It seems few people notice Marklin 39853 ET85 railcar set (ET85+ES85) since the model announced. I recently received this item after 2 years of waiting, which is worth waiting.

History
ET85 was rebuilt from Bavaria MCCi steam railcar in 19244, which was consisted of ET (powered car) and ES (trailer). In 1927, DRG increased the car set up to 36 sets. In early time, the electric facilities was too huge to locate under the chassis, therefore, a machinery room behind the driver cab to equip with transformer was needed. Then the machinery room was rebuilt into the luggage room. All the gangways of the front end eventually were dismantled.

In 1968, DB renumbered the road number as BR485 (powered car) / 885 (trailer), which was relocated to Munich for commuting between city center and suburb. In 1977 all of BR 485 were retired and only one set (485 007 + 885 615) was preserved in Bochun Railway Museum.

※ information from Wikipedia


Appearance
Undoubtedly, the look is realistic and unbelievable details from the pantograph to the chassis. Especially, the stunning details in chassis that I have never seen the products of Marklin before. The interior is also rich as well including the old stylish luggage rack and handrail constructed on the seat. The heavy metal construction with 2 cars weighs approximately almost 900g, each car is over 400g.

Digital functions
As the catalog on official website described the lighting in cab and seating room for powered car and trailer can be digitally and independently operated. Pick-up shoe built in ET85 conducts the current to ES85 through the current conduct coupler with 6 pin socket. The train starts up after running sound effect sounding like old-styled motor and air compressor operating. A kolo-kolo machinery sound generates when running and squealing brakes off sound when stopping. As I know this railcar has suspended operating and has stationed in museum for decades, therefore, I don’t know where the sound comes from.

Shortage
Well, the above is advantage, but Marklin never did non-disadvantage products. Firstly, the motor occupies coach room apparently which causes the part of interior ugly. I suggest hiding the motor under the chassis or reducing the size of the motor. Secondly, once upon the time, Marklin was criticized only one end of powered bogie distributed in the locomotive, therefore, Marklin gradually amended all the locomotives and railcars as B0-B0 including ET85. However, this time they did too much to make a mistake because real ET85 is B0-2 in powered car.
Many tiny parts may be damaged or lost without care. In addition, if the plastic cable wire on the rooftop can be replaced by metal, it would be preferred.

Conclusion
In my opinion, if 10 is the highest, 8 is reasonable.

ET 85 (powered car)




ES 85 (trailer)


car set


lighting


details under the chassis






weight

Edited by user 26 August 2025 14:25:26(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

One more disadvantage is why Marklin designs so long packing box for 2 cars only.