Greeting one and all:

I have a concern regarding the newer Marklin E Loks, or more specifically, the pantographs on them. I was wondering if it is just me that finds them a major pain in the butt to get them to go up? I have recently been collecting a number of E Loks these days and it seem that every pantograph on the newer loks are very difficult to release. So much so that inevitably, I end up bending them. Is this Mother M's way of getting you to spend more money?

I'm really getting PO'd over it. I have a newer Crocodile with which either panto's will not release, as well as a number of other E loks that will not release as. Most of these issues are found in the older style pantographs of such items as the E103 or the E120, however I have issues on some of the newer single arm types as well. Frustration does not begin to describe what I feel these days. Does any body have any tips on how to release them without causing major damage?

Sincerely
James

I have four different tips because there are five different mechanisms I can think of right now (but there may be more).

Old single-arm pantographs must be pushed gently to the left (looking from the elbow).
Modern single-arm pantographs must be pulled - it can help to push the wiper towards the elbow.

With modern scissors pantographs, it's as Juhan mentioned it: push gently to the left to release the hold on the right side, then gently push to the right to release the hold on the left side.
With older scissors pantographs, just pull upwards.

Which locos do you have problems with?
Maybe I (or someone else) can help with photos.

Thanks for the response guys, it certainly helps

I just find the older pantographs a lot easier to manipulate. I guess I'm getting old fashioned these days. The delicacy of the new pantographs are nice when it comes to overall appearance, however, when it it cones to functionality.........

Thanks again for the support.

Sincerely

Guess who makes pantographs for Märklin ...