I just received a new loco from Marklin, it is the Class E 94 Heavy Electric Freight Locomotive 88227. It runs really well and looks terrific. A surprisingly large engine too. I'm smitten! My first crocodile type loco. Well, this one has operating pantographs. It was in the box with one retracted and the other extended but by the time I got it on the track they were both extended. I know in actual practice only the aft pantograph was generally used. But on my track power layout they should both be retracted. So can they be fixed in the retracted position? There is nothing in the manual about their use. Obviously they are spring actuated to the extended position. Is that it then? They certainly look great standing proud.
I am relieved that this "bell shaped armature" powered loco is behaving perfectly with my Rokuhan controllers. The motor is efficient but sits still with the Rokuhan controller throttle at stop and starts to move around the 10:00 position. Its top speed is not fast and is reached at about the 2:00 position. My first and only Marklin to date with a modern motor is the 88923 - KBayStsB S 3/6 Steam Locomotive. But that sealed motor will run around the track with the Rokuhan throttle closed. It may be that engine is a bit of an anomaly. Suffice to say this 88227 loco is a perfect match with the RC02/03. And also crawls with the Snail Speed controller, very smooth starts and stops too, a great automatic feature of the Snail Speed controller.

OK, thanks, I’ll put on my magnifying glasses and look for the latch. Man that pantograph is fine work!