Nice looking set! 1991 definitely pre-dates the Marklin 5-pole era by nearly 10 years. So I would say with confidence if it's original equipment, it will be a 3-pole motor.

And it looks to be one that uses the 211909 5-pole replacement (no longer produced) so an upgrade will be dicey.

Set details: http://lokshow.de/showar...p;SArt=877&SBez=8135

In my experience, I observe 3-pole motors running just as well as 5-pole motors - I think the 5-pole replacement is over-sold by many dealers simply because it is added funds in the pockets. I actually have many who come to me asking for motor replacements when they really don't need it. Some see my point and stick with the original once it's running smoothly. Others just want 5-pole and don't want to hear any advice indicating otherwise. :D

That being said, HOS (hardened oil syndrome) and unknown condition of dated Marklin releases makes revival a dicey option for some people. If you are comfortable with revival, the 3-pole is fine. If not, look for a release that has a 5-pole. But either 3 or 5 - you might get caught up in an HOS situation. When buying dated Marklin - make sure "HOS Free" or "guaranteed tested and smooth runner" are comments attached to the listing. Not advisable to buy from "tested with a battery on a single section of track" or another one I see is "looks brand new - but I don't have tracks/controller to test it."

Check DIY in Z - lots of articles about Marklin revival: http://www.zscale.org/

Again, I have less worry about 3-pole motors. My main concern is that I get an engine with two speeds: stopped, or full speed. I would hope the engine in this set could run at moderate speeds. I think my concerns come from too much youtubing, where people have their Z-scale trains cranked, giving the impression that this is the only speed.

Hello everyone.

I have noted on a few websites, the E211909 motor was replaced by E211911. Some websites list this motor at around $47.

This might be worth checking into if you are still serious about this set.

Yes, a cleaned and "tuned" 3 pole motor is an excellent performer if everything else is also ready and properly lubed. Cleaned internal gears, new brushes, quartered drive wheels etc.

If a replacement five pole is available, it might be only a slight improvement, but it also indicates support for the loco, and a possibility for you to keep it going for many more years.

The good thing about upgrading this motor is that it can all be done from the metal frame up. The wheel set would not need to be removed, unless it is seriously locked up. This motor may require soldering the motor wires to the copper frame system/brush support wires, which is a part of the frame, I have not looked into this completely. I had a bit of challenge making this connection on another loco, and you may have the same experience.

If the wheel set must be removed, carefully document the wheel positions now and refer to the photos as the wheel set is reinstalled. (assuming the loco has not be disassembled previously) I sometimes can find the wheel position on the photo of the loco on the box. It will not be an easy process to reinstall the wheels once removed and it takes time and patience to complete.

It is amazing how these little Z Scale locos can be kept going, so many years after they were manufactured, they are that good.

Good luck.

Hi. Z Scale HoBo could likely explain this better than I could but basically each drive wheel must be set so they do no bind or lockup. Only steamer have this issue. (An exception is the 8864 v260 diesel which have a linking rod for the drive wheels) If you have a z scale steam loco just look at the drive wheels and you will notice each wheel has a small half moon shape on them. To oversimplify, each of them need to be in the same orientation as the other wheels in the drive set. Of course, if there are fewer wheels in the set it should be easier to accomplish. In between each drive wheel there is a small connecting gear and this is what contributes to the challenge. Add the connecting rods to this and well perhaps you could get what I am saying.

It is not easy, but if you take it apart and then just put all the parts back in without quartering it likely will not work and you will not know why, perhaps burning out the motor. This has been a topic on this forum in the past just search it. It is a concern in all scales.

Here is something from another train forum which may be helpful:

https://www.modelrailfor...ndex.php?showtopic=12042

Z scale is great but it is also small to work on. Steamers are great engines and I agree the look of the drive pistons/connecting rods working is special.

That's what I would do for a really tight track. ERA I small steam engine without tender like the 88985 (or cheat 88742) and Prussian passenger cars like the 87009. I got really lucky with my first model train. An Austrian set from Z Scale Hobo with a nice variety of passenger and freight cars. But I definitely realized later that bigger engines and longer train cars don't look right or run well on really tight curves, which for me begin at 145mm.
Another thing I have realized over time is that if you get an older Marklin steam engine running well and swap the stock grain of rice light bulb for a yellow LED from High Tech Modelbahnen then it will look absolutely amazing. The newer Marklin steam engines have a more detailed running gear which is most excellent, and of course the new motors are less maintenance and more efficient, but the new LED lights on them are often still pretty dim. And those cannot be replaced. Generally the new Marklin stuff is more highly detailed if you are really looking close.
It's crazy how many cool trains are still out there (even new) on internet stores. Spend a day canvassing the lot, great fun if you like trains! I guess I mean that if you pick one you want and look for it specifically it may be unavailable or very pricey if it became popular. But if you look with an open mind you will find other similar or same engines and cars that got passed over somehow but are still available.

I hope it’s ok to say this but feel free to call him. I talked to him a lot when I was just getting started and he answers the phone!