal body, white, "125 Jahre Henry Dunant", analog
3356 1982-2000 metal body, green, analog
0097 1990 Set Technologieschau, include 3356 silver, analog
3359 1988 metal body, green, "snow covered", analog
3556 1988-1993 metal body, green, analog
3556 1990 metal body, silver, analog
3556 1988 metal body, white, "125 Jahre Henry Dunant", analog
3652 1987-1994 metal body, brown, digital c80
3656 1989-1993 metal body, green, digital c80
3756 1993-2000 metal body, green, digital c90
26591 2012 Freight set, metal body, brown "weathered", digital mfx
26730 1998 Freight set, metal body, green, digital c90
29680 2007 Starter set "Gotthard", green, digital mfx
30159 1996 metal body, brown, Insider, analog
31100 2015 double lok set, green, digital mfx
31859 2009 "150 Years of Märklin" Crocodile Set, green brown and white, digital mfx
31860 2009 "150 Years of Märklin" Crocodile Set, green brown and white, digital mfx (same as 31859, except the road number)
32000 2000 Marklin Millenium platinum/titanium, silver, digital fx
36159 1996 metal body, brown, Insider, digital c90
37564 2014 metal body, blue, digital mfx
37565 2013 Double croc set, metal body, green and brown, digital mfx
37566 2013 metal body, green, digital mfx
37567 2013 metal body, "Toy Fair", black, digital mfx
37568 2014-2015 metal body, green, digital mfx
37569 2003 metal body, green, "weathered", digital fx
39560 2001 metal body, green, digital fx
39561 2002 metal body, brown, digital fx
39562 2007 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39563 2009-2011 metal body, green, digital mfx
39564 2009 metal body, black, digital mfx
39565 2011 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39566 2015-2016 metal body, brown, digital mfx
39567 2018 metal body, green, Insider, digital mfx
39569 2001 metal body, snow weathered, digital fx


The 2018 - 39567 Insider Croc is a mfx+ one. Probabely the first mfx+ one!
Offline Jabez  
#35 Posted : 23 May 2018 19:19:58(UTC)
Jabez

Belgium   
Joined: 30/08/2016(UTC)
Posts: 636
Location: Brussels
Originally Posted by: TEEWolf Go to Quoted Post

P.S.: Jabez, what do you think about the Big Boy cult?

I hadn't really noticed one, at least not with the decades-spanning longevity and widespread devotion of the croco cult. Did I say decades, the crocodilians have been around since before the dinosaurs, and are still with usFlapper
Jabez

I heard that lonesome whistle blow. Hank Williams
Offline kiwiAlan  
#36 Posted : 23 May 2018 23:12:27(UTC)
kiwiAlan

United Kingdom   
Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC)
Posts: 8,082
Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
Originally Posted by: TEEWolf Go to Quoted Post

The Swiss named their loco Crocodile, because it looks like a living real Crocodile, which has a long dangerous and powerful mouth - and the Swiss one even has two of them! - OK, a real crocodile does not have a reverse gear - but the Swiss one does! For this the croco I do love.Love Love


My understanding is that there is a bit more than that to why it is called a crocodile. Just remember that the drive from the motors to the wheels are through connecting rods to the wheels. These cause the end units to oscillate sideways as the weight of the connecting rods moves. Then the two end units are typically out of synchronisation, so the two ends of the loco tend to oscillate differently. When riding in the cab I'm told this produces an effect rather like watching a crocodile walking, with the sinuous sideways movement that you see because a crocodiles legs stick out sideways instead of lifting its body off the ground.

I have never had an opportunity to ride in a crocodile cab, so can't verify the action, only repeat the hearsay I have heard.

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Offline TEEWolf  
#37 Posted : 24 May 2018 01:20:39(UTC)
TEEWolf


Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
Originally Posted by: kiwiAlan Go to Quoted Post

These cause the end units to oscillate sideways as the weight of the connecting rods moves. Then the two end units are typically out of synchronisation, so the two ends of the loco tend to oscillate differently. When riding in the cab I'm told this produces an effect rather like watching a crocodile walking, with the sinuous sideways movement ...


... oscillate sideways ...? Alan, take it humoristic. This must have been on of these very well known permanently derailing crocodiles, which I always was looking for in Switzerland. But I never have seen one. Only "one clamp switcher"Wink clattered before my car, while I was waiting at a railway crossing for reopening bars. I saw no oscillating in any direction. They were straight precise on the tracks - as the Swiss are normally.Love

Perhaps the seat of the locomotive engineer was not fixed and oscillated in a sinus-shaped curve.Laugh
Offline jvuye  
#38 Posted : 24 May 2018 07:35:54(UTC)
jvuye

Belgium   
Joined: 01/03/2008(UTC)
Posts: 2,881
Location: South Western France
Originally Posted by: TEEWolf Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: kiwiAlan Go to Quoted Post

These cause the end units to oscillate sideways as the weight of the connecting rods moves. Then the two end units are typically out of synchronisation, so the two ends of the loco tend to oscillate differently. When riding in the cab I'm told this produces an effect rather like watching a crocodile walking, with the sinuous sideways movement ...


... oscillate sideways ...? Alan, take it humoristic. This must have been on of these very well known permanently derailing crocodiles, which I always was looking for in Switzerland. But I never have seen one. Only "one clamp switcher"Wink clattered before my car, while I was waiting at a railway crossing for reopening bars. I saw no oscillating in any direction. They were straight precise on the tracks - as the Swiss are normally.Love

Perhaps the seat of the locomotive engineer was not fixed and oscillated in a sinus-shaped curve.Laugh


Funny discussion!
In 1993, at the invitation of one of the Erstfeld Depot engineers, I had a chance to ride along in 14253 on one of the early morning "Fitness fahrt" from Erstfeld to Flüelen.
The "train" consisted of two two axle box cars and the loco was much heavier than its train. Wink
We never reached more than 40 km/h, and the purported "wiggling"was in fact very light.
It was clearly the oscillating movements of the driving/coupling rods reverberating into the chassis and body through the whining gears that created that "ondulation" impression.
At least for me, more of an acoustic impression like "wang-wing-wang-wing....." ThumpUp
We did not travel on any significant curve , and the few switches we passed were negotiated at low speed .
I would say I remember the ride was relatively "comfortable", but I'm sure my judgment was probaly totally impeded by the excitment of riding this emblematic piece of RR history.
Life never felt the same afterwards! RollEyes Laugh Laugh BigGrin
Cheers
Jacques


Jacques Vuye aka Dr.Eisenbahn
Once a vandal, learned to be better and had great success!
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Offline PJMärklin  
#39 Posted : 24 May 2018 13:56:42(UTC)
PJMärklin

Australia   
Joined: 04/12/2013(UTC)
Posts: 2,206
Location: Hobart, Australia
Originally Posted by: TEEWolf Go to Quoted Post
P.S.: PJM, but do you have shunting crocs in Down Under too?...


Hello Lupus (whicheverone)


Yes, we do indeed have shunting crocodiles "downunder" because we are quintessentially the true crocodile cult, in Australia.

We use them for shuffling tourists about in their tourboats.OhMyGod
But this is a role defined by National ("Federal") Tourism Law - (same law that applies to the administrative infrastructure for drop bears and yowies) and is relegated to the smaller crocs, such as this one (but it is hungry work) :



But we do have some baby ones that are kept for strictly yard shunting BigGrin :


UserPostedImage



Others are used for double-heading :


UserPostedImage


And bigger 4-10-2 units when muscle is called for :


UserPostedImage


When not at work on the railway some work part-time on the beach as life-"guards" Cool :


UserPostedImage


that is, when they are not pursuing the national pastime of surfing :


UserPostedImage


however more conscientious crocs stay at work in the freight yard and keep an eye on the job :


UserPostedImage


whilst others simply keep their options open Laugh :


UserPostedImage


But I must admit in all truthfulness to you that sometimes these crocs do tend get out of hand...but fear not, we have people here to look after that :







So why not come "downunder" next holiday to join us and check them out ... you would be most welcome!

(you could also meet the drop bears and yowies)LOL



Regards,

PJ Wink
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Offline RayF  
#40 Posted : 24 May 2018 14:08:08(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,838
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
BigGrin
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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Offline utkan  
#41 Posted : 24 May 2018 14:20:50(UTC)
utkan

Turkey   
Joined: 14/07/2009(UTC)
Posts: 19,116
Location: Istanbul,
This must be the REAL Crocodile Cult....BigGrin
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you...
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Offline kiwiAlan  
#42 Posted : 24 May 2018 15:02:31(UTC)
kiwiAlan

United Kingdom   
Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC)
Posts: 8,082
Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
Originally Posted by: utkan Go to Quoted Post
This must be the REAL Crocodile Cult....BigGrin


"You call that a crocodile?" (with apologies to Crocodile Dundee"
Offline RayF  
#43 Posted : 24 May 2018 16:00:18(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,838
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
Does anyone remember the thread we had going a few years ago that was about crocs and 'gators? It started getting a bit silly when it was extended to include the Pennsy GG1 and other similar looking locos, but essentially it was about Swiss, German and Austrian crocodiles.

I remember that, as a consequence of that thread, I bought myself the Bavarian crocodile, the E70. I bought the blue version which apparently is not prototypical but looks beautiful to my eyes!

UserPostedImage
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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Offline utkan  
#44 Posted : 24 May 2018 16:37:24(UTC)
utkan

Turkey   
Joined: 14/07/2009(UTC)
Posts: 19,116
Location: Istanbul,
It does my eyes, too RayBigGrin
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you...
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Offline BZ100  
#45 Posted : 25 May 2018 05:03:01(UTC)
BZ100

United States   
Joined: 25/01/2018(UTC)
Posts: 3
Location: Aloha, Oregon
3056 year 1980 Krokodil owner here. Yes, it is a cult, like VW TDI engined vehicles here in North America.

I bought mine in West Berlin, summer of 1980 for 212 DM Sonderangebot, and brought her home to the States. It was my high school graduation present to myself. Had her digitized around 2001 or so. She is my prize and I regret not acquiring the Platinum Edition. Love my Kroko. The Krokodil is just plain cool - it oozes cool.
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Offline NS1200  
#46 Posted : 25 May 2018 08:35:07(UTC)
NS1200

Netherlands   
Joined: 10/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 3,443
PJ,

Thank you for your excellent contribution with pictures,Crocodile Dundee was very popular overhere and in our shipping office his expressions were still in use,including the "You call that a knife?"
one.
We also learned ourselves some Aussie slang such as "Lets go to the creek with the Sheilas to have a Babie and watch the Crocs",usually on the way out on a Fridayafternoon.

Somewhere sometime i read that there is still a bit of crocodile in the top of our spine which sometimes overrides the thin layer of civilisation,usually when driving a car.
It happened to me the other day on this forum when i commented on the Piko E18,for which again i do apologize.


Cheers,gov.
Have more than you show,speak less than you know (Shakespeare).
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Offline dickinsonj  
#47 Posted : 25 May 2018 15:27:11(UTC)
dickinsonj

United States   
Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC)
Posts: 1,676
Location: Crozet, Virginia
Originally Posted by: BZ100 Go to Quoted Post
3056 year 1980 Krokodil owner here. Yes, it is a cult, like VW TDI engined vehicles here in North America.
Love my Kroko. The Krokodil is just plain cool - it oozes cool.


My older croc is a 3356 from somewhere around the early 90's. It was converted to digital with an early, primitive decoder and is currently awaiting its next upgrade. I will add a mSD3 decoder and upgrade the dcm and it should run for many years to come. Although it has a plastic body and is not nearly as detailed as my newer crocs it runs well and looks just as cool on my layout as the fancy new crocs. It is also my first loco that I acquired after my little starter set, which makes it even more special to me. Cool
Regards,
Jim

I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time.
Offline TEEWolf  
#48 Posted : 28 May 2018 04:49:12(UTC)
TEEWolf


Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
Originally Posted by: jvuye Go to Quoted Post

Funny discussion!
In 1993, at the invitation of one of the Erstfeld Depot engineers, I had a chance to ride along in 14253 on one of the early morning "Fitness fahrt" from Erstfeld to Flüelen.
The "train" consisted of two two axle box cars and the loco was much heavier than its train. Wink
We never reached more than 40 km/h, and the purported "wiggling"was in fact very light.
It was clearly the oscillating movements of the driving/coupling rods reverberating into the chassis and body through the whining gears that created that "ondulation" impression.
At least for me, more of an acoustic impression like "wang-wing-wang-wing....." ThumpUp
We did not travel on any significant curve , and the few switches we passed were negotiated at low speed .
I would say I remember the ride was relatively "comfortable", but I'm sure my judgment was probably totally impeded by the excitement of riding this emblematic piece of RR history.
Life never felt the same afterwards! RollEyes Laugh Laugh BigGrin
Cheers
Jacques


Hello Jacques - isn't our hobby not funny too?

Thank you very much for your excellent report riding in the old "clock-cockpit" (opposite of the new "glas-cockpits", the one with high tech colour screens and tons of softwareLaugh ) croc.

Found a movie at YT which gives us all a small, short impression of your magnificent experience.



The video is abrupt (after 7:46 min) interrupted, because for the rest you shall pay some €. Nevertheless it gives a very nice introduction and has the title “The last SBB crocodiles”. At the beginning of the movie is shortly philosophized about the name crocodile.

But would you have told us about your magnificent croc ride? Thanks again and now I guess everybody knows why the Croc is cult – not only on a model railway layout. Wouldn't mind doing the same ride, if possible, even if it was only up to 40 km/h speed. But the maximum speed for a Crocodile loco was 65 km/h! Not more!

This information you get in the short video. They are explaining the Swiss named their locos analogue to their Steamer with A, B, C and just add an e for electricity. The Ae locos are for a maximum speed over 75 km/h, whereas the Ce has a maximum speed of 65 km/h. (The Be locos have a speed between 65 and 75 km/h). The 6/8 means the loco has 6 wheels for moving and 8 wheels overall. The number I was only used for the one and only experimental loco. The II is used for the first series of 33 locos built between 1919 and 1922. The III names the 18 pieces built from 1925 to 1927. Our new 39567 Insider shunting cult Crocodile is a Ce 6/8 II.

Also many thanks to PJMärklin explaining and showing us the shunting crocs Downunder! Excellent and thanks again PJ. Very friendly and a great pleasure your pictures. Showing as massive crocs are. The originals as well as the Alpine ones.

Well, if I stop buying Insider and other locos I may affored to visit the crocs Downunder.BigGrin I think about it for a trip around the world.Thanks for the invitation.

Finally two videos about explaining the Alpine crocs in even for a German not easy to understand language. But the pictures explaines themselves.

part 1


part 2


Many thanks to all

TEEWolf
(the lupus from Germania - the other one comes from Canada Cool)
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Offline jvuye  
#49 Posted : 28 May 2018 11:10:54(UTC)
jvuye

Belgium   
Joined: 01/03/2008(UTC)
Posts: 2,881
Location: South Western France
Originally Posted by: TEEWolf Go to Quoted Post


Hello Jacques - isn't our hobby not funny too?

Thank you very much for your excellent report riding in the old "clock-cockpit" (opposite of the new "glas-cockpits", the one with high tech colour screens and tons of softwareLaugh ) croc.

Found a movie at YT which gives us all a small, short impression of your magnificent experience.
....
Finally two videos about explaining the Alpine crocs in even for a German not easy to understand language. But the pictures explaines themselves.

...

TEEWolf
(the lupus from Germania - the other one comes from Canada Cool)


Thanks a lot!
We can feel the love! Laugh Laugh Cool

By now, most of my model RR friends here in France have been "infected" too
My grand children too....
Waiting and preparing for the Rangierkrok now: I'm building a time switching mini layout (after the famous John Allen's idea) just for the fun of it!
Cheers
Jacques





Jacques Vuye aka Dr.Eisenbahn
Once a vandal, learned to be better and had great success!
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