My ordered 39199 SBB Vectron should be released by Maerklin any day now. The DB version (39197) is already in some stores.
From what I have seen, the cab panel lights look cool.

I wanted to know from anybody who might have received their 39197 already or who had bought any of the earlier Vectron models about whether they made any improvements to the pantographs. Sommerfeldt makes an assortment of wiper blades which can potentially be installed on the existing models.
I don't know if the base of the pantographs on these models is the same as those on other Maerklin models or whether it requires a special model to fit the mounts.

The options are as follows: https://www.sommerfeldt....er-paar-816-616-631.html
These ones have different mounts (for Piko): https://www.sommerfeldt....us--z-B--Piko-BR189.html

Has anybody swapped out the pantographs or blades on their Vectron, Taurus or ES64F4 (189) models?

Regards

Mike C

I replaced blades on ES 64 F4 locos several years ago.
I also swapped many blades between BR 185, BR 189, and Re 460 because Märklin never seem to get all the correct blades at the correct places.

IRL there are many different combinations for ES 64 F4 and the set you linked to shows only one of them. It is expensive, too.

It was years ago. I remember one or two blades where I had problems because the pipes that are mounted between the lids of the blades where too short. But I don't remember which blades these were. I solved this by adding small rings of isolation material I took from telephone wires, padded on both sides.

Waiting on mine as well! Oh, the new ho Vectrons will be better than the first ones! Heavier, an extra traction tire perhaps, long ditance headlights, a coupler guide, and at least one has a station announcement. The red DB one has a driver figure.
The first issues were start-up models, and not bad for the price with several sounds. My MRCE Leah runs well. I added some traction aid goo to two wheels, so it pulls better.
One cardan shaft dislodged when I first got it, but not since. The speed compensation on steep grades is also good.

Some 39197's have shipped. My dealer told me I can hopefully expect my 39199 by early to mid April. I pre-ordered it shortly after they were announced.

I mix era's and the latest models have great sounds.

At leasat one German dealer has them, but I ordered mine stateside. Same exact price with euro/dollar exchange rate.