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140 Years
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Visit the Märklin Museum in Germany.

140 Years of Märklin >>Märklin: History and Innovations

1891

Märklin presents the first system railroad: A windup locomotive with cars and an expandable track system.

Around 1900

On the basis of the Märklin scales an international standard for the gauges and scales 0, I, II and III of that time were adopted.

1926

With the new 20 volt system, the electric trains previously operated with standard household current are now safe for children.

1935

With the "halving" of 0 Scale to H0 (half of zero), Märklin expands the world of model railroading: The compact dimensions allow complete layouts as table top railroads. In addition, the three-rail track system makes for trouble-free setup and reliable operation.

1938

The "perfect circuit" enables remote controlled direction reversing on Märklin AC systems - a big step towards prototypical model railroad operation.

1938

The first fully functional catenary expands operating enjoyment to include an additional, independently controlled track circuit.

1939

Märklin's standard H0 coupler couples gently and reliably and keeps a train composition together. It is adopted by other manufacturers and later becomes NEM Standard 360.

1947

Thanks to a realistic articulated frame, the new Märklin CCS 800 Crocodile can also negotiate sharp curves.

1953

Up to now the solid third rail has lain on top of the ties; now it is placed under the roadbed and only stud contacts stick up through the ties. This makes the three-rail track visually more acceptable to model railroaders and becomes a synonym for the Märklin system.

1956

The standard coupler is further developed into the RELEX coupler. It allows advance uncoupling over a new uncoupler track.

1958

The TELEX coupler for switch engines takes couplers a step further. It enables remote controlled uncoupling anywhere on the layout.

1966

The first sound effects circuit - a horn that can be retrofitted into locomotives - ends the silence of the latter.

1969

With the K Track system Märklin presents a track system without a roadbed. With flex track, large radius curves and turnouts it is quite suitable for an experienced model railroader's layout.

1969

The new Märklin 1 Gauge introduces a renaissance of the large gauge. A previously unknown level of detailing on regular production Märklin models appeals to even the most demanding model railroaders.

1972

The presentation of mini-club, the smallest mass produced electric train system in the world.

1982

The time is past for the typical "goat's jump". Direction reversing for locomotives is now being done by an electronic circuit.

1984

Märklin Digital catapults model railroading directly into the electronic age. The digital signal processing - with electronic receiver circuits in each locomotive - makes it possible to have independent, multi-train operation.

1985

The Märklin Club of North America is established by Märklin, Inc.

1985

The close coupler completes the visual appearance of the cars and locomotives by enabling prototypically close coupled train compositions. It is also compatible with the standard coupler.

1988

A model highlight is the H0 Swedish train, constructed with real wood like the prototype. The bodies for the locomotive and cars are covered with wood panels. Super fine details demonstrate the high level of modeling technology.

1991

The new digitally controlled, high-efficiency propulsion system allows you to set the maximum speed as well as the acceleration and braking delay for each locomotive as it would be for that unit's prototype.

1992

With DELTA Märklin brings out a multi-train system for small to medium size layouts - the simple entry into digital.

1993

The Märklin Insider Club is established. Model railroaders with a strong commitment to their hobby gain access to still more information and to special, exclusive models.

1994

With MAXI, the toy and adventure railroad for indoors and outdoors, Märklin brings the art of sheet metal toys back to life. The sturdy construction and the large scale of 1 Gauge also make Maxi the ideal garden railway - fully compatible with the standard 1 Gauge equipment.

1996

The new C Track system combines the operational advantages of the three rail track with extremely easy "click" assembly, prototypical appearance, and modular setup.

1997

Märklin Digital is expanded further. A signal module and controllable locomotive functions bring new prototypical functions to the operation of a layout.

1997

For the 25th anniversary of mini-club Marlin builds a steam locomotive with a body of pure 18 carat gold. This special, exclusive model is enthusiastically accepted by Z Gauge fans.

1998

A high point of the reproduction series is the carriage that comes about in cooperation with Heidi Ott (dolls), Hutschenreuther (porcelain horses) and Märklin (carriage).

1998

A new concept for starter sets with track extension sets and a premium digital starter set make it even more appealing to enter the world of model railroading.

1999

Märklin celebrates its 140th anniversary with a model of the Stork's Leg, the first Märklin locomotive.

2004

Märklin launches a new, technologically advanced product llne called Märklin Systems for digital multi-train control.

2006

Märklin is sold to Kingsbridge Capital Advisors, a company based in London.



 

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