Review of 37518

For a model railway, I like small steam engines. I know big engines are very impressive, but in some cases they are not practical for a home railway layout where they should be employed in hauling long trains. This forum of course has detailed many examples where engines large and small can haul trains of only a few carriages.

I now have 3 of the type BR 56.2-8 which Märklin have been making since 2012 when they introduced it as an Insider model #37563, and again as 37516 in 2015. It is a small engine with a big heart, capable of hauling any train, goods or passenger including D-Zug. I don’t suppose they were used on long distance trains.
The new entry for 2021, the 37518 is in many respects the same engine as the two previous. In contrast to the 37516 which was a limited purchase through the Märklin Stores (a grouping of 8 stores in Europe), this engine is available through any dealer.

In the photo below you will see one of the physical differences, which is the smokebox door. The 37518 is left, and the 37516 on the right.


The second physical difference is that 37516 had a rear digitally activated Telex uncoupling unit, which the 37518 does not have.
Thirdly the 37516 came with an installed smoke generator.

Electronics

The sounds on the 37518 are identical to my 37516 and both have the advanced MFX+ functions available to those using the CS3 controller, where you have the cab control graphics with coal and water refills and play functions on screen.


37518 has the uncoupling sounds activated by F1 on the MS1, but these sounds are automatic on the 37516 when activating the Telex uncoupler.

You might wish to pass on this locomotive if you already own 37563 and/or 37516. I purchased it anyway to have an era IIIa version with a smoke box door featuring a lower step and the upper fixed engine number 56 814.
You can see the full review of the earlier 37516 from 2015 here.
If you think this small engine suits your dreams or your layout I encourage you to get one because it is a very versatile locomotive.

Kimball

Edited by user 27 June 2021 04:09:16(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi John,

The 56 569 was weathered by Märklin.
My previous review remarked on what a good job they did.
I certainly have not seen better.

regards
Kimball

Edited by user 01 July 2021 01:21:39(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Eric,
Some of the variations are subtle.
I notice the eraIIIa version has no bell behind the chimney, so possibly not allowed to run on branchlines with lots of road crossings, etc.
Although without checking the models, DB did shift the bell to below the running plate on some engines.

The era IIIb 37563 also had the thrid headlight added at top of smoke box.

regards
Kimball

It's a beauty! The freight variant of the br 38.