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Offline BrandonVA  
#1 Posted : 05 September 2013 14:40:55(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
Hello all,

I recently saw a couple of Marklin coaches I didn't recognize on eBay. At first I thought they were HO, but when I looked closer I saw they were Minex. I had never heard of Minex before. I did a quick Google and found the following links that are very useful:

http://www.guidetozscale.com/html/marklin_minex.html - English Minex Overview
http://www.mist-mittelrhein.de/MINEX.htm - German Minex overview

For those interested, here is the summary:

Minex was a large scale (approx 1:45) train system that ran on Marklin HO AC tracks with HO transformers. Minex came out in 1970 and was discontinued in 1972. The overall product line was very small, consisting of two locomotives (one steam, one diesel), two passenger cars, and six freight cars. It was sold in sets, and also individually. A signal was also available. The appearance was that of a narrow gauge railroad. The target market was children.

Despite the short run of the product, I think it's a fascinating piece of Marklin history. I wonder, how many of you have any Minex products? Also, how do the locos run? Do they run and hold us as well as the Marklin HO locomotives of a contemporary period (early 70s)? Since they run on HO transformers, do they have the same motors are HO trains (hopefully, so they can use same parts such as brushes)?

I am interesting it perhaps getting a Minex set. Who knows, this may be a good Christmas tree train, or just fun to play around with the kids on a carpetbahn.

-Brandon
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Offline BrandonVA  
#2 Posted : 05 September 2013 15:31:59(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
To answer one of my own questions, looking at the second link (the German link):

Minex locos use standard SFCM motors from the HO series, and mechanical reverse units.

I am still interested to know if anyone has experience with Minex.

-Brandon
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Offline petestra  
#3 Posted : 05 September 2013 15:50:32(UTC)
petestra

United States   
Joined: 27/07/2009(UTC)
Posts: 5,824
Location: Leesburg,VA.USA
Yes, Brandon. It would make a great Christmas tree train, with the gondolas full of

Christmas decos or balls, etc. Peter BigGrin
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#4 Posted : 05 September 2013 23:25:14(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Two of our Marklin Club members have / had Minex trains. I say 'had' because one of them died nearly a year ago. Our club was able to purchase his Marklin collection from his estate, and the Minex trains have been kept by the Club and put on display.

I have previously posted pictures of them in the forum, I'll see if I can find them.
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Offline jvuye  
#5 Posted : 05 September 2013 23:31:40(UTC)
jvuye

Belgium   
Joined: 01/03/2008(UTC)
Posts: 2,881
Location: South Western France
Hi
I have the two Minex "starter sets".
The steam loco is absolutely beautiful.
BTW, the engines had an LFCM not an SFCM
It is in fact 0m gauge.
I will post a few pics...but a little later: it's beauty rest time in France right now!BigGrin
Stay tuned

Edited by user 07 September 2013 13:00:24(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Jacques Vuye aka Dr.Eisenbahn
Once a vandal, learned to be better and had great success!
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Offline xxup  
#6 Posted : 06 September 2013 02:18:59(UTC)
xxup

Australia   
Joined: 15/03/2003(UTC)
Posts: 9,458
Location: Australia
Originally Posted by: jvuye Go to Quoted Post
it's beauty rest time in France right now!BigGrin


But a Belgium flag? Confused
Adrian
UserPostedImage
Australia flag by abFlags.com
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Offline nevw  
#7 Posted : 06 September 2013 06:41:45(UTC)
nevw

Australia   
Joined: 27/08/2005(UTC)
Posts: 11,071
Location: Murrumba Downs QLD
Originally Posted by: xxup Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: jvuye Go to Quoted Post
it's beauty rest time in France right now!BigGrin


But a Belgium flag? Confused


But Jacques is a closet being from Belgium Having ben born there and since travelling the world towing his M trains.LOL RollEyes
NOt wearing the Pink Pinny, which is hard to see and now I have a white Pinny which also is hard to see against MY pure white Skin Still have 2 new shiny tin Hips that is badly in Need of Repair matching rusting tin shoulders
and a hose pipe on the aorta
Junior member of the Banana Club, a reformist and an old Goat with a Bad memory, loafing around
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Offline jvuye  
#8 Posted : 06 September 2013 07:41:21(UTC)
jvuye

Belgium   
Joined: 01/03/2008(UTC)
Posts: 2,881
Location: South Western France
Originally Posted by: xxup Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: jvuye Go to Quoted Post
it's beauty rest time in France right now!BigGrin


But a Belgium flag? Confused


Hi Adrian

Born Belgian, traveled/worked all around the world before settling down in SW France near a RR Museum.
Never changed citizenship, why should I?
The world is our village...
Will get the Minex pics later today.
Cheers

Jacques Vuye aka Dr.Eisenbahn
Once a vandal, learned to be better and had great success!
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#9 Posted : 06 September 2013 11:24:01(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Here's the photos I have of Minex trains.

The first 4 are from the collection of the friend who died. The other 2 are the trains belonging to another club member. He built a purpose built layout for them.

UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage

Edited by user 13 March 2021 08:17:56(UTC)  | Reason: Fixed picture urls so that they display properly.

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Offline Ian555  
#10 Posted : 06 September 2013 11:32:55(UTC)
Ian555

Scotland   
Joined: 04/06/2009(UTC)
Posts: 20,235
Location: Scotland
Hi David,

Thanks very much for the photo's. ThumpUp

I'd never heard of Minex trains until today.....interesting.

Ian.
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Offline Ian555  
#11 Posted : 06 September 2013 11:39:41(UTC)
Ian555

Scotland   
Joined: 04/06/2009(UTC)
Posts: 20,235
Location: Scotland
Hi all,

Minex Set's 3450 and 3470 on e-bay.de

Ian.

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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#12 Posted : 06 September 2013 11:43:06(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Hmmm, I sense that Ebay is going to get a hammering over the next few days as Ian searches for Minex trains to buy!

As previously mentioned, Minex was in the Marklin catalogs from 1970 to 1972. They made 2 locos - a diesel and a steam - and a bunch of freight and passenger cars.

Here's another picture of a purpose built Minex layout from the 1970 catalog.

UserPostedImage

Edited by user 13 March 2021 08:19:07(UTC)  | Reason: Fixed picture urls so that they display properly.

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Offline waorb  
#13 Posted : 06 September 2013 13:16:20(UTC)
waorb

Brazil   
Joined: 31/05/2011(UTC)
Posts: 868
Location: Brazil
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post
As previously mentioned, Minex was in the Marklin catalogs from 1970 to 1972. They made 2 locos - a diesel and a steam - and a bunch of freight and passenger cars.

Hi!

I think this link below was already published here, but is always good to remember to download the catalogs if you want them...

http://www.lctm.info/Bib...alogos/Marklin/index.php

(all Märklin catalogs until 1999)

Regards,

Walter
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#14 Posted : 06 September 2013 13:32:13(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: waorb Go to Quoted Post
I think this link below was already published here, but is always good to remember to download the catalogs if you want them...

(all Märklin catalogs until 1999)


A lot of those downloads are catalogs I scanned or otherwise obtained!
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Offline Markus Schild  
#15 Posted : 06 September 2013 14:34:26(UTC)
Markus Schild

Germany   
Joined: 14/01/2006(UTC)
Posts: 1,802
Location: Wurttemberg
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post

Here's another picture of a purpose built Minex layout from the 1970 catalog.



Hi,

Thank you for showing this picture. It shows the rarest MINEX-car: The yellow dumper. The regular model had a grey chassis, but also some few of these pre-production version cars came to collectors. I' don't have one, but I know one piece in a collection of a friend.
From the picture above:
UserPostedImage

Regular model:
UserPostedImage

Regards

Markus

Edited by user 07 September 2013 13:07:09(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

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Offline BrandonVA  
#16 Posted : 06 September 2013 17:03:31(UTC)
BrandonVA

United States   
Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC)
Posts: 2,533
Location: VA
Wow guys, thanks for sharing all the information and pictures. This is something I would be interested in collecting one day, but I tipped my hand...so as said ebay will probably be hot for a while :)

I doubt we will ever see a repeat of this, but if Marklin came out with a new set of these in the MyWorld range I would certainly be interested.

-Brandon
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Offline clapcott  
#17 Posted : 06 September 2013 23:01:43(UTC)
clapcott

New Zealand   
Joined: 12/12/2005(UTC)
Posts: 2,433
Location: Wellington, New_Zealand
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post
.... the Minex trains have been kept by the Club and put on display.


As it happens, only yesterday we were discussing this, and the thoughts turned to the correct track to use for the display.

While the 16.5mm gauge might be accurate the sleeper representation of the "standard" Marklin M track was not.

Any thoughts ? ! Confused
Peter
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#18 Posted : 07 September 2013 00:37:24(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
I'd think that the 'correct' track to use would be the 1970's style M track, as that would most likely what people would have used when Minex was available for purchase.

M track may not be prototypically correct, but it can be argued that much of what we accept and use in our layouts isn't prototypical - curve radii for example.
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Offline H0  
#19 Posted : 07 September 2013 07:41:10(UTC)
H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,254
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post
I'd think that the 'correct' track to use would be the 1970's style M track, as that would most likely what people would have used when Minex was available for purchase.
That's 'correct' for the Märklin collector.

It seems there are 0e tracks from other makers that would be more 'correct' for a modeller (sleeper dimensions, sleeper spacing). But those come without 3rd rail ...
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
UserPostedImage
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#20 Posted : 07 September 2013 08:41:24(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Given that I've just found a Peco 2012 catalog on the net, are you referring to something like the SL500 - which is a 914mm Peco flexitrack in 0e scale?

(You did refer to Peco track in the first version of your post)
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Offline kweekalot  
#21 Posted : 07 September 2013 08:55:50(UTC)
kweekalot

Netherlands   
Joined: 27/06/2012(UTC)
Posts: 3,435
Location: Holland
Originally Posted by: H0 Go to Quoted Post
It seems there are 0e tracks from other makers that would be more 'correct' for a modeller (sleeper dimensions, sleeper spacing). But those come without 3rd rail ...

One could add a center rail....

UserPostedImage
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Offline H0  
#22 Posted : 07 September 2013 09:16:29(UTC)
H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,254
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post
(You did refer to Peco track in the first version of your post)
I did, but found no sources on the web and edited it out.

0 gauge track with 16.5 mm is used for various prototype gauges (I think from 600 to 914 mm). And for various scales (1:43.5 through 1:48).
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
UserPostedImage
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Offline Iamnotthecrazyone  
#23 Posted : 07 September 2013 09:34:17(UTC)
Iamnotthecrazyone

Australia   
Joined: 22/01/2012(UTC)
Posts: 1,044
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post
I'd think that the 'correct' track to use would be the 1970's style M track, as that would most likely what people would have used when Minex was available for purchase.

M track may not be prototypically correct, but it can be argued that much of what we accept and use in our layouts isn't prototypical - curve radii for example.


And the list goes on and on...BigGrin

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Offline jvuye  
#24 Posted : 07 September 2013 09:52:11(UTC)
jvuye

Belgium   
Joined: 01/03/2008(UTC)
Posts: 2,881
Location: South Western France
Originally Posted by: Iamnotthecrazyone Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post
I'd think that the 'correct' track to use would be the 1970's style M track, as that would most likely what people would have used when Minex was available for purchase.

M track may not be prototypically correct, but it can be argued that much of what we accept and use in our layouts isn't prototypical - curve radii for example.


And the list goes on and on...BigGrin



Since you mention it...one little peculiarity is that the curved track in the Minex Starter Sets were 5200 (R2). But the loco run over R1 without any trouble

Cheers

Jacques Vuye aka Dr.Eisenbahn
Once a vandal, learned to be better and had great success!
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#25 Posted : 07 September 2013 10:25:42(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: kweekalot Go to Quoted Post
One could add a center rail....


Probably not needed if it is just for display purposes.

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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#26 Posted : 07 September 2013 10:29:14(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: H0 Go to Quoted Post
I did, but found no sources on the web and edited it out.


0e page from the 2012 Peco catalog.
Bigdaddynz attached the following image(s):
Pages from PECO. Gesamtkatalog 2012.jpg
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Offline jvuye  
#27 Posted : 07 September 2013 11:28:04(UTC)
jvuye

Belgium   
Joined: 01/03/2008(UTC)
Posts: 2,881
Location: South Western France
As promised, a series of pictures from the Minex Rolling stock contained in the starter set.
Both locos have a LFCM motor and lighting only on one side.
The steam loco has all its axles driven by gears, the diesel only has the last axle powered.
The passenger coach has 16 benches and opening doors
The marking says "32 pl"...probably because most of the time you'd take your girlfriend on your lap anyway!!BigGrin
The gondola is nicely detailed and has neat markings.
The tipper car and the diesel are an exercise in minimalism and low cost production.
All are still a great play value.
Fleischmann produced a similar system in 2-rail, the Play-train and was marginally more succesful than Märklin.
Enjoy the pics and don't forget to click on "view the image" for full resolution
jvuye attached the following image(s):
liteminexP9071097.jpg
liteminexP9071096.jpg
liteminexP9071098.jpg
liteminexP9071099.jpg
liteminexP9071100.jpg
liteminexP9071108.jpg
liteminexP9071109.jpg
liteminexP9071111.jpg
liteminexP9071112.jpg
liteminexP9071113.jpg
Jacques Vuye aka Dr.Eisenbahn
Once a vandal, learned to be better and had great success!
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Offline Markus Schild  
#28 Posted : 07 September 2013 22:42:37(UTC)
Markus Schild

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

Thank you for the pictures.
For people interested in the steamer 3400 it may be interesting that there are two versions of the loco: The first version has separate gears behind the drive-wheels , the second version has wheels with a cast gear-ring (gear and wheel is one part) as known from the large wheels of the following H0-steamers (3085ff). The version with the "look through" wheels looks very much better regarding the loco from the left side. The 3400 was the first loco which was delivered with these wheels.

Regards

Markus
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Offline jvuye  
#29 Posted : 07 September 2013 23:01:38(UTC)
jvuye

Belgium   
Joined: 01/03/2008(UTC)
Posts: 2,881
Location: South Western France
Hello Markus!
Another thing I did not know!
Thank you for that infpormation!
Unfortunately mine has the one with the older separate gears.
Still, I love them!
Cheers
Jacques Vuye aka Dr.Eisenbahn
Once a vandal, learned to be better and had great success!
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Offline cookee_nz  
#30 Posted : 08 September 2013 12:15:12(UTC)
cookee_nz

New Zealand   
Joined: 31/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3,949
Location: Paremata, Wellington
Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz Go to Quoted Post
Two of our Marklin Club members have / had Minex trains. I say 'had' because one of them died nearly a year ago. Our club was able to purchase his Marklin collection from his estate, and the Minex trains have been kept by the Club and put on display.

I have previously posted pictures of them in the forum, I'll see if I can find them.


Add another to that Dave, I too purchased a Minex starter set from the same auction as Paul and John (in fact I got John's for him as he could not make it) - we're all helpful like that here down-under!!

I while ago I posted up a short video of the Faller classic B-233 Windmill in operation on my small shop display layout and running in the background is probably the strangest 'ecclectic' mix you'll see in a while.

Inner oval has Thomas doing the rounds.

Middle oval has the 'My World' infra-red ICE train racing along,

and on the outer oval, my Minex orange Diesel with it's own Hopper car and the normal HO one at the end.

Sure looks strange but what the heck, it's just for fun




And just for a further slight diversion if anyone is interested (Ian?), the Faller e-train series is also 0 scale, and the accessories for that, especially the Engine Shed and Station are absolutely PERFECT for Minex. They are a 'combi-kit style, part plastic, part cardboard.

Enjoy

Cookee
Cookee
Wellington
NZ image
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Offline cookee_nz  
#31 Posted : 13 March 2021 11:06:30(UTC)
cookee_nz

New Zealand   
Joined: 31/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3,949
Location: Paremata, Wellington
Why has this near-8 year-old topic suddenly popped up as a notification? - something been edited perhaps?
Cookee
Wellington
NZ image
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#32 Posted : 13 March 2021 11:11:02(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: cookee_nz Go to Quoted Post
.....something been edited perhaps?


Capture.JPG

The pictures in my post had disappeared because of changed URLs.
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Offline Remco1991  
#33 Posted : 23 March 2021 00:39:11(UTC)
Remco1991

Netherlands   
Joined: 21/03/2021(UTC)
Posts: 2
Location: Heino
Just recently saw this post. I've been on this forun for a few days now. In my opinion, the Minex steam locomotive is absolutely stunning! It also feels very sturdy. A great way to introduce children with model railroading.

Fun fact: here in the Netherlands they have a themepark, the Efteling. There is a model railway layout called "the Diorama" with Minex trains. It opened in 1971. They added some magic train from Fleischmann later on, but there are still a lot of Minex trains riding on the tracks!
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Offline Jimmy Thompson  
#34 Posted : 23 March 2021 10:53:22(UTC)
Jimmy Thompson

United States   
Joined: 26/03/2019(UTC)
Posts: 587
Location: Florida Classic but Successful Swampland City
Just thought I might add this here in re Efteling Diorama:



Enjoy!
Jimmy T
Analogue; M-track; BR 111; KLVM; Primex; Sarrasani Zirkuswelt
There is a Prototype For Everything
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Offline Jimmy Thompson  
#35 Posted : 26 May 2022 17:29:30(UTC)
Jimmy Thompson

United States   
Joined: 26/03/2019(UTC)
Posts: 587
Location: Florida Classic but Successful Swampland City
Well, I stumbled across 2 links to an essay, so I will note both of them in case one does not work (for whatever magical techno-thingie might occur LOL )

https://www.yumpu.com/de/documen...n-minex-mist-mittelrhein

https://docplayer.org/20729007-E...inex-schmalspurbahn.html

45 pages, and, in German, but I feel of value for the reference library! Love
Jimmy T
Analogue; M-track; BR 111; KLVM; Primex; Sarrasani Zirkuswelt
There is a Prototype For Everything
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