The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of profound industrial transformation. Companies like Märklin not only responded to the industrial boom but also inspired future generations through intricate model replicas of working workshops. Märklin’s “Komplette Betriebswerkstätten” (Complete Operating Workshops) stood out as a unique blend of engineering marvel, educational tool, and collectible art piece.

The Appeal of Märklin’s Workshop Models

Märklin’s workshop models, like the ones showcased in the provided vintage catalog page, were miniature industrial masterpieces. These models combined form and function, often featuring working components powered by steam or electricity. Their appeal lay in their ability to capture the essence of the Industrial Revolution, offering enthusiasts and hobbyists a hands-on way to explore industrial processes on a smaller scale.

A Closer Look at the Models

1. No. 4282: Mechanische Werkstätte (Mechanical Workshop)
   • Dimensions: 70.5 x 82 x 45 cm
   • This compact workshop included a steam-driven power plant alongside a transmission system connecting five machine models. These machines, such as drills, lathes, and polishing equipment, showcased the versatility and precision of early industrial equipment. The attention to detail in the iron supports, tinplate construction, and functional miniature tools highlighted Märklin’s dedication to authenticity.
2. No. 4283: Fabrikanlage (Factory Plant)
   • Dimensions: 93.5 x 48.5 x 75 cm
   • A step up in complexity, this factory featured both steam and electric motors, offering dual-power capabilities. It came with a variety of operational tools, including band saws, grinders, and electric arc lamps. The inclusion of adjustable power systems emphasized its educational value, enabling users to experiment with different modes of operation.
3. No. 4284: Fabrikanlage (Factory Plant)
   • Dimensions: 102 x 60 x 80 cm
   • The most advanced model, this factory included an expanded suite of machines and equipment, all housed in an elaborate iron and glass construction. With electric motor integration and specialized components like circular saws and presses, it reflected the pinnacle of Märklin’s engineering artistry.

Steam collector Brent Rowell from the US found parts for an original example of this rare steam workshop in Michigan. After months of hard work, he completed the workshop using a mix of original and replica parts. The final workshop is an absolute marvel and even runs and operates just as it did when it left the factory. A video of his incredible project can be found on YouTube.

Record Price for Marklin Steam Workshop

The first public sale of such a workshop that we know of was by Auktionshaus Hohenstaufen on February 5 and 6, 2016, featuring individual collectible items from former aristocratic ownership. It highlights the sale of a large factory model made by Märklin in 1905, described as the largest toy model ever made by the company.

• Item Highlighted: A large factory model produced in 1905 by Märklin, with dimensions 103 x 70 x 85 cm.
• Record Price: The item achieved a world record price of €442,800, the highest price ever for a Märklin object.
• Provenance: It was previously displayed in the Märklin Museum in Göppingen.

The image prominently shows the large Märklin factory model, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship.

Another steam hall is featured in one of Marklin’s books. It is unclear if this is the same steam hall which was sold at Hohenstaufen Auktion and also was displayed at the Marklin Museum. Comparing the scratches on the hall housing, there are many similarities but also some noticeable differences. The one featured in the book has a section cut out of the green base side and also has a different electric dynamo in front.

Educational and Entertainment Value

While these models were primarily marketed as tools for learning and amusement, their potential applications extended further. For amateur machinists, they served as an introduction to the principles of engineering and mechanics. For educators, they were tangible demonstrations of how energy sources powered complex industrial processes. And for collectors, they were symbols of a bygone era, combining artistry with technological history.

The Märklin Legacy

Märklin’s model workshops encapsulate the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. These intricate replicas were more than toys; they were gateways to understanding industrial advancements and celebrating craftsmanship. Today, they remain cherished by collectors and enthusiasts as historical artifacts that bridge the worlds of industry and hobby.

Conclusion

Märklin’s “Komplette Betriebswerkstätten” represent a fascinating chapter in the history of model-making and industrial education. They remind us of a time when curiosity and craftsmanship drove innovation and continue to inspire those who value the intersection of history, technology, and artistry.

The world of antique toy trains is fascinating and diverse, and Märklin, a clear pioneer and leader of its time, often delighted its customers with trains that represented actual railway operation. One such special train car are the Draisines, small inspection cars that were once used to inspect and maintain railway tracks. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at these distinctive vehicles and their place in Märklin’s model railway history.

What is a Draisine?

A Draisine is a small rail vehicle originally designed for the inspection and maintenance of railway tracks. The name “Draisine” is derived from the German inventor Karl Drais, who developed the first two-wheeled vehicle (the “laufmaschine” or running machine) in 1817, which became known as the Draisine.

On railways, Draisines were used since the 19th century to quickly and efficiently perform track inspections and maintenance. They were powered either by manpower, hand cranks, or later, small motors. We will see in the Marklin examples that the Draisines had either one or two men that supplied the “manpower” along with a railroad inspector sitting in his own seat.

In the world of model trains, Draisines have become a beloved collector’s item. Märklin’s models from the early 1900s, in particular, are highly sought after by enthusiasts due to their historical significance and attention to detail.

Märklin and the Draisine

Märklin produced Draisines in Gauge O and 1 with minor variations for approximately a decade. As usual, the O Gauge versions tend to be more rare and harder to find compared to the larger gauge variations. Across all versions, the figures and flags are very commonly lost and thus replaced with reproduction figures and flags.

The inspection cars feature on one side the “manpower” behind the special car who operate a special mechanism that involves the worker(s) pumping their arms to turn the linkage on the wheels. The inspector that can freely sit and inspect the track while the car moves along the track. The “manpower” most commonly wear striped clothing, indicating that they are laborers or even worse, perhaps prisoners and their punishment is now to power the inspection car.

Very few O Gauge versions are known, however, in both gauges one of the main differences in variations is some had a mesh-like metal siding while most have a siding with many tiny holes punched into the metal. It is presumed that the mesh-sided inspection cars are earlier because overall these cars are more primitive and involve simpler construction techniques. This simpler design is also what is featured in the main catalog picture of this model, which further supports it being an earlier variation.

Draisines in the world of model trains are not just technical devices but also a piece of railway history. They represent the development of railway infrastructure and bring a nostalgic touch to any layout. Their inclusion in model railway setups adds movement and life to the tracks, reminding us of a time when track maintenance was a more hands-on, manual job.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Time on Tracks

The Märklin Draisine is a perfect example of how the world of model trains can combine technological innovation with historical themes. The Draisine inspection car is a unique piece of railway history that once again shows how Marklin modeled their toys off of what actual historical railways of the time would have on their tracks. Märklin has succeeded in preserving the nostalgic charm of these vehicles in toy form, captivating the hearts of children and more likely their parents who may have actually known of real railroads worked.

The 700 series from Marklin was the very first 00/HO series and denotes the earliest 00 motor type.  These locomotives first came out in 1935 and were phased out in 1938 with the introduction of the 800 series. All 700 series locomotive motors and frames are fairly similar with some differences between smaller locomotives like the R 700 and bigger ones like the HR 700. The HS 700 and HR 700 locomotives have different larger frames and slightly bigger armatures. The TWE 700 triebwagen has a more simplified motor frame and additional holes and brackets for mounting the motor to the housing.

We can also see the TWE 700 motor in addition to having some additional holes and a metal bracket is missing a post on top toward the front that the other 700 series locomotives have for screwing the housing. Likely Marklin used a similar diecast mold but just had a special insert to remove this post for the TWE 700 frame.

Back to the regular motor for locomotives like the SLR, R, RS 700 we can see that the two wires going off the field magnet control the direction of the locomotive. The two wire leads are soldered onto the plate terminals. The third terminal is soldered to the pickup shoe through another wire. Thus by switching the hand lever on the far right, we can change the direction of the locomotive. The example below has the field magnet rewound with new wiring because the old wire leads broke off as they are very fragile.

It’s common that the fragile copper wires on the field magnet break and the motor no longer functions. In some cases, we can see the end of the broken wire and can solder a new lead onto it. In other cases the broken end is lost in the spool of wires and we must rewind the entire motor.

Now that we know that the two wire leads on the right side of the field magnet control the direction, we have the wire leads on the left side of the field magnet. On original Marklin field magnets, there is just one wire but rewound ones often have two (for each direction). These wires must make contact with the left motor brush and are soldered onto a round metal ring. The wire fits into a grove in the motor brush bracket so that it is flush and the locomotive outer frame can fit over.

With the field magnet wiring complete, we now focus on mechanical issues common to thee 700 series motors. The frames and brackets are often warped, but still functional and sound after glueing and repair. In order to have smooth operation, the field magnet must be fixed firmly in place otherwise the spinning armature will rub against the field magnet or get magnetically “stuck” to it. The motor brush holder piece holds the field magnet into place and is screwed into the frame with two screws. Shims are often necessary to bridge the gap and insure the field magnet is secure. Strong cardstock or thin sheet metal shims can be used.

When the field magnet is secure, it should be completely fixed and not move within the frame. A clicking sound when the armature is spun indicates the armature is not properly aligned. Buzzing of the locomotive with no spinning often means the armature is stuck against the field magnet or there is an electrical short. Next we discuss the motor brushes which are an important part. One carbon brush and one copper mesh brush. Both brushes must make constant contact with the armature and are held into place with two springs.

That concludes our overview of 700 series motors, common mechanical issues, and wiring setups. As with any moving system of parts, some oil at points of friction (gears, axles, armature ends, etc.) helps with the smooth performance of the locomotive.

For over 160 years, FAO Schwarz has captivated the hearts of children and adults alike with its enchanting toy stores. From its humble beginnings in Baltimore to its current status as a beloved global brand, FAO Schwarz has evolved while maintaining its essence. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the rich history of this iconic toy store and explore its transformation over the years.

Early Years (1869-1920)

German immigrant Frederick August Otto Schwarz founded FAO Schwarz in Baltimore in 1869. Initially a small toy store, it quickly gained popularity for its unique and diverse offerings. By the early 1900s, Schwarz expanded to New York City, opening a flagship store on Broadway. The store’s early success stemmed from its focus on quality, innovation, and customer experience.

The Schwarz name, however, did not just stop with FAO – the son Gustav also founded several toy stores (GA Schwarz) with the following addresses compiled from various advertising cards over the decades:

1006 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
42 E. Fourteenth St., New York
497 & 499 Washington St., Boston
211 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore

The Golden Age (1920-1960)

During the mid-20th century, FAO Schwarz solidified its position as a premier toy destination. Its flagship store became a tourist attraction, featuring elaborate window displays and in-store demonstrations. The store introduced iconic toys like the yo-yo and Erector Sets, cementing its reputation for offering more than just toys – it offered experiences.

Expansion and Challenges (1960-2000)

FAO Schwarz expanded across the United States, opening stores in major cities. However, the rise of big-box retailers and online competition posed significant challenges. Adapting to these changes, the company embraced e-commerce and diversified its product lines.

Modern Era (2000-Present)

In 2009, FAO Schwarz closed its flagship store due to rising rents. Many feared the end of an era, but the brand’s resilience prevailed. In 2018, a new flagship store opened in Manhattan, blending traditional charm with modern elements. The brand has expanded globally, maintaining storefronts in pop-up stores, airports, and large retail locations. They also have an online store with exclusive FAO-branded toys for sale.

Special Invitation Cards and Advertisements for FAO Schwarz

FAO Schwarz Labels on Marklin Toys

FAO Showrooms