New Z scale items hardly come thick and fast, but I've not bought anything new for ages. I have been keeping an eye on the new V90 model, though, (88510) and now it is finally available I couldn't resist getting myself one.

First impressions are pretty positive - a handsome model for sure and a very smooth runner to boot. Top speed is quite low by Z standards - a bit faster than the 88804 V80. but not much. I know not everyone likes that, but it suits me fine. The only disappointment is its weight. It's only 17g and has traction to match - the 82541 bogie gondola set is about the most it can manage on my (3% gradient) layout. The 88697 V100 can out-haul it by some margin despite being a smaller loco.

Nevertheless, I'm very happy with my purchase and it's a very attractive addition to my roster.

Cheers


Chris

The V90 body is made of plastic and the V100 from metal, and I think that accounts for the difference. The body is somewhat narrower and less tall than the V100 so I suspect that made it impractical to cast from metal. Metal impregnated plastic would have helped, but Marklin seem to have largely abandoned that, so I suspect there were problems with the material.





The overall length of the V90 is 65mm and the bogie centres are 32mm. This compares to 60mm and 28mm respectively for the V100.

Hope this is of interest


Chris

Following Chris' report, I decided to investigate the traction power for myself. My steepest grade is 2% and this is the longest train that the v90 could get up it (going at full power!):





Secondly, just to mention, out of the box the front coupler was drooping rather badly. But a quick twist and push got it to sit in its box properly. Otherwise its performance is excellent.

Carim