The Marklin/LGB Franzburg Loco
- Thread starter stockers
- Start date
stockers
Trains, aircraft, models, walking, beer, travel
I have always liked the look of this loco - all through its very long development with LGB.
My Birthday is coming up so I dropped an entirely unsubtle hint and was told 'I had better order it then'. I dont need more than that!
It was supplied by Modell-land in Germany who I have dealt with before. I have previously enquired about warranty issues and they seem eager to please - just tell us and send it back and we will sort it out for you (Translation something like that anyway) OK I'll get the return postage bill but thats not too bad.
The other thing Modell-land do is offer a decoder service. I chose the Massoth XLS M1. The M1 has the 27 pin attachment to fit the Marklin socket that they now seem to be fitting.
I pay Modell-land by internet transfer. Costs £10 in Bank fees (Lloyds) and the exchange rate was pretty good (1.26). They will send you all thier bank details if you ask.
Thats the details - now on to the loco
My Birthday is coming up so I dropped an entirely unsubtle hint and was told 'I had better order it then'. I dont need more than that!
It was supplied by Modell-land in Germany who I have dealt with before. I have previously enquired about warranty issues and they seem eager to please - just tell us and send it back and we will sort it out for you (Translation something like that anyway) OK I'll get the return postage bill but thats not too bad.
The other thing Modell-land do is offer a decoder service. I chose the Massoth XLS M1. The M1 has the 27 pin attachment to fit the Marklin socket that they now seem to be fitting.
I pay Modell-land by internet transfer. Costs £10 in Bank fees (Lloyds) and the exchange rate was pretty good (1.26). They will send you all thier bank details if you ask.
Thats the details - now on to the loco
stockers
Trains, aircraft, models, walking, beer, travel
Typical of German suppliers, it arrived with various catalogues and leaflets - from N gauge Piko to the 2015 LGB new products cat.
The loco is supplied with a driver figure, smoke oil 50ml, 2 bezels for the lights in a dull bronze type colour, a coupling hook for the front coupler, leaflet, and all the Massoth stuff confirming the decoder instalation and settings.
The 2 bezels fit the upper lights, front and rear, which are smaller than the lower ones. ?
The box is simpler than the traditional LGB box. A large polystyrene tray holds the loco, side on, and a cardboard cover slides on to this.
The loco is supplied with a driver figure, smoke oil 50ml, 2 bezels for the lights in a dull bronze type colour, a coupling hook for the front coupler, leaflet, and all the Massoth stuff confirming the decoder instalation and settings.
The 2 bezels fit the upper lights, front and rear, which are smaller than the lower ones. ?
The box is simpler than the traditional LGB box. A large polystyrene tray holds the loco, side on, and a cardboard cover slides on to this.
stockers
Trains, aircraft, models, walking, beer, travel
A couple of 4 wheel coaches were added, and then a van and an open wagon. Absolutely no problem with these, even over my standard R3 dead frog pointwork. Dont know if it was nice new shiny wheels or if the axle movement takes up any slack - what ever, it ran beautifully.
The smoke volume was modest, the sound really nice and clear. The whistle is a little quiet (but adjustable in the CVs) but a nice tone - not at all tinny. The chuffs are destinct chuffs - not a bit like the electronic sandpaper you sometimes hear. That despite a tiny one inch speaker which is located behind some moulded slots in the chassis behind the rear axle.
The smoke volume was modest, the sound really nice and clear. The whistle is a little quiet (but adjustable in the CVs) but a nice tone - not at all tinny. The chuffs are destinct chuffs - not a bit like the electronic sandpaper you sometimes hear. That despite a tiny one inch speaker which is located behind some moulded slots in the chassis behind the rear axle.
stockers
Trains, aircraft, models, walking, beer, travel
As for the detail. All I can say is its very good. You can quickly see why this loco costs a bit more than one would like.
The moulding of rivits, hatch covers, guard irons, etc is first rate. There are brake shoes, on hangers, inline with the tread of the wheels. The detail above the running plate is continued below it. The valve gear is complicated and in a nice dull grey colour, not the bright shiny silver of the past.
The printing of both the lettering and the lining is very clear and accurate.
Most of the piework is separate pieces, not just moulded on.
In short - its nice.
The moulding of rivits, hatch covers, guard irons, etc is first rate. There are brake shoes, on hangers, inline with the tread of the wheels. The detail above the running plate is continued below it. The valve gear is complicated and in a nice dull grey colour, not the bright shiny silver of the past.
The printing of both the lettering and the lining is very clear and accurate.
Most of the piework is separate pieces, not just moulded on.
In short - its nice.
stockers
Trains, aircraft, models, walking, beer, travel
It has a Buhler motor and the chassis block is similar to the Stainz - so should be nice and tough. The loco is pretty heavy but I have not weighed it. I guess it will pull like a Stainz.
The buffers are sprung, which is a bit pointless seeing as how the coupling loops are the first point of contact between vehicles.
The buffers are sprung, which is a bit pointless seeing as how the coupling loops are the first point of contact between vehicles.
Zerogee
Clencher's Bogleman
Great review and pics, Alan - I just haven't had any time to take photos of mine (or even to install the decoder that I got from Muns!).
I agree with all your comments - it really is a lovely little loco, and yes, worth the money I think - especially if you buy it at German prices...
I'm sure that the original looks to have a slightly longer wheelbase, but M/LGB have understandably taken the decision to go with the standard gearbox and thus it has the same wheelbase as a Stainz or any other LGB 0-4-0 - not that this matters to me at all, it still looks "right" and well proportioned.
I think it will greatly benefit from having a Preiser driver and fireman added, a crewman each side will go a long way to hide (or at least distract the eye from) the prominent decoder box in the cab roof.
When I eventually get the time to put the XLS-M1 and speaker in mine, I will try to take some pics to show the process - hopefully I won't regret not going for a dealer-installed one as you did!
Jon.
I agree with all your comments - it really is a lovely little loco, and yes, worth the money I think - especially if you buy it at German prices...
I'm sure that the original looks to have a slightly longer wheelbase, but M/LGB have understandably taken the decision to go with the standard gearbox and thus it has the same wheelbase as a Stainz or any other LGB 0-4-0 - not that this matters to me at all, it still looks "right" and well proportioned.
I think it will greatly benefit from having a Preiser driver and fireman added, a crewman each side will go a long way to hide (or at least distract the eye from) the prominent decoder box in the cab roof.
When I eventually get the time to put the XLS-M1 and speaker in mine, I will try to take some pics to show the process - hopefully I won't regret not going for a dealer-installed one as you did!
Jon.
playmofire
Registered
Many thanks for an interesting and comprehensive review. It looks a very nice loco indeed.
Zerogee said:Great review and pics, Alan - I just haven't had any time to take photos of mine (or even to install the decoder that I got from Muns!).
I agree with all your comments - it really is a lovely little loco, and yes, worth the money I think - especially if you buy it at German prices...
I'm sure that the original looks to have a slightly longer wheelbase, but M/LGB have understandably taken the decision to go with the standard gearbox and thus it has the same wheelbase as a Stainz or any other LGB 0-4-0 - not that this matters to me at all, it still looks "right" and well proportioned.
I think it will greatly benefit from having a Preiser driver and fireman added, a crewman each side will go a long way to hide (or at least distract the eye from) the prominent decoder box in the cab roof.
When I eventually get the time to put the XLS-M1 and speaker in mine, I will try to take some pics to show the process - hopefully I won't regret not going for a dealer-installed one as you did!
Jon.
If the Rhatia is anything to go by, then you will have to make Aux 2 & 3 be controlled by the 'lighting key'. - That is if it has both firebox as well as cab lights..
CV's 50 and 53 to '5' for voltage dividers. -You might find you need to reduce it to '4'.. Depends on track voltage you use, and how 'yellow' you want your lights.
