Märklin 46987 era II model of the ubiquitous Packwagen für Güterzüge or Pwg.
Insider Model to accompany the locomotive E95 and coal train set 2025.

Between 1913 and 1925 around 9752 examples of this helper freight car were built, and many ran until the 1960s.
This model represents the Pwg Pr 14 as it may have looked at the end of the 1920s.
The major variation from the standards set by many previous Märklin models are:
1. Full length running boards. Most of these were cut back by the early 1950s to individual steps under the loading door, and office compartment.
2. Doors no longer slide. Sliding doors would not be functional in a model where the full length handrails are modelled.
3. Body moulding detail has changed to suit the era, including hand rails and different storage doors along the office sides.

Inscriptions in yellow gold on the sides of the wagon include:
1. The running number, the roundel with Reichsbahn eagle, and the genus name in this case Breslau.
2. The name of the home station for this vehicle was Hirschberg (take your pick from Baden in the west or Thuringia in the east)

Inscriptions on the storage compartment doors are:
1. Lanterns and Oilcans
2. 4 torches

I thought I would present this model with a shallow comparison from one modelled 60 years ago.
The Trix Express 20/68 completely done in die-cast metal and tin-plate, was described on the box as a Zugbegleitwagen, or train helper car.
In the photos I have used the Trix Express 454 plastic body version, which is exactly the same as the die-cast model in every respect. My comments on this model are:
1. This model has the full length running boards in tin-plate.
2. The measurements of the model agree precisely with the later Märklin examples. With a plastic body, I could modify it slightly to be more akin to most iterations of the Pwg Pr 14.
3. The stove chimney is more effectively modelled (metal turning) than any of the Märklin versions.
4. I retain the Trix Express couplings, because NEM362 compatible couplings are available for use in adjacent modern models.





This particular model will enable Märklin to more faithfully present era I (pre-1920) versions to the market. Perhaps some changes to roof detail and side storage bays may be needed.
I enjoy my models of these wagons including examples made by Fleischmann and Piko.

Here is a close-out scene from my layout as a Merry Christmas shout for all members of the marklin-users.net site, with a special thanks to Adrian (xxup) and other site monitors who do a great job of facilitating this platform, and a silent remembrance of Juhan who began this site 25 years ago.


Kimball