I like steamers and hate catenary so restricted from the start my hobby to era I/II. In the process I discovered something odd about Marklin's designation of their locos. If a loco was first produced in one era but modified later and the Marklikn model included the later changes it would be listed as the later era. In some cases a loco first introduced in era I or II but rehabbed to be included in a museum would be listed as era 5 or 6. So you have to read the prototype description. So locomotives can cover more than one era depending on modifications and upgrades. They certainly are in operation for more than one era.

Märklin 39281 and the previous year 39280 is a completely new construction from all the previous Märklin Rc.

Although it may look similar, it's a completely different loco than the earlier versions.

New body of cast metal.
New chassis, drive, motor, PCB board, lights, and the lot. Wheel axels with bearings.
The overall detailing is better.

It's much heavier, and the 4 axle drive makes it a stronger puller than the previous version. Like almost all new constructions from Märklin, it runs very smoothly on C-track.

This is the first time Märklin or any other included all the front and rear light functions, including the special warning signal with both ends flashing. (At least on the black one 39280.) The only function missing is the little orange side light signal for ready to departure.


Are there any drawbacks? Like many Märklin locomotives, the wire on the roof is in plastic, and not in metal. The side window beside the door of the cab is somewhat too tall. The chrome rings around the lights are just painted. So Roco still has the upper hand when it comes to the looks.

Test video from Svenska Modelljärnvägsmagasinet (Magazine, 5 prints per year)


Another test video

He also opens the locomotive and you will have a good look at the drive and more. He also makes some comparisons to the previous as well as Roco.


If you want some nice passenger coaches to go with this you should look for HNOLL. They produce the modern 1980's type in fantastic detail, both restaurant wagons, sleeping wagons, and regular.

Worth to buy? Yes, I'm a happy owner and as soon as Märklin makes another livery I want (like SSRT, Green Cargo, Blue-X) I will buy that one as well.

According to www.svenska-lok.se the Rc5 1364 was made in 1984 and repainted and converted to Rc6 in 1994. There is some more information and pictures on: https://www.jarnvag.net/lokguide/rc5
So it seems like the locomotive is late era IV and early era V. (there were some changes from the earlier RC4 compared to the later Rc5)

The construction choice or mistake? Märklin made on the bogies is a bit strange. ref video posted above by LeoArietis in #4

Yes, they are too short. Construction date decades ago, mid 60ties.

In my personal opinion, the Roco model developed in 1982 holds up better details and painting (especially lines) than the ones Märklin come up with today.







Let's hope that Märklin plastic electrical wires on the roof doesn't start to catch up with Lima