MODELLING SWISS RAILWAYS IN Z SCALE

Maerklin introduced the first model of a Swiss steam locomotive in 2005, a class A 3/5 600 series locomotive, originally designed for fast passenger services over the Gotthard route but superseded by electric traction onyl 12 years after entry into service.

Maerklin 88992 (click for larger image)

Switzerland is not a typical railway ground for steam traction and certainly better known - and famous - for its powerful electric locomotives, which put an end to steam in practical terms in the mid- to late 1920s on all the major routes, even though steam locos soldiered on until 1968 on some parts of the Swiss rail network.

The chosen model has the potential to act as base for further Swiss steam locomotive classes (including freight locomotives). For the time being, a steam only Swiss layout would be somewhat monotonous, but nevertheless possible (Maerklin released a set of two period coaches to go with the A 3/5). However, it is to be suspected that most A 3/5 models will be run side by side with electric traction, either as a period layout of the transition era on the Gotthard route, with steam slowly being knocked off by the crocodiles, or as "preserved" locomotives on layouts with a more modern theme (although strictly speaking no A 3/5 700 series locomotive survived the scrapman's torch).

During the first phase of introducing Swiss prototype models to the range of mini-club models, Maerklin was very much looking to the past, which in this case meant the 1920s and 1930s. The choice of the classic "Crocodile" as the first Swiss Z scale model in 1979 seemed almost a natural one, given the company's long tradition with models of this locomotive, although it seemed slightly odd to chose a Be 6/8 III, which actually is a re-geared subclass which emerged in 1956.

Maerklin 8852 (click for larger image)

However, a Ce 6/8 III (the original power output version of the re-geared Be 6/8 III) and an Ae 3/6 II (one of the lesser known Swiss electrics) were released in 1983, with a parallel introduction of a passenger and a baggage coach of matching period stock (types C4u and F4u).

With the noted exception of the green "crocodile", all models from this period were dropped from production in the mid to late 1990s and have since not been available as individual items.

Maerklin re-introduced them in 2001 as parts of what Maerklin calls "train sets": the Ae 3/6 II (in the post-1928 green livery) together with a rake of two passenger coaches and one baggage coach, and the brown "crocodile" (Ce 6/8 III) together with a set of period freight stock as a one-off production set in 2001 and a circus train in 2004.

Strict period modellers may take note of the fact that electric locomotives carried brown liveries from 1920-1928 and green liveries after that date.

FR K1 goods wagons (click for larger image)

Freight stock for this period has always been a bit of a problem, although a number of them (mostly wagons lettered for breweries and based on the 8661 model) have begun appearing over the past few years, although often produced by Maerklin exclusively for the Swiss market.

Freudenreich Feinwerktechnik produces kits for the period covered goods van type K1 (seen here being pulled by FR's RHB locomotive) as well as an old-time caboose.

Modellers interested in building and running a credible Swiss 1920s/1930s period layout in Z scale are fairly well served by ready-to-run Maerklin items and kits from smaller manufacturers such as FR, although the choice of models (especially rolling stock) remains limited. It would also seem, judging from the latest releases, that Maerklin has intentions of continuing to support the modeller of this period, at least with repaints of existing models.

In 1984, only five years after introducing the first Swiss model to the Z scale range, Maerklin turned to the more modern image Swiss Federal Railways by choosing the Ae 6/6 as their third Swiss model in Z scale.

Maerklin 8850 (click for larger image)

The prototype locomotives were built between 1952 and 1966 to a total of 120 units, all carrying the name and coats of arms of one of the Swiss cantons (hence called Kantonslok) and important railway towns (Staedtelok). As a true general purpose locomotive the Ae 6/6 was virtually employable on all types of trains, although in the 1950s to late 1960s period the Ae 6/6 was best known as "Gotthard engine", pulling heavy express (and freight) trains through the Alps.

Following entry into service in 1952, the Ae 6/6 very gradually phased out the famous "Crocodiles" (Ce 6/8 III [green livery post-1928] and Be 6/8 III).

Both models could be used alongside the Ae 6/6 on a layout depicting the Gotthard route as the "crocodiles" were only retired as of 1965 (and some as late as 1986). The "Swiss passenger train" set (81418) with its green liveried Ae 3/6 II could be used as a 1950s fast train on the Bern to Basel route or a 1960s stopping service or secondary line unit running out its last miles in active service - the 1950s/1960s period on the prototype was very much an era where it was generally accepted that old equipment would virtually be run to pieces on lesser services and lines.

Maerklin 8856 (click for larger image)

However, it would seem that Maerklin was thinking more of the 1970s/1980s railway scene when introducing the Ae 6/6 - at least that's what the lack of appropriate passenger and freight stock for the 1950s/1960s period would suggest. Almost all the Swiss freight stock in the Z scale range are models of protoytpes which were introduced well after 1970, which is also true for the two SBB Eurofima passenger coaches produced by Maerklin in 1984 (first class, orange livery) and 1987 (sleeper, blue livery).

The omnipresent green liveried SBB EW I (Einheitswagen I, standard coach Mk I) passenger stock of the 1960s and 1970s period was made available by Swiss Z Lines (SZL) in 2004 as part of their set combining an Re 4/4 II locomotive with two EW I B (2nd class), one EW I A (1st class) and an EW I D baggage coach (SZL #4001) - a perfect setup for a late 1960s SBB passenger train (the Re 4/4 II was introduced in 1964).

As a conclusion, the 1950s period doesn't really lend itself to be modelled in Z scale, while the mid to late 1960s offer a few possibilities when combining Maerklin models with the high-end set from SZL (although these are obviously only available in limited numbers). It remains, however, not a very suitable period for the average modeller due to the virtually complete lack of appropriate freight stock.

Strict period modellers should take note of the fact that engines were exclusively painted green during the 1950s/1960s period (the red liveried Ae 6/6 offered by Maerklin could not be seen on the prototype prior to 1984) and that grab irons were not painted yellow for better visibility prior to 1955.

SZL Re 4/4 II 11347 from set SZL 4001
(click for larger image)

By the time the 1970s had rolled around, the Re 4/4 II really left its everyday mark on SBB operations, both passenger and freight. Contrary to its role both in terms of number and importance, this particular engine has been completely ignored by Maerklin, and Z scale modellers can only fill this gap since 2004. Swiss Z Line's production run of green liveried Re 4/4 IIs has, however, been very limited so far; 25 were released as part of a passenger set (SZL 4001), 14 as part of a ballast train set (SZL 4004), and 20 as individually available locos (SZL 1013). The 1970s also saw the so-called "Swiss Express" livery applied to this class, also available from SZL. Red liveried Re 4/4 IIs only appeared as of 1984, with the balance between red and green slowly tilting towards the first towards the end of the 1980s (SZl originally offered 50+ Re 4/4 IIs in red livery, both individually and as parts of a set).

Despite the fact that the third Swiss Z scale model introduced by Maerklin in 1984, the Ae 6/6, is a locomotive built in 1952-1960, the intention clearly was to open up the possibility to model the modern (at the time) Swiss railway scene of the 1980s. This was underlined by the parallel introduction of a modern passenger coach in 1984, an SBB Eurofima A9 type first class passenger coach in organge livery for international trains.

Maerklin 8849, released in 1987 in post-1984 red livery
[click for larger image]

Maerklin 8742 [click for larger image]

Maerklin 8847 [click for larger image]

The choice of modern passenger rolling stock was complemented in 1987 with Maerklin's release of a Eurofima sleeper coach in SBB blue livery.

Maerklin's move towards the modern Swiss railway scene was underlined further in 1986 with the introduction of what was then a brand new locomotive on Swiss rails: the Re 4/4 IV was put into service in 1982. This locomotive was in many ways part of the "Bahn 2000" concept, the rail investment and infrastructure programme which was to turn Swiss Federal Railways into a truly modern 21st century transportation company - the locomotives were in fact repainted in 1986 into a red livery with large "Bahn/Rail/Ferrovia 2000" lettering, and Maerklin's model followed suit..

Parallel to the introduction of the Re 4/4 IV in 1986, Maerklin released three different EW IV (Einheitswagen IV, standard coach design Mk4, introduced in 1980) passenger coaches in intercity livery (first class, second class, and dining car) - all quintessential for modelling the 1980s modernisation period.

Maerklin 8745 [click for larger image]

These releases were complemented by the introduction of a number of modern freight stock types with SBB markings. The ubiquitous SBB Hbis covered freight car was introdcued to the Z scale range in 1991 in the typically 1980s "Cargo Domizil" livery and has since been produced in a multitude of repaint variations - again, quintessential items for modelling the Swiss rail scene post-1980 in Z scale.

Maerklin 8656

Maerklin 8210 (set of three Hbis in different Migros private owner liveries, all based on the basic 8656 model)

When Swiss Federal Railways filled a gap in their diesel traction range (needed, amongst other duties, on the new Bahn 2000 high-speed lines under construction) by acquiring seven German V200 locomotives as second-hand units (subsequently used on heavy duty construction trains between 1987 and 1994), Maerklin was able to enlarge its Swiss Z scale fleet even more in 1993 through a simple repaint of their existing model of a BR 221 (actually a V200.1).

Maerklin 8833 [click for larger image]

Maerklin 8185 [click for larger image]

When Maerklin introduced their first Swiss starter set to the Z scale range in 1994, the train formation of this set was a modern stock freight train with an Re 4/4 IV in all-red livery with large white logo up front - an excellent way to start modelling Swiss Federal Railways in the 1980s.

As a conclusion, the 1970s to 1980s period needs to be split in two - while the 1970s can't really be said to be covered by the range of models discussed here, the 1980s were extremely well served by Maerklin's Z scale programme up until the mid-1990s. Since then, Maerklin has clearly concentrated its efforts on the current rail scene, and the fact that a number of items were only produced for 2 or 3 years leads ro reduced availability.

There are still important items of motive power missing - as there always will be in Z scale - but all in all modelling Swiss Federal Railways during the initial phase of its modernisation programme, i.e. during the 1980s, is one of the best options available to anybody modelling in Z scale.

Another favourable aspect of this period should also be mentioned, namely the "preservation" movement, which started to gather momentum in the late 1970s. This means that apart from the correct period rolling stock, older motive power (Be 6/8 III, Ae 3/6 II) can be run as well as "special trains" - in fact, even the "Orient Express" (8108) or "Rheingold" (8133) sets could be used.

In 1991, Swiss Federal Railways entered a new phase of its modernisation programme by putting into service a brand new high-tech locomotive, designated class Re 460 and branded "Lok 2000".

Maerklin 88441 [click for larger image]

Maerklin was very quick to follow up on this change to the current Swiss rail scene and introduced the ultra-modern Re 460 locomotive as Z scale model in 1995 - i.e. only four years after they were put into service by Swiss Federal Railways.

The first mini-club Re 460 (article no. 88441) made a very convincing and pleasing model of Re 460 004-5 Uetliberg in its red livery with large white logo.

Shortly after this, in early 1996, Maerklin introduced the first two Re 460 locomotives in advertising liveries - "Agfa" (88442) (which had also been the first real-life advertising locomotive) and "Miele" (88443). Both models were marketed as a "one-off annual production", which was to become the standard production procedure for Maerklin's models of advertising Re 460s.

As of the mid-1990s, Maerklin also became involved as a sponsoring partner for "art liveries" on real locomotives, which then served as prototype for exclusive Maerklin models depicting this livery both in H0 and Z scale. Initially applied to the ill-fated Re 4/4 IV model, this proven formula of creating "Maerklin prototype" locomotives was applied to the much more mainstream Re 460s as of 1999.

Maerklin 88452 (1998)

Maerklin 88450 (1998)

The possibility of repainting the basic Re 460 model in various advertising liveries provided Maerklin with a fairly easy way of producing "new" models every year.

Advertising liveries quickly covered both commercial examples - illustrated by arguably one of the most striking advertising liveries of the 1990s (even if you didn't like the softdrink it promoted) - as well as locomotives which were used by Swiss Federal Railways to promote itself - such as reminding the everyday or casual onlooker of the fact that SBB connects all of Switzerland.

Starting with three advertising livery repaints of the Re 460 in 1996, Maerklin released another 14 models between 1997 and 2000, all as one-off items for one annual production run, before reducing the output to two repaints in 2001 and 2002 and one repaint release only in 2003. Since that date, there have been no "new" Re 460 models in advertising liveryreleased by Maerklin.

However, just as printing techniques have become more refined over the years - put to excellent use by Maerklin - this is also true for both software and printer output solutions which make it possible to produce high end quality transfers. Applied to railway models, the results can be quite stunning, and Claes Mikkelsen is a master of this technique. Working under the label of Mikkelsen International Models out of Switzerland, he introduced a substantial range of re-liveried models based on Maerklin shells in 2004. In terms of the Re 460s, he has continued where Maerklin left off, producing a number of eye-catching models.

Mikkelsen CH2004-103 (repaint on Maerklin base)

Period modellers will of course take into account that advertising liveries had their limited lifespan and that only a handful of these colourful liveries could be seen over a period of more than two years.

Maerklin 81413 (1998)

In 1998, Maerklin added some very modern flavour to its Swiss rolling stock department by introducing a set featuring three bi-level passenger coaches of the S-Bahn Z¸rich.

The motive power included in the set, a red-liveried Ae 6/6 (aptly named "City of Zurich"), is correct for the very early phase of the S-Bahn only (1990), as the standard motive power is the Re 450 electric locomotive. The set was dropped from production very quickly, maybe because Maerklin had in actual fact introduced the bi-level coaches for their German range of suburban trains and didn't feel like continuing this somewhat anachronistic combination for too long (unfortunately, the design of these bi-level coaches differs in various points from the current Intercity bi-level coaches used by the SBB, so that Maerklin won't be able to produce these simply by repainting this model). The bi-level coaches are not restricted to the Zurich area, as they are used fairly frequently for special trains. While this does not imply a change of locomotive on the prototype, Z scale modellers could probably get away with using an Re 460 up front.

Maerklin 88692 (2002)

Coinciding with the Swiss Federal Railways' Centenary in 2002 Maerklin offered a new Swiss loco for the first time in seven years - a repaint.

The Am 847 diesel locomotive is an ex-DB V100 now owned by the track construction & maintenance firm Sersa in Zurich. A one-off limited production run, this was, nevertheless, a pleasing little loco which can be used to trundle up and down the tracks with its Sersa track maintenance train (which was offered separately).

Since the release of the Am 847, there has not been any substantial output by Maerklin in terms of locomotives for the Z scale modeller of the SBB 1990s scene. However, Maerklin did step up the choice of items in terms of rolling stock substantially.

In 1999 Maerklin expanded their range of Z scale Swiss passenger stock by introducing a boxed set of coaches in Swiss Federal Railway's EuroCity livery. While four of the coaches were repaints of existing models (the Eurofima A9 coach and the EW IV SBB dining car), the Apm "Panoramic coach" was an entirely new and unique Swiss model which became available separately as a regular item in 2000, when the set was discontinued.

The introduction of the driving trailer Bt in 2001 as part of a four-coach set launched an item every Swiss intercity train on a mid-1990s to current layout needs (the driving trailer does away with the need to couple and un-couple locomotives at terminus stations). The set was a one-off production in the older green & cream intercity livery, then repainted for the 2002 and ongoing production run in the new white intercity livery used on refurbished EW IV stock. A third set, incorporating BLS liveried coaches, is also available since 2003.

Maerklin 87660

Maerklin 87455

Maerklin 87456

The choice and availability of freight stock for the Swiss modern image modeller has improved greatly over the past few years as well, with Maerklin introducing an ever-growing number of repaints of basic models based on common European prototypes and thus producing Swiss models - in fact, far too many to be listed here.

Double page from the Maerklin 1997 catalogue illustrates the fairly large selection of Swiss freight stock

One important example to be illustrated here is the four-axle Hupac piggyback carrier. Switzerland, as a transit country, has a policy of transporting goods on rails rather than the roads, and this policy has shaped freight trains on Swiss rails since the mid-1990s and continues to do so. Piggyback or container stock (also available in Z scale from Maerklin) is therefore of quintessential importance for a modern Swiss layout.

Maerklin 82281

In the spring of 2001, one of the items amongst Maerklin's new additions to their current production range of Z scale models was a new Swiss starter set.

81851, starter set (current production, since 2004)

It effectively replaced the original Swiss starter set introduced in 1994, with the main difference being the motive power: the Re 4/4 IV was now replaced by an Re 460 pulling slightly more modern freight cars. Small as these changes might seem, they were in fact quite significant in illustrating Maerklin's commitment to the modern day Swiss rail scene.

It must be obvious from all of this that the 1990s era, including the current period, is by far the best choice of period for someone wanting to model Swiss railways in Z scale. The choice of motive power is only let down a bit by the lack of locomotives which preceeded today's ultra modern Re 460s but still make up at least half of what can be seen on the Swiss rail network. The same is true for passenger and freight stock, so anybody thinking about modelling Swiss railways in Z scale should certainly consider the post-1990 period (besides, the Swiss starter set makes the first steps even easier).


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