I have been around Marklin Z for awhile, mostly collecting and have not made a layout yet, but I will. Question is I have a lot of locomotives/engines that
need serviced (they don't work). Whom out there can help me? Marklin Z dealers? I heard they are expensive and have a back log of months?
Thank you for all the ideas and help.
Also, I have watched many YouTube videos on how to service Marklin Z locos/engines and it seems complicated (I read the peoples comments too that have tried)...

Hello, hope all is well.

I understand your concern for doing repairs on these small locomotives. It might be something which is unfamiliar. I felt the same concern when I considered this myself. One thing about these small locomotives, it seems, they keep working with a bit of basic maintenance. Sometimes for 50 years, and this is amazing! If you have the interest and some ability, along with a small screwdriver, you can do many repairs yourself. I suggest starting your DIY with the simpler ones, a V60, or BR 89 for example. It is also easier to work on diesel and electric locomotives. Steamer take more care and have more parts. Crocs are perhaps some of the more complex.

No matter what needs repair, there is a potential to lose or damage something. Just take your time, the parts are small and eye magnification might be a good addition to your toolbag. Just be careful. There are many tips and tricks which may be found on this forum. You might surprise yourself on what can be accomplished. Fortunately, Marklin has many parts diagrams available on their website. Here is a link:

https://www.maerklin.de/...-parts/spare-parts-lists

The Marklin model number is found on the carton. (8816 or 8856) Add this number to the input box of the webpage. Sometimes the older models do not have parts diagrams. Older models also might not have parts available from Marklin. Secondary sources might have to be considered.

If after all which I have said, you still would rather have a professional do your service, the only one I know about is z hobo. Search on google. I have never used him for repairs, but have purchased parts from the website. You can contact Frank and see if he can help you. There might be some backlogs and if parts are not in stock, it can sometimes take a month to get the parts from overseas. I believe the results are worth the wait.

Hope you find this helpful. Take good care.

Dwight

Hello again. Great.

On diesel locomotives I have a few pointers:

Print out Marklin parts diagram for reference if there is one.

Be careful with the circuit board on the top of the frame. They seem to snap in place and can be a challenge to get off. Old boards might be hard to replace. On new ones, the circuit boards have small contact wisker (like what cats have)which actually make contact with the motor. Replace the board in the correct orientation. Only one screw will actually pass thru the board to attach to the frame. Keep track of where this screw is.

If yours is an old one, the brushes attach in the circuit board. Keep track of how the motor is installed. Mark it on the top so you can reinstall it the same, otherwise it will run in a different direction. Newer models have the brushes attached to the motor and the motor can only be nested in the frame in one way.

Mark the trucks on bottom with marker so they can be installed in the exact location where they were removed. When breaking down the truck, watch for the coupler spring to drop out and get lost. Some use super glue to hold the spring to the plastic coupler. If you do this, do it right away so it will completely dry before you start your reassembly. Keep the copper wheel scraper behind the wheels, it is hard to get right, but important. This is also a good time to check for damage.

I place the parts in little plastic storage boxes, to keep things together until I start reassembly.

Some use ultrasonic cleaners to make certain all the oil comes off. If you don’t have one, small brushes and isopropyl alcohol (not rubbing alcohol)will work. I use 98% alcohol which is used for electrical parts. Cleaner, is better. Of course. I use those small dental brushes to clean stubborn spots, but small toothbrushes work too. Make a dip in fresh alcohol your last step to be certain everything is clean but don’t soak parts in this for an extended period because some parts might lose their sheen. Re-lube your parts, I use Labelles oil. 108.

Take a deep breath, have courage, find a good place to work with plenty of light, you can do it. Your first one will take longer than you expect, that’s okay. I apologize right now, it there is something I failed to mention. I hope I helped.

Best wishes.

Dwight

I sent several of my diesel locos that I bought on eBay, to ajckids.com