Maerklin is releasing the 38420 SBB Re 4/4II Swiss Express and the matching 42190 and 42191 coach sets. The prototypical train consists of the locomotive and 14 coaches, which can be made up of one 42190 (4 coaches) and 5 x 42191 (5 x 2) additional coaches. As described in the brochure, the 42191 will contain decals to change the coach numbers of the additional coaches to allow modellers to recreate the complete 14 coach consist.

So, here is where we get to my question...

Does Maerklin/Trix calculate the production of these coach sets based on the assumption that for each 42190 sold, the customer will also take 5 of the 42191 or do they assume it will be some who take 5, others will take 4, 3, 2 or only 1 of the additional coach sets and how many of the additional coach sets will they manufacture?

If the experience with other brands, for example the intermediate coaches for the Liliput RABe KISS consists, is any indication, the add on sets (2 coaches) could be found at resale for much higher prices than they were originally offered as there were not as many of these sets as the main set. I don't have the information on Maerklin productions (RABe Giruno, TGV, etc) where the complete consist required multiple sets. I have not seen a spike in prices for the Giruno sets, but some TGV did show a small spike.

A similar situation occurred with the Roco ICN. This may have partially been due to the fact that some add-on coach sets were released with in correct coach numbers and this made the correct sets increase in value.

Will model RR speculators jump on these "add-on" sets believing that they will be sought after down the line?

What do you think?

Regards

Mike C