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Offline Collector  
#1 Posted : 05 September 2016 04:44:31(UTC)
Collector


Joined: 17/08/2016(UTC)
Posts: 147
Location: Europe
Hi All,


There are lots of version of the Krokodil so I was wondering if a 3556 Krokodil would be a good Krokodil to go for?

Obviously it will need to be converted to digital.

Or am I better of going for a later version?

Thanks,

Mike
DRG/DB/SBB Epoche II/III/IV
Offline xxup  
#2 Posted : 05 September 2016 05:12:34(UTC)
xxup

Australia   
Joined: 15/03/2003(UTC)
Posts: 9,463
Location: Australia
I have one converted to digital and it is awesome.. There is a video of it on my You Tube page..



It is now a personal favourite! Smile
Adrian
UserPostedImage
Australia flag by abFlags.com
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Offline Armando  
#3 Posted : 05 September 2016 05:37:30(UTC)
Armando

United States   
Joined: 21/07/2003(UTC)
Posts: 1,352
Location: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by: Collector Go to Quoted Post
Hi All,


There are lots of version of the Krokodil so I was wondering if a 3556 Krokodil would be a good Krokodil to go for?

Obviously it will need to be converted to digital.

Or am I better of going for a later version?

Thanks,

Mike


Mike, the Krokodil -par excellence- to own is a CCS 800 or 3015 or 30159 (all analog) or 36159 (digital version of the former, which can also run on analog operation). They can be found every now and then on eBay, but can be pricey, especially the cult CCS 800.

If you want to go for retooled, digital versions of the crocodile, there is a long list of releases dating from the early nineties. Here you can choose between a traditional 5-pole high efficiency motor or a model with the so called sinus motor. 3756 (same road number as the one you are watching on eBay now), is equipped with a digital decoder and a five-pole high efficiency motor. However, it has an older generation decoder, which is able to control fewer functions, basically only headlight control, and may cause headlights to flicker). The ones starting at #39560 and onwards come with newer generation decoders and the sinus motor. I would suggest you go for one of the latter. AFIK they were all manufactured in Göppingen.
Best regards,
Armando García

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Offline NS1200  
#4 Posted : 05 September 2016 07:38:16(UTC)
NS1200

Netherlands   
Joined: 10/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 3,443
I have the 3356 with metal hood and it is superb!
Have more than you show,speak less than you know (Shakespeare).
thanks 3 users liked this useful post by NS1200
Offline ktsolias  
#5 Posted : 05 September 2016 08:30:28(UTC)
ktsolias

Greece   
Joined: 01/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 610
Location: Athens
I own the 3556 as well the 3352.
These are beutifull Locos. Are the jewels of my collection.
Are the third generation of Marklin Krocodiles with all metal body.
Convert it with a 60941 motor and 60982 decoder (don't try the 60972 is exactly the same but is bigger and does not go well inside the Loco).
It's a demanding conversion and of course more difficult if you want the Swiss Lights changeover.
But go ahead the result will be wonderful.
We certainly can help you during the conversion

Costas
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by ktsolias
Offline NS1200  
#6 Posted : 05 September 2016 15:11:13(UTC)
NS1200

Netherlands   
Joined: 10/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 3,443
Collector,

Please be aware that Marklin Crocs can either have a plastic hood or metal hood,i would certainly opt for the latter,i like the "feel" of metal.

I guess the 3556 is the one for you.

My 3356 is not digital,the 3556 is.
It is pulling a string of Swiss freightcars,all Marklin of course.

Cheers,

Paul
Have more than you show,speak less than you know (Shakespeare).
Offline H0  
#7 Posted : 05 September 2016 15:44:20(UTC)
H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,263
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: NS1200 Go to Quoted Post
My 3356 is not digital,the 3556 is.
The 3556 is also analogue, but with a five-pole motor.
If you want to go digital, then you will need a new motor for both 3356 and 3556 for good results.

When converting the locos with a 60941 motor you have to remove some material from the motor field to make it compatible with tight curves.
Märklin made a special field part for the crocs, but it is no longer available.
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
UserPostedImage
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Offline ktsolias  
#8 Posted : 05 September 2016 17:18:42(UTC)
ktsolias

Greece   
Joined: 01/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 610
Location: Athens
Originally Posted by: H0 Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: NS1200 Go to Quoted Post
My 3356 is not digital,the 3556 is.
The 3556 is also analogue, but with a five-pole motor.
If you want to go digital, then you will need a new motor for both 3356 and 3556 for good results.

When converting the locos with a 60941 motor you have to remove some material from the motor field to make it compatible with tight curves.
Märklin made a special field part for the crocs, but it is no longer available.


Yes of course, this is why I mention that is a demanding conversion. The mew magnet is thicker and in curves have contact with the inside of the cover on the Right side.

Two photos of my solution on a 3352

IMG_09154a_resize.JPG

You can see the problem and the solution(I file off some material from the magnet).
Do that carefully with the magnet dismalted and be sure that there are no any small pieces remaining in the magnet and motor after

IMG_09761_resize.JPG

The track complete before the wiring

When I find some more time I shall post all the conversion

Costas
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Offline Collector  
#9 Posted : 05 September 2016 18:31:10(UTC)
Collector


Joined: 17/08/2016(UTC)
Posts: 147
Location: Europe
Originally Posted by: NS1200 Go to Quoted Post
Collector,

Please be aware that Marklin Crocs can either have a plastic hood or metal hood,i would certainly opt for the latter,i like the "feel" of metal.

I guess the 3556 is the one for you.

My 3356 is not digital,the 3556 is.
It is pulling a string of Swiss freightcars,all Marklin of course.

Cheers,

Paul


Paul,

I had no idea they also exist with a plastic hood!!Scared

Does this 3556 have a metal hood?

Thanks!

Mike


EDIT: I see Costas above mentions it is all metal. Such a relieve because after all the comments higher up I went away and bought it. The mere thought of a plastic one Scared
DRG/DB/SBB Epoche II/III/IV
Offline Collector  
#10 Posted : 05 September 2016 18:47:14(UTC)
Collector


Joined: 17/08/2016(UTC)
Posts: 147
Location: Europe
Originally Posted by: ktsolias Go to Quoted Post
I own the 3556 as well the 3352.
These are beutifull Locos. Are the jewels of my collection.
Are the third generation of Marklin Krocodiles with all metal body.
Convert it with a 60941 motor and 60982 decoder (don't try the 60972 is exactly the same but is bigger and does not go well inside the Loco).
It's a demanding conversion and of course more difficult if you want the Swiss Lights changeover.
But go ahead the result will be wonderful.
We certainly can help you during the conversion

Costas



Thanks Costas,

Just bought it so I am looking forward to its safe arrival.

I have no intention of using tight radii on the layout so I don't think it would be an issue. If it is, a file I can handle Smile

Will leave the conversion when I finally get around to building a layout. Who knows what new decoders might be around in 2-3 years


Mike
DRG/DB/SBB Epoche II/III/IV
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by Collector
Offline ktsolias  
#11 Posted : 05 September 2016 21:51:44(UTC)
ktsolias

Greece   
Joined: 01/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 610
Location: Athens
Originally Posted by: Collector Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: NS1200 Go to Quoted Post
Collector,

Please be aware that Marklin Crocs can either have a plastic hood or metal hood,i would certainly opt for the latter,i like the "feel" of metal.

I guess the 3556 is the one for you.

My 3356 is not digital,the 3556 is.
It is pulling a string of Swiss freightcars,all Marklin of course.

Cheers,

Paul


Paul,

I had no idea they also exist with a plastic hood!!Scared

Does this 3556 have a metal hood?

Thanks!

Mike




EDIT: I see Costas above mentions it is all metal. Such a relieve because after all the comments higher up I went away and bought it. The mere thought of a plastic one Scared


Mike
This is a copy of the 1989-1990 catalog with the New Item 3556.
Have a look and relax.
Is all made of metal and really well made !!!

3556 Catalog.jpg

The weight is 534 gr

Post some photos when its arrive home

Costas
Offline NS1200  
#12 Posted : 06 September 2016 06:43:05(UTC)
NS1200

Netherlands   
Joined: 10/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 3,443
Be aware!

The 3356 was earlier issued with a plastic hood,please see picture below.
The green version in metal can be easily recognised by the yellow stanchions on the corners which the plastic version does not have.
Also,the plastic hood is wider than the metal hood.

http://www.nordbahn.net/...l_gruen_Ep.3_i.OVP_b.jpg
Have more than you show,speak less than you know (Shakespeare).
Offline Collector  
#13 Posted : 06 September 2016 06:50:46(UTC)
Collector


Joined: 17/08/2016(UTC)
Posts: 147
Location: Europe
Originally Posted by: NS1200 Go to Quoted Post
Be aware!

The 3356 was earlier issued with a plastic hood,please see picture below.
The green version in metal can be easily recognised by the yellow stanchions on the corners which the plastic version does not have.
Also,the plastic hood is wider than the metal hood.

http://www.nordbahn.net/...l_gruen_Ep.3_i.OVP_b.jpg


Thanks it looks exactly like the Green one with the yellow accents posted above so I guess I got the right one Smile
DRG/DB/SBB Epoche II/III/IV
Offline ktsolias  
#14 Posted : 06 September 2016 09:59:33(UTC)
ktsolias

Greece   
Joined: 01/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 610
Location: Athens
Originally Posted by: Collector Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: NS1200 Go to Quoted Post
Be aware!

The 3356 was earlier issued with a plastic hood,please see picture below.
The green version in metal can be easily recognised by the yellow stanchions on the corners which the plastic version does not have.
Also,the plastic hood is wider than the metal hood.

http://www.nordbahn.net/...l_gruen_Ep.3_i.OVP_b.jpg


Thanks it looks exactly like the Green one with the yellow accents posted above so I guess I got the right one Smile





Only from a photo is really difficult to find precise which exactly model is.
That's happen for all Marklin Locos and especially the older ones. They were produced with same Catalog No for Years or for decades with a lot off differencies.

For the above mentioned models of the Kroko there are some variations, some very important that they have to do with the body metal or plastic, and other not so important for the overall model, but very important for the exact intedification of the model like the ones who NS1200 noticed.

The 3356 has three main variations

3356 (1) 1982-1986 Relais DCM III-IV 13302 SBB grün Metal frame, plastic body
3356 (2) 1986-1988 Relais DCM III-IV 13303 SBB grün Metal frame, metal body
3356 (10) 1995-2000 Relais DCM III-IV 13305 SBB grün Metal frame, metal body



The main difference is that the models with Road No 13303 and 1330 have metal body!!!!

The 3556 is the variation of 3356 with 5***** motor (analog)

3556 (1) 1988-1993 Elekt.U DCM 5* III,V 14305 SBB blaugrün Metal frame, metal body
3556 (2) 1990 Elekt.U DCM 5* III,V 14305 SBB silber Metal frame, metal body

The above informmations are from Helmut Kern as well from the Marklin Catalogs

Here there is a copy of the Kolls 2002 catalog (in German)

3356_Kolls.jpg

I think that is very interesting the exact history of the old Locos, and specially for the models that we have or the ones that we are desire.
The Krokodiles are Marklins trade mark and all of us we want more and more of them!!! But.....

Costas
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Offline Nigel Packer  
#15 Posted : 06 September 2016 14:31:28(UTC)
Nigel Packer

United Kingdom   
Joined: 11/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 683
Location: Cheshire, UK
Sorry, but 3356.2 (loco number 13303) still has a plastic body! The "Metallschildern" refers to metal maker's plates on the sides of the loco.

3356 version 10 from 1995 onwards has a metal body, as does the crocodile in the 3300 set.

Nigel
Märklin collector since age 5.
H0 Collection from 1935 to today.
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by Nigel Packer
H0
Offline H0  
#16 Posted : 06 September 2016 15:19:33(UTC)
H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,263
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: Nigel Packer Go to Quoted Post
3356 version 10 from 1995 onwards has a metal body, as does the crocodile in the 3300 set.
Yep. That's what Koll refers to as "Aufbau Guß".

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
UserPostedImage
Offline NS1200  
#17 Posted : 06 September 2016 16:51:13(UTC)
NS1200

Netherlands   
Joined: 10/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 3,443
Once you get the taste of Crocs,what about Marklin 30159 (Insider),a brown croc built as the original M croc,with modern electronics:

http://de.academic.ru/pi...7/M%C3%A4rklin-30159.jpg

Nice in its own way.
Have more than you show,speak less than you know (Shakespeare).
Offline ktsolias  
#18 Posted : 06 September 2016 19:01:32(UTC)
ktsolias

Greece   
Joined: 01/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 610
Location: Athens
Originally Posted by: Nigel Packer Go to Quoted Post
Sorry, but 3356.2 (loco number 13303) still has a plastic body! The "Metallschildern" refers to metal maker's plates on the sides of the loco.

3356 version 10 from 1995 onwards has a metal body, as does the crocodile in the 3300 set.

Nigel


Your are right only the 3356 with road No 13305 has metal body

My German are not good at all

Thanks
Costas
Offline Nigel Packer  
#19 Posted : 06 September 2016 23:11:06(UTC)
Nigel Packer

United Kingdom   
Joined: 11/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 683
Location: Cheshire, UK
Originally Posted by: ktsolias Go to Quoted Post

My German are not good at all

Thanks
Costas



That's OK! A lot of us struggle with translating some of the technical stuff. But there's always help to be found here!

Nigel
Märklin collector since age 5.
H0 Collection from 1935 to today.
thanks 3 users liked this useful post by Nigel Packer
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