THE Z SCALE MODEL
(scroll down for information on the prototype locomotive)
The first Z scale Swiss prototype model was introduced in 1979, only seven years after the introduction of this tiny modelling scale by Maerklin. Surely it was no coincidence that the model chosen for this was the famous "Crocodile" electric locomotive - after all, Maerklin had always had a special affinity to this icon of Swiss railway history.
Maerklin 8856, Be 6/8 III "Crocodile" - the first Swiss Z scale model,
seen here in its updated version with 5-pole motor and new packagingThe choice of a third generation (III) loco was also very much understandable, as this eliminated the triangular counterweights on the Ce 6/8 II and Be 6/8 II, resulting in a much less complex connecting rod construction. Just why the Goeppingen company opted for a "regeared crocodile" Be 6/8 III instead of an "original" Ce 6/8 III however is less clear. For most Z scale enthusiasts, this detail was negligible to say the least, but for the strict period modeller it meant that this was a post-1956 locomotive only whereas a green liveried Ce 6/8 III would have fitted any year after 1928...
The Be 6/8 III not only was Maerklin's first Swiss Z scale model, it is also the only one which has stayed in production without interruption since it was first launched in 1979. During this period of time, the only variation introduced was a change (as of 1995) from black as colour for the underframe to grey.
[click for larger images]Currently the model is available with the new 5-pole motor.
Click on image for M”rklin's parts list for the Z scale Be 6/8 III and an illustration of how it all fits together
(pdf file, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
In 1942, SBB decided to upgrade 13 Ce 6/8 II "Crocodiles" with more powerful motors and strengthened frames. This work was carried out at the SBB works in Bellinzona between 1942 and 1947.
The new top speed of the upgraded engines of 47 mph (75 km/h) resulted in re-classification as Be 6/8 II. In 1956, all 18 Ce 6/8 III were upgraded and became Be 6/8 IIIs numbered 13 301 through 13318.
After more than 30 years of reigning supreme on the Gotthard route, the Crocodiles were phased out in the 1950s as the new Ae 6/6 locomotives arrived. They soldiered on, however, now hauling heavy freight trains in the central regions of Switzerland. The last of their breed were retired in the early 1980s after having been relegated to yard switching service (with, noteably, only one pantograph). Today, two Crocodiles are preserved as active lcoomotive sby SBB Historic (Ce 6/8 II 14253 and Ce 6/8 III 14305), while several are privately owned.
Maerklin themselves attracted new attention to the Crocodiles when they chose a design by Erismann + Gessler showing the siderod arrangement of a Ce 6/8 II Crocodile for their Re 460 "Swiss Collection art locomotive" in 1999.
(SBB)
Page created 31/AUG/2001
Last revised 28/FEB/2006
