So, we start by taking a Hobby Traxx Lok (36850/36851/etc) or even one from the Traxx 2 series (36600/36606/etc). Those loks are available in Europe (Export price around EUR 84). Along with the lok, we also order one 60949 mSD Circuit board with mfx sound decoder. This adds EUR 75 to the price, for a total of EUR 159 (about 190 with VAT). This is almost no longer a Hobby Model (in terms of price).

For this price, would you be satisfied with the basic level of details or would you expect a little more from your model?

If you already have one (or more) of these "Hobby" loks, would you make the upgrade?

What is the pricepoint where a model stops being a "Hobby" model?

Regards

Mike C

If I buy a "Hobby" loco, I expect, and accept, a "Hobby" loco level of detailing. I would not expect more detailing just because I add a more expensive decoder.

Hobby locos are what they are, cheap alternatives to the fully specified models.

Even if you add the cost of a sound add-on kit, €190 is still a lot cheaper than a new MFX sound loco from Marklin, which will set you back more like €300 for an electric like the Br150.

Hobby locos are useful for inclusion in starter sets, as inexpensive additions to beginner's layouts, and as a low cost way of increasing a locomotive collection for any level of enthusiast.

In my case, my main area of interest is DB Era II/III/IV, and I have a varied selection of these models produced from the 1970s to present day, and including some quality models with MFX and sound as well as more basic locomotives from earlier days which I have converted to digital. As well as these I also like to occasionally represent modern day railway operations, and for this I have chosen Hobby standard models from Marklin and Piko, reflecting this secondary area of interest for me.

You don't always need a Rolls Royce. Sometimes a Fiat will do...

I'm buying them cheap in the first place without having to sacrifice the obvious, mind you they are not Maerklin locos either.
an example, the full price was or is Euro 331.00 and I bought it for 175.00 with sound new from a dealer.
I could not imagine buying a Marklin loco off the shelf for this price from any dealer unless you are longing for a Russian ICE train from Modellbahn Kramm but its not as Hobby loco.
If the loco in question suits my taste, I would upgrade it.

When does a Hobby loco stops being a Hobby loco, Mike I think you've answered your question your self, when you upgrade it.
If you'd asked me would it be worth it to buy a Hobby loco my answer would be similar to Dave.

and finally Mike: What is your own opinion about Hobby locos

Tadzio:

Why don't you keep the lok and upgrade it with the new 60949 sound decoder that Maerklin released this summer?
http://www.maerklin.de/d...che%2Fproduktsuche.html
That would convert your lok to a full mfx with sound (Traxx).

Regards

Mike C

What sounds to me like a conflicting story, on one hand you are questioning the upgrading of a hobby loco, think ?....options ?.....it could work.....think ?....options ?..... and on the other hand you are endorsing it.

Most probably I have not understood your question right in the first place and I allow myself to be called a dipstick.
A dipstick is a person who has indicated his level of intellegence is below the recommended national allowance.



John

This thread was developed out of my reply to Tadzio's post. I suggested the upgrade as he said he was selling all his non-sound non-mfx models. In that case, adding the upgrade might work for him. The thought led me to wonder what other people thought about these models and the new "Upgrading" possibilities.

I have quite a few Roco Re 482 and Re 484s. I also have a few of the Maerklin "Hobby" models. The Maerklin loks have come in very handy, especially when my niece and nephew wanted to play with the trains. The option of upgrading these loks using the new decoder and circuit boards kind of does take the lok from a "Hobby" lok (price wise) to almost the cost of an actual model. I stated that a 36606 with 60949 would cost EUR 159 (ETS Export). The 37360 Ae 610 (Ae 6/6 Cargo), with mfx and sound costs about EUR 50 more. For those extra 50 Euros, you get much more detail, working pantos, Swiss taillight function, etc.

I would rather pay the extra EUR 50 to have a Re 482 with mfx, sound, white LEDs with Swiss taillight function/2red option, realistic looking roof wires and insulators and so on. The model would not necessarily have to have a metal body. A plastic body is fine as long as the model has enough weight and light does not shine through the walls. This brings us to the question, why would Maerklin not release an AC version of the Trix Traxx models. This model has the accurate roof details, taillights and could easily be adapted for AC mfx. At a price point of EUR 199-249 (Export) for an AC model with mfx sound, it would fill a hole in the current Maerklin catalog.

So, this brings me back to the question, when does a "Hobby" model stop being a hobby model? and why won't Maerklin test the market to see if there is a demand for AC versions of the Trix models instead of thinking that modellers will spend the extra money to add sound to those (hobby) loks?

If not, Maerklin will continue to lose sales to Roco. As more and more railways replace classic loks with new ones from Bombardier and Siemens, should there not be good models of the new types of the similar quality as other Maerklin loks as well?

Regards

Mike C

Now I see the point Mike tries to get to.

I think the Hobby locos make perfect sense as they are. But to have expensive upgrade kits targeted towards specific Hobby locos does, in my opinion, make very little sense. It is like selling a non-alcohol beer and then sell some vodka to add to it if you want normal strength beer. Only the addict would consider it.

After having followed both the threads discussing the hobby loco range (especially with the Traxx in mind) I have decided to add my input to the topic.
I would like to see both hobby and high detailed model of the traxx locos manufactured by märklin. I do however not have anything against the traxx locos (even though they lack some details) because of three reasons. 1, they have metal housings. 2, some time and some soldering and you can have swiss light changeover. 3, there is an option to add sound that is very easy at a later stage. For the price of a hobby loco (without sound) I think you get a fine model but I would buy a more detailed version if märklin made one.
The price does however make the decision of buying a couple of traxx locos to increase the fleet very easy as they have both bls and sbb cargo locos. (Keep in mind I model Switzerland). I also think that the hobby traxx locos is a great ways for younger people to start of with märklin/MRR but not with the standard small tank locomotive. If they then find more interest it can be easily converted to sound. This in turn might get the person even more interested.
To summarize, I will probably getting a couple of traxx locos soon because of the reasons I mentioned above because I think the trade-off in detail is justifiable to the price. Of course they do not compare to more advanced locomotives, but nevertheless it is a märklin locomotive with a high build quality. I would rather get one of these traxx locos than one with a plastic housing but with more detail.
Just my thoughts..