I decided to order this locomotive based on the very positive impression that I got from the V 300, hoping that some of the shortcomings of the earlier models would have been improved. This is what I can conclude now, based on the test runs that I have done:

What I like:

1) Sound is excellent in the same league as the V 300. I never got around purchasing the earlier 39800, so I cannot compare with this one.
2) Motor is a compact C-sinus, which confers smooth driving, however, not as good as on the V 300.
3) Heavy metal construction, same as before.
4) The paint finish is very nice, and the lettering is sharp.


What I dislike:

1) Unfortunately, the bleeding effect of the headlights (both white and red) has still not been corrected on the V 200 models. I was hoping that it would've been on this one. So, I am very disappointed. I do like the fact that this loco comes with light bulbs, which I prefer a thousand times instead of the unnatural orange or white LEDs. This annoying light bleeding effect was efficiently corrected on the fantastic V 300, but maybe because it has LEDs. However, I think that some solution in this era of high-tech could have been implemented.

2)The loco is just a little noisy, but the multiple sounds emitting from her make you forget quickly about the driving mechanism noise. (Revision: I had the opportunity to compare the 39804 against a previous 39821 V 200.1 (with fat sinus motor), and I felt that I had to revise my initial impression about the noise. The 39804 fares much, much better! The 39804 is a quantum leap in improved designed, compared to the 39821, despite the latter's fat sinus motor)

3) It still comes with green details in the cabins, which look eerie. I wonder if that's the way the prototype really looked. The V 300 has more "normal" colours.


Overall, when I reflect on my purchase, I think that I should have saved my $$$ money (it is still an overpriced model, for what it really is!)and waited until Märklin decided in earnest to perform an overall retooling of this otherwise beautiful model.

I will not be running it with the Blauer Enzian coaches, as I already have them in the most unsatisfying Henschell-Wegmann model, and as they say: once burned, twice shy!

Edited by user 05 February 2011 22:49:59(UTC)  | Reason: Felt that I had to further revise my noise impression. All in italics

I have the 39803 Era IV version, and I love it. However, Marklin appears to have installed a generic sound decoder/generator, as the loco sounds sounds exactly the same as my VT08, which is the same as my SVT04....

N.B. I have added further revisions to my original text (see text in italics above), in connection with the noise of the driving mechanism. I was able to compare 39804 to 39821, and, actually, the 39804 wins over hands down!

Interesting review. I have the 39821 and I've been very happy with it. I didn't feel it was too noisy, however it is noisier than the loco's I have with the SDS or faulhaber motors.
(This is more to do with the gear train employed than the motors). I do find the original sine motor gives superior running in the very low speed and starting too.

Thanks for sharing what you found Armando.

Cheers....

Mike.

Armando, All,
I just receved my Blauer Enzian coach set yesterday. They appear to be nicely and sharply detailed and the LED lighting is soft and good looking, but probably a bit white/green to be correct, that said I've only briefly placed the end car with the shoe on the track for a quick test. Are there running issuues with these coaches ? I'd hoped these would have been sorted out for a re issue !?
I have 39800 with ESU M4 and 39820 "Imo Trains", must dig it out for a comparison. Most "Fat Sinus'" I found have a little bit of gear noise to some degree but usually a bit of a lube cures this. ( sorry if a bit off topic again )