Came across a picture of the br 92 2326 (kkStb 178), and it seems quite possible that this locomotive/kkStb 178 is the prototype Märklin used as the prototype for the KLVM 3090/3087. So I'm posting it here as information, and perhaps someone else has more to add to the story. Märkl might also have taken some inspiration from the KkStB 97 as this is 3 axle locomotive, but the “domes” does not correspond to the KLVM. I have previously believed that the KLVM was based on the BR U 43 as described here: http://www.maerklin-sammler-infos.de/maerklin/lokomotiven/03087/03087.htm. But most likely this is not the case.

The br 92 2326

The “domes” correspond to the KLVM, and I suspect that the reason for only 3 axles on the KLVM is due to the legacy from 3029 and to keep things simple and economic. Unfortunately is not possible to see if the tank on the right side also goes all the way to the front.

KkStB 97

note that the 97 does not have a coal bunker in the rear,

KkStB 178 vs KkStB 97 drawings:



MLV 92.2271

I also noticed that the capacities and weight printed on the KLVM, correspond reasonably well to the KkStB 178 specifications. Ref wikipedia

A guy on stummi forum has also modified his KLM to a 4-axle version: https://www.stummiforum.de/t30022f35-klvm.html#msg1765243

Some other variations:
KkStB 178 with tender


Polish armoured version:


Sources and more information:
https://www.karaus.de/?Eisenbahn_im_Ostsudetenland:W%FCrbenthal_Kursbuch_Nr_151s_von_1944:Localbahn_-_Fahrzeuge
https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/KkStB_178
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/KkStB_97
Info on the Kobel chimney(Der Kobelschornstein): https://www.buntbahn.de/viewtopic.php?t=9508&start=0
https://www.eisenbahn.gerhard-obermayr.com/oebb/die-oebb-fahrzeuge/dampflok-normalspur/92192292392692792892/
http://www.bahntechnisches-bildarchiv.at/br92.htm
http://www.locomotives.com.pl/Freight%20Tank%20Locomotives/TKp11.htm
https://www.wikiwand.com/de/KkStB_178
https://www.wikiwand.com/de/KkStB_97
http://derela.pl/armlok.htm
Märkronomicon: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2c55ukjdfgfwbty/AAANsXSCLVxCulCwn6E5sWWna