and now a little more about the model...
This is my first model of a Maerklin Re 4/4II with the new motor driven by cardan shafts. The model has a new chassis. The location of the mounting screw has changed, so it is no longer possible to swap shells with Maerklin models with the classic motor.
One thing that I have noticed is that the couplers seem to protrude more than the earlier models, which creates a greater space between the loco and the leading coach.
The model is not equipped with a close coupling shaft and the coupling shaft is still attached to the bogie.
Mechanically, the loco is nice and smooth. I cannot speak to the longevity, as I have only had the model for a short time and it has only run a few times.
The start up and stopping is nice and smooth. The loco runs very quietly. I don't think it will be as easy to maintain as the classic Maerklin motor.
Some of my newer models require the removal/detachment of the circuit board to lubricate the cardan/gear box. The classic design was simpler and IMHO safer to maintain as there was less manipulation required.
When I look at the advances in LED technology and how some of my models have red taillights at the outside, the 37473 has a variety of light functions (single white taillight, single red taillight, dual red taillights), but the red LEDs illuminate the entire headlight and not just the outer side, as it would on the prototype. They could have developed this a little more.
The cab lighting, for the first time, has about the correct intensity for a model. On a number of my Re 460s (not just Maerklin), the cab lighting gives off more lumens that the headlights on the model, so this was a pleasant surprise. The motor compartment lights are ok, but I have not seen enough images of the prototype to see whether this is prototypical and whether it can be seen more on one side than on the other due to the layout of the internals.
My other question was about the pantographs. When compared to the Re 6/6 (620), where the most recent models have had gray painted pantographs, this model once again has metal coloured pantographs. It might have been a nice added feature to have this rendered prototypically.
The final test, which I have not done, would be to pit the new model in a test of strength against another model, to see whether it can drag a loco pulling in the other direction or push a loco that was pushing towards it. I am a little hesitant as there is some concern that the cardan drive may not fare as well when head to head with another model.
That said, I got this model to have because A) I wanted this locomotive for my SBB EC consist, B) I love SBB locos in blue, C) I wanted to have one model with the new motor and D) I love this shade of blue.
I am deciding whether I want to order the Roco model too. I could use the Loco one with my 1/87 models and the Maerklin one with the coaches from my 43672, 42174 and 43065.
Either that or one could be dedicated to freight traffic as they have been since December 2020.
Underside with Slider. You can see the drive gears behind the slider and note the single traction tire on the rear wheel (top left)
You can see the new position of the screw for the shell, next to the Maerklin sticker.
Here we have a clear view of the underside of the bogie, with drive gears and slider clip slots. You can again see the single traction tire (bottom right).
The new bogie pieces have a lot more plastic than the older models which were largely made out of metal*.
Here you can see the top view of the model. The roof details are nicely done. The silver area is exactly as seen on photos of the prototype.
I have already addressed the issue of the plain metal pantographs. The wires on the roof are black on the prototype and not red as on the model.
The real loco:
https://www.bahnbilder.d...macht-auf-die-neuen.html* The classic bogie design:
https://assets.catawiki....51-b31c-31ed3f1a809d.jpgRegards
Mike C
