The Märklin E8 documentation shows an image without a nose coupler (technically, a retracted coupler) but the diagrams and spare parts don't show that option. Could someone who owns a unit tell me if that version of the pilot actually ships? Mark
Mark: I have pulled in a few Marklin E9's SoPac and have one fully documented on my product page: http://zscalehobo.com/marklin/88628.html The optional pilot has a knuckle-type dummy coupler on it. I have a photo showing it but it isn't entirely clear, as I was not able to open the plastic bag. Regards, Frank Daniels Owner - z.scale.hobo
The look that I'm going for is the doors closed: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2400019 The Märklin marketing image (top of Frank's page) suggested a they might have done such a pilot. I've got the dimensions of the cover and I think I can make it to pop into the dummy coupler hole, so I guess I've got a new snow day project. I've got an AZL A/B set and I have to agree they look so good. Also they run so smoothly. It's the first loco I've purchased that I feel deserves to get DCC. Thank, Mark
Hi Mark: At 41s in this video you see the coupler is a knuckle-type. I believe it is a dummy. The prototype image was a one-time deal, if I recall, and the smooth appearance is not how they were released. They include a dummy coupler just like the AZL release. Frank Daniels z.scale.hobo
The coupler is like the Mikado. Limited angle (very short shank, pressed in). If you run 220mm, with body mounted couplers, might work. If you run the larger 12-18 radii that many of us have on the Z-Bend Track modules, they're OK.
Right; so there IS a coupler. Mark was wondering why (a very good question) the original photo shows a closed pilot with no coupler:
What is the minimum radius curve for the Marklin E8? 195mm? The Marklin database catalog entry does not provide this information.
The Marklin 88628 that I have comes with an additional truck without a coupler and an additional body fairing (I do not know the technical name). As for the curve radius, I am currently running one on a folded dogbone test track, using Rokuhan track with curve radii of 220 mm, 195 mm, and 170 mm. I tried it on a curve radius of 120 mm. It sort of ran, in that it did not derail but was very jerky. (As an aside, the new Rokuhan/Noch locomotives run very smoothly on this layout.) Rob Pearce (aka ViperBugloss)
Rob, Thanks for the info. As far as the minimum turning radius, I don't expect the model to do any better than the prototype. The E8/9 did a 57 degree curve (roughly 130 mm) so your data fits what I would have expected. Also I would have been very surprised that Märklin would have participated in the E units if they didn't reliably do 145mm. Mark
One can't say the AZL Mikado's front coupler is dummy. I don't know for low radii but on my layout (minimum radius 35 cm / 14") I easily MU my Mike behind my GS4, and I suffer no parasite uncoupling nor derailments. Dom
Pilot and Coupler question. The original Marklin (and AZL) photos showed prototypes with a fixed pilots. We decided to make an add on pilot instead featuring both (generic) freight and passenger style pilots. Based on feedback, we also added a "dummy" coupler to the pilot. Sincerely, Hans (AZL)
