I've had my new 39230 for a few weeks now but did not yet have a chance to photograph them side by side. Well, here they are.











Everytime I do these "old vs new" comparisons, I have a big problem to pick the winner. The old 3005 is the embodiment of old Märklin, it is a fantastic locomotive. It's lack of detail does not bother me at all because it just has so much character.

The new BR23 is an amazing model. I'd say it's a real BR23, just smaller. I don't think I've ever paid so much for a Märklin model, but it's worth it. For the record, I bought this old 3005 for €35 on Ebay and the new 39230 was bought new in a Märklin store for €360. That's 10 times at much!

Edited by user 04 October 2011 08:05:11(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

I had been hunting a 3005 for a long time on eBay, because I thought that their prices, compared with some other second-hand "vintage" Märklin models (3048 i.e.), were insane, even if 3005 is a "simpler" locomotive.

However, I've noticed that nowadays prices for this model have dropped a lot, and finally I've been able to get my 3005 (actually I've got two of them, Märklin and Primex, both for less than 50€ each -actually the Primex was brand new crisp in box).

I wonder if the release of this new model from M* can have something to do with it.

They are both wonderful!!!

Both are great,you are a lucky man you have both of them.

I believe the new Br23 is state of the art and a masterpiece. But I still think the ole 3005 is a work of art and the original masterpiece. It will always be my favorite Marklin lok. I have two; one analog and one with a decoder. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Bill

Good news my order 39230 have in stock and on way.[:p]