Just started Z gauge ,and bought the above loco second hand ,from a known retailer. Runs well after some oiling .However ,after about half power on the controller ,a shrill noise develops - in forward and reverse.
I have looked on Marklin site, but can see no way to remove body . Both bogies have limited swing ,and will not move fully round to expose any screws.
There appear to be metal tabs under the bogies holding on the body . Any suggestions how to remove the body .Not sure on age of the loco,but some wear on paintwork.

Hello,

Welcome to Z.

There have been a few versions of the Br 221 in Z. I don’t know which version you have, but I know that is a great one. I have the 88203 BR 200 which is similar.

Here is a link which will give you a better idea of what to expect should you start to take this locomotive apart.

https://www.maerklin.de/...elnummer=8820&lang=2

The old oil hardened around the operating gears etc., is likely causing the noise you have noticed. It is always better to remove all of this old material, but it is possible by just adding more lube around the gear on top of the bogie and perhaps on the motor gear would help. The bogie is held on my a single axle and is easily removed.

If this work is not enough you will know quickly enough and then you must do more extensive work. There is some noise associated with these models, but the one you mentioned should not be present. Perhaps you can just lubricant the points I mentioned. If it seems the noise is gone after this, keep an eye on it because it should not run hot. The hardened oil does not usually fall off or dissolve. It might always be present, unless you remove it. This old oil causes resistance to the free movement of the components and this might cause heating. Excessive heat is not normal.

Should you decide to disassemble this locomotive, be careful, lost parts might be hard to replace. The parts are small and easy to lose and must be reassembled precisely. Search this forum for tips on working with the z scale locomotives and consider following them.

Again welcome, hopefully you will get this locomotive working again.

Take good care.

Dwight

Hello. Hope all is well.

While the other instructions showed removing the shell with a screw driver, I have never done this. A few guitar picks were suggested in the past, or you could use some plastic strips like shown in a newer manual linked below.

https://static.maerklin....fc6711fbad1523957430.pdf

A screw driver may leave marks on the lower part of your shell. I just keep my thumbnails a bit longer and use them to gently flex the shell wider until you can push the frame out with my other fingers. Sounds like this would never work, but works for me. I just reverse the process to reinstall the shell.

Take good care, keep an eye on your locomotive and note any excessive heat. The shell tends to spread when the motor gets it hot enough and might not stay attached.

Take good care.

Dwight

I got a tool kit from Amazon with several sizes of torx,std., and Philips screwdrivers, and two tweezers and a pointed tool for about $15.

More likely to be struck by lightning... twice, finding it!

Even when one is extremely careful to the nth degree it still flies off into the ether.

You could be in a hermetically sealed white painted sphere & you still won't find it.

The only way would be sticking your hands through tight fitting holes in a plastic bag. A bit like a 'large format film loading bag' but at least you can see what you are doing.


This loco is my favourite, have flogged all mine to death, but they just keep going. They were all bought new in late 1980s to early 1990s.

Just a reminder to everyone, do not over oil locos. A bit like an antique clock. A bit too much oil is a disaster. Actually causes more wear & tear.