I can’t understand why Marklin uses this frustrating symbol in their database.

This symbol is by default, with very few exceptions, is placed on every single items in the 37xxx range.

If the symbol is used to describe the motor – it’s use already defeat its purpose and serves to confuse customers.
One can't assume that they can tell the motor type just by looking at the symbol...

To start with – because the use of that picture with "five stars", one will almost always automatically assume that the symbol only represent DCM 5-pole motor. This is not always the case.

In reality this motor symbol grouped together the largest bulk of motor selection in the entire Marklin range other than just 5-pole DCMs. This includes even some models with can-motor found in the hobby loks – such as the French Crocodiles, maxxon / faulhaber (most new construction 37xxx steamers built since the 1990 to 2006), 5-pole skewed can motor (most 37xxx railcars), or even "special" 80 Euro plus can motor on GG-1/Big Boy.

Now moving on the terms of description of the symbol - which is equally messy;
“high-efficiency propulsion. Maximum speed and acceleration/delay are adjustable.”

This gives the impression that only models with this symbol has all those extra features to play with whereas other ranges – especially those cheaper 36xxx doesn’t. Of course, this is actually not true – as even those 36xxx models have the same features. The fact is these are decoder dependant and not motor dependant - but Marklin sure isn't saying..


Now for the second sentence;
“..Special motor with electronically enhanced load compensation or a compact bellshaped armature..”

The way the sentence is written rightfully highlight that there are two different basic types of motor described. The first type “special motor” seemingly refering to DCM – as the second type; “compact bell shaped motor” refers to all other types of can motors other than Sinus. It’s funny because arguably what is so "special that needs describing? As for “enhanced load compensation”; again it is actually also a digital feature of all modern decoders. No motor could have such feature on its own.

Overall, a very messy and unhelpful education by Marklin for their customers.

One is well advised to ignore this symbol as "redundant" and go straight to the motor description;
"High Efficiency Propulsion" = an upbeat, uplifting way of saying 5-pole DCM
"Bell shaped armature" = brushless can motor, what type dependant on the model.

IMO a product database should be helpful, informative, and written in plain language - as it is relied upon by customers, who are not always as well informed as Marklin like them to be.

Sorry for the rant.

Hi Tim. I dont really pay much attention to any of the symbols and try to find out as much as possible about a loco from others before buying.
I would say though that most of Marklins blurb whether in catalogues or instructions is not great. I think they expect everybody to be an expert on the brand.

Flash

Hi, Tim!

This symbol stands for load-regulated high-efficiency propulsion - and all 37xxx locos have that (except some SDS locos with 37xxx number).
Since all current models have load regulation, this symbol is not really needed anymore (but 36xxx digital locos and SDS locos are still different, so there is some sense in having a symbol for the 37xxx locos). OTOH 37xxx locos vary quite a bit, so it would make sense to have more than only one symbol for them.

In the old days with analog, Delta, analog 5-star, and unregulated digital locos (36xx) this symbol surely was more meaningful - and it was the symbol of the premium locos of those days.

Same goes for the fx symbol. All locos are fx or mfx today.

But the product database goes back to 2000, so you still find analog locos in it.

Lutz,
I've made a mistake, the loco was advertised as the previous c-sinus motor and the confirmation came from Märklin that the SBB Ae 8/14 will have a compact c-sinus motor.

Hello,

I really do not understand why this symbol is disturbing.
I know a lot of people that are not knowing the numbering of Märklin product and do not know that 37*** means high proulsion locos (yes, not everyone is spending days in studying the catalogue). Those people are happy to have this explained with a symbol.

Ok, the symbol is coming from the old 5 pole engine era. But changing it again would cause only more confusion.

So what? If it is disturbing you just do not look at it.

So easy life can be.

I even do not care about the symbols neither the catalogue number. I read the product explanation and know everything about it.

kind regards

Stephan