 Joined: 29/05/2008(UTC) Posts: 272 Location: USA
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I'm thinking of buying an E44, specifically the 37442 version. This bogies of this version, unlike earlier versions, have a total of 16 sandboxes (4 per axle). Earlier Märklin versions of this have 2 sandboxes per axle. My question is this: Are the bogie frames metal castings on this model, or are they plastic? If they are plastic, is it possible to remove the inner sandboxes, leaving the bogie frame looking like earlier versions of this model? Or, could I order bogie frames intended for an earlier version, say the 37440, and swap them?
Finally, I would be interested on any feedback on the new tooling E44 (34440, 37440, 39440, etc.) that anyone here may have.
Thanks,
Marty |
Marty
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 Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC) Posts: 6,764 Location: Brisbane, Australia
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Originally Posted by: Marty  I'm thinking of buying an E44, .....
Finally, I would be interested on any feedback on the new tooling E44 (34440, 37440, 39440, etc.) that anyone here may have.
Thanks,
Marty Hi Marty, I have a 37440 purchased 8 years ago, brand new, and it happens to be running on my layout as we speak. I like the locomotive, it looks good, and I have never had any problems. I use it on catenary with pantographs up. But I guess it has a very outdated type of decoder, because the speed steps are not as smooth as my more recent engines. I don't know if I can tweak that by choosing a different speed profile from my CS1. regards Kimball |
HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge. |
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Joined: 21/05/2004(UTC) Posts: 1,768 Location: Brisbane, Queensland
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I also have this model.
It has the 6090x series of decoder, which means Marklin Motorola with 28 speed steps. DCC/MFX have 128 speed steps.
Still, it's a lot better than those early cheap decoders with 14 speed steps.
I love the early generation e-loks, I have the E04, E10 ('54 prototype), E17, E19, E32, E44, E75, E91, E94 |
modelling era IIIa (1951-1955) Germany |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,445
Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: kimballthurlow I don't know if I can tweak that by choosing a different speed profile from my CS1. Those DIP switch fx decoders support 27 speed steps (but not 28 speed steps), so for best results select MM27 (or a similar name) for that loco. To increase smoothness, use the pot on the decoder to set a longer acceleration/braking delay. IMHO such an old DIP switch decoder with 27 speed steps is smoother than the new mfx decoders with 126 speed steps. I never use more than 28 speed steps to run my trains and let the decoder ABV do its job. The programmable fx decoders of 2004 supported 28 speed steps, but were soon replaced by cheap fx decoders with 14 speed steps only. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
 1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 29/05/2008(UTC) Posts: 272 Location: USA
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Thanks for the responses, guys. I will probably just look for a used 37440. It will run well enough for me and I prefer the bogies with only 2 sandboxes per axle. The majority of prototype pictures I have found on the internet show the bogies only equipped with 2 sandboxes per axle. The 4 sandboxes per axle seems to be unusual among the fleet of E44s. |
Marty
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