Hi everyone,
I have a 36851 SBB Cargo lok, and just noticed the new 36606 in the catalogue says "new construction" Can anyone tell me the difference between the two, aside from the road number? Is the new one mechanically better?
Thanks in advance!

36606 is a model of the newer version of the TRAXX 2 loco, as modified to give better protection in the lower cab area. It is denoted Re482.2 by the SBB. The 36851 is an earlier TRAXX 1, or Re482.0.

Ray's attached image, taken from www.Railcolor.net, show the external differences between the two variants. The SBB ordered 35 Re 482 from Bombardier (ex-ADTranz), with an option for another 15. The first 35 (482 000 - 482 034) were delivered from the initial batch of Traxx 140AC1
http://www.railcolor.net...p?nav=1405291&lang=1
At the same time, some changes were made to increase the safety of the locomotive. These changes were made at the bequest of the DB (Germany). The second batch of Re 482 was approved, but by that time, Bombardier (Kassel) had already switched over production to the new Bombardier 185.5 design (DB Class 185.2). It was decided that the remaining Re 482s (482 035 - 482 049) would be delivered from this production run. This model is known as type Traxx 140AC2 or Re 482.2. The first lok of the second series did not start life as a Re 482.2. It was actually Bombardier lok 185 561, which was used for testing purposes of the new design. When SBB Cargo placed the final order, it was decided that this lok would be repainted and outfitted according to the SBB requirements and delivered as the first of the remaining batch.
http://www.railcolor.net...p?nav=1405188&lang=1

This design has since become the common frame for all subsequent Bombardier Traxx designs, including the Re 484, the E 186 and even the Diesel D 185. Each model has some differences in the configuration of the roof equipment, but the lokfronts and housing are standard manufactured parts.
Here is the link for the Re 484 (Traxx140MS), including the MRCE loks currently leased by SBB Cargo for operation in Switzerland and Italy:
http://www.railcolor.net...p?nav=1405162&lang=1

The Railcolor.net website also provides information on new and recent loks by Siemens, Alsthom, Skoda and other European manfacturers in addition to Bombardier.

Specific to the Maerklin models, 36851 is Re 482 011, one of the 5 Re 482 initially delivered with only German pantographs and safety equipment. After a few months of service in Germany, the loks were returned to Bombardier where the missing equipment was installed and the loks were then finally sent to Switzerland and entered into official service. 36606 is Re 482 046, one of the last loks delivered from the second series. Coincidentally, the Trix lok 22631, which can be easily adapted for AC operation on Maerklin, also has the same running number. A few models, like the 26544 Cisalpino Variant and the limited RTS livery 185.5 (Maerklin CH) were actually made by Maerklin based on the original series model, when the actual lok should have been from the second series. I would have preferred to see Maerklin release an AC model of the Trix lok instead of a new Hobby model, even if it meant having a plastic body.

Roco's models included 482 000, 482 003, 482 004, 482 009 (Holcim), 482 029 (ChemOil) (Roco CH special model) and from the second series Re 482 039. Roco also made a model of Re 484 006, with all the appropriate modifications.

RailTop released a model (made by ACME) of 482 035 (see above). Later models, including other Re 482.2 and 484 models (Cargo and Cisalpino) were released by ACME themselves.

Piko also released models of the Re 482. (That's all I have to say about that).

Another excellent source of photos of these and similar loks is www.br146.de. Click on Bilder and then select the desired lok type.

I hope that this info helps.

Regards

Mike C

Edited by user 23 September 2010 02:08:40(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

The numbers 185 501 and higher are reserved for private locos registered in Germany. Both types can be found there.

Locos with the new body are normally called BR 185.2 because the first DB loco with the new body was registered as 185 201.