Model railway and accessories: What's new in 2024
By Peter Pernsteiner
Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg devoted Hall 7A to model railways. In particular, visitors were fascinated by the pre-production models of locomotives in all standard gauges. Exhibits ranged from miniature railways in gauge Z (1:220), N (1:160) and TT (1:120) to the most common H0 gauge (1:87) and finally the finely detailed large-scale models in gauge 0 (1:45), 1 (1:32) and 2m (1:22.5). There were also a lot of accessories on show to make model railway layouts look as realistic as possible. And as a final touch there were some imaginatively designed and brightly coloured fairground scenes.
127 cm long American dream
This article would burst at the seams with the flood of new products from Märklin alone. The undisputed highlight from the market leader was a huge steaming pre-production model of the American steam locomotive "Big Boy" in 1:32 scale (gauge 1), weighing 16 kg and 126.5 cm long. The model is made of die-cast zinc, aluminium and brass and has two sophisticated digitally controllable smoke generators with seven miniature fan units to reproduce realistic steam from the chimney, whistle, exhaust pipe, generator, safety valve and the four cylinders on the locomotive. It is powered by two motors and the sound comes from the model that was relaunched in the USA in 2019. On a slightly larger scale but with the same track spacing of 45 mm, Märklin also presented a few new designs from its narrow-gauge garden railway brand LGB. A 40 cm long steam locomotive modelled on the Harz narrow gauge railways is made entirely of die-cast zinc and brass. It comes in three versions and is designed to steam from all four cylinders as well as from the whistle when it’s activated. Fans of the Swiss Glacier Express can look forward to the HGe 4/4 II electric locomotive with electrically operated pantographs and a working cogwheel drive for steep inclines. Rhaetian Railway's Altau electric Ge 4/6 locomotive is also likely to attract a great deal of interest.
Märklin is reviving the popular Class 86 steam locomotive in H0 scale 1:87 with an intricately detailed new construction. For electric locomotive enthusiasts there is a six-axle, 224 mm long Class 151 locomotive with electrically operated pantographs. And for fans of modern multiple units with double-decker carriages, there is a 113 cm long four-part unit modelled on the Siemens Desiro HC. The 14-axle heavy Swiss double electric locomotive Ae 8/14 is just under 40 cm long. Feelings of nostalgia are sure to be kindled by the reproduction of the Crocodile, based on the first Märklin Crocodile prototype produced in 1936, which will be supplied in a beautiful historical collector case made of cardboard. In cooperation with Piko, Märklin is designing an exclusive limited edition of 2500 sets of the Metropolitan Express Train based on the model produced at the turn of the millennium. The Silver Arrow with a Class 101 electric locomotive and seven carriages is 236 cm long. If you prefer tiny adult toys, you’ll love Märklin’s two new Z-gauge designs (scale 1:220) - the short VT 88.9 rail bus (just 53 mm) commonly known as the "Pig's Snout" and a 12 mm longer diesel-hydraulic multi-purpose locomotive from the V 90 series. Significantly larger, but still suitable for confined spaces, is a new N-gauge model under the Märklin brand Minitrix. The Class 111 electric locomotive with an integrated digital sound system to produce an array of realistic noises was presented by Märklin along with a matching express train carriage set. It comes in two versions based on models from around 1985 and from the year 2023.
Innovations in TT and 0 gauges
There were also plenty of interesting things to see on the big Hornby Hobbies stand. The company has now entered the TT gauge market (scale 1:120) and is scheduled to launch a model of a Class 66 diesel locomotive under the Arnold brand in the summer. The locomotive has now been operating in the UK for more than 25 years. Under the Jouef and Rivarossi brands the company presented the first unpainted pre-production models of Vossloh’s modern diesel-electric DE 18 shunting and mainline service locomotive in 1:87 scale. The various versions of the model, which is mainly made of die-cast zinc, differ in a lot of details. The tiny battery-powered ASF EL 16 towing vehicle is also likely to make interesting appearances on a lot of larger model railway layouts that incorporate works shunting operations. Three H0 versions with different liveries were on display in Nuremberg, measuring only around 36 mm including the buffer. Arnold also has the battery-powered towing vehicle in a smaller version for N-gauge layouts on a scale of 1:160, a size reduction of more than 40 per cent. And N-gauge fans of modern high-speed trains can look forward to the Italian "Frecciarossa 1000" or the Spanish "Iryo", for example.
Lenz Elektronik presented three pre-production models from its latest range in a gauge that Märklin has not produced for almost 70 years. Almost exactly 20 years ago, the company presented its first 0-gauge models on a scale of 1:45 and has been producing locomotives and wagons in injection-moulded plastic mixed construction with die-cast zinc frames ever since. Using this production method, the small Deutz KG 230 B shunting tractor is due to be launched in the second half of 2024. A factory locomotive version based on the Deutsche Bundespost model could be seen running backwards and forwards on the trade fair diorama with loud diesel locomotive sound electronics. Lenz is entering completely new territory with the pre-production model of a Class 86 steam locomotive made of die-cast zinc with finely detailed brass investment castings. The locomotive is also due to be launched in ten different variants from Eras III to V in the second half of 2024. The company has now dedicated itself to yet another type of production - die-hard fans of rare locomotives can look forward to handcrafted models made of brass. The new item on show in Nuremberg was a Class V 65 diesel locomotive based on the 1960s model. Although it still ran with a significantly reduced sound volume, it included a technical gimmick with an engine driver on board who turned 180 degrees when changing direction.
Creative layout design
What would model railway layouts be without the right surroundings? That’s why a number of companies in Nuremberg presented attractive accessories for the construction and design of layouts and dioramas. In addition to new miniature figures, sets of figures and little scenarios for H0, N, TT and Z, the Wangen-based company Noch presented beautifully hand-made trees and LED lighting accessories. There was even a "medieval market", attractively presented on a scale of 1:87. The set included laser-cut kits to make the stalls, and a large jousting arena with a gate, spectator box and two riders armed with lances who ride towards each other as if in a tournament using the micro-motion drive concept. The set also comprises a micro sound module for realistic tournament sounds. Noch also presented some interesting Easy-Track Layout Kits for mountain scenarios in H0 and N gauges. Easy-Track-Individual is also new and enables the planning of almost any three-dimensional H0 layout. With this set, the company offers laser-cut track elements for many common standard tracks, curves and points specially developed for the Märklin/Trix C-track system. To build up a slope, the track boards are placed on pillar elements which can be fixed together in a wide variety of lengths based on a modular concept. After testing your individually designed mountain world, the tracks can be planked on the sides with crepe paper, for example, to create a customised landscape.
Video interview with Sebastian Topp about the Easy Track concept.
Continuous track maintenance is a challenge for everyday operation on large layouts because dust, wear and tear and occasional oil residues can cause contact problems for locomotives and wagons. A number of rail cleaning wagons have long been available for this purpose. Building on its experience with a cleaning wagon for N-gauge track, Tomytec has now also launched a wagon for H0. It can either be used like a vacuum cleaner to suck up air and dust from the tracks or, in track cleaning mode, a small sanding disc or polishing disc is mounted between the carriage wheel sets. The vacuum cleaner is powered by two AA batteries and can therefore be used on both two-wire and three-wire tracks. The wagon can be pulled by any H0 locomotive and can also be used on curved tracks with a radius of 360 mm or more.
Funfairs, moving cars and much more
On the subject of funfairs, the exhibition hall was not only home to many superbly designed layouts by private exhibitors and clubs, but also a pre-production model of the "No Limit" fairground ride kit in H0 1:87 scale announced last year by Faller. Miniature passengers are seated in the gondola at the end of a 30 cm-long arm. The ride starts very leisurely at the push of a button and swings up and down realistically using electronic controls until the thrill-seeking passengers are dangling upside down at the top. And if your layout doesn’t have a funfair at all yet, Faller’s extensive "Funfair Fun” set is a good way to start. It consists of kits for the "Flipper" carousel, a chain carousel and a motorised boat swing. Four sales booths complete the set. But Faller has far more to offer than just the funfair. For example, there is also a new bascule bridge with a drive that can be used with either an H0 railway track or a contact wire for the Faller Car System. One of the new matching lorries on show was a Mercedes-Benz Actros Streamspace with a box body in the design of the »Veltins« brewery. It drove right through the middle of the warehouse of a pre-production model of a building complex of the Veltins brewery, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The model was 68 cm long and 25 cm high.
Viessmann Modelltechnik presented a lot of innovations in Nuremberg from its CarMotion system range for autonomous H0 lorries which was launched in 2022. New additions include an inductive charger (40 mm diameter) that can be installed under the floor. Older vehicles can be retrofitted to work with this system. Motorized 2/3-way turnout modules are very versatile and, depending on how they are arranged, a left, right, or 3-way diversion can be created. They can be controlled manually or with the aid of a motorised drive unit. The IR Traffic smart control unit can communicate bidirectionally with vehicles and enables, for example, traffic lights to be switched so that emergency vehicles can pass even when the light is red and crossing cars will stop despite the light being green. There are three different types of speed cameras, all very realistic, that are triggered if a vehicle is travelling too fast. DIY fans can look forward to universal electronics boards, front axle units with a magnetic steering arm and rear axle units with underfloor drive units. The CarMotion prototype of a VW Beetle attracted the most attention at the Spielwarenmesse. Although it is relatively small (only 48 mm long), this model can also be charged inductively and comes with an infrared transmitter/receiver for distance control. It goes without saying that Viessmann also presented a lot of new buildings in H0 gauge as well as light signals for railway layouts.
Videointerview with Constanze Viessmann-Kato about the CarMotion innovations.
To round off this report, I’d like to mention two interesting locomotives beyond the classic model railway. Revell exhibited a 1/87 scale plastic model construction kit consisting of 154 parts for a 284 mm long Class 18.5 or S 3/6 express train steam locomotive which only came on the market in January. Not quite as realistic but still attractive is a 1:35 scale Class 03 express train locomotive made of construction blocks, which will be available from August. The steam locomotive, which is just under 70 cm long, is manufactured by Cobi in Poland and consists of 2720 parts. However, to make it fully compatible with Lego railway tracks which have 38 mm track spacing, the scale has been adjusted here.
About the author
Peter Pernsteiner (Graduate engineer and freelance journalist) discovered his love of technology journalism while studying electrical engineering and soon after joined the editorial team of a major ICT trade magazine. Since 1994, he has been writing as a freelance journalist, particularly on technology topics - including for model railway magazines. In 2016, he also launched a YouTube channel for technology reports, which has since attracted worldwide attention.
