The
History of Marklin (Marklin)
1891
Marklin (Maerklin) presents the first
system railroad: A windup locomotive with cars and an expandable
track system.
Around 1900
On the basis of the Marklin (Maerklin)
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), Marklin (Maerklin) 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 Marklin (Maerklin) 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
Marklin (Maerklin)'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 Marklin (Maerklin) 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 Marklin (Maerklin) 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 Marklin (Maerklin) 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 Marklin (Maerklin) 1 Gauge introduces a renaissance of
the large gauge. A previously unknown level of detailing on regular production
Marklin (Maerklin) 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
Marklin (Maerklin) 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 Marklin (Maerklin) Club of North America is established by
Marklin (Maerklin), 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 Marklin (Maerklin) brings
out a multi-train system for small to medium size layouts - the
simple entry into digital.
1993
The Marklin (Maerklin) 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, Marklin (Maerklin) 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
Marklin (Maerklin) 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 Marklin (Maerklin)
(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
Marklin (Maerklin) celebrates its 140th anniversary with a model of the Stork's Leg, the first Marklin (Maerklin) locomotive.
2000
Marklin (Maerklin)
keeps their leadership in the European Model trains industry as the
number 1 Manufacturer in the World. The new millennium has brought
many improvements including the new Digital System, new FMX decoders
and
locomotives that automatically send back information to the Central
units for identification and functions available to it as well as a
large improvement on new locomotives designs and schemes.
The acquisition of Trix
Minitrix is a total success and Marklin is also taking a predominant
position on the Market for DC ( 2 rail operation) and N scale model
trains.
C track is now the standard
and has replaced completely the old M metal track and it is also
available for DC operation under Trix box.
2008 May
Marklin Inc. abandons the USA market passing its Distribution to a train
Distributor located in Wisconsin
2009 February
Marklin GmbH files for bankruptcy after inability to pay a 50
million Euros loan and deny from Banks to renew their credit lines based on "too
often and too many changes on the high management and too much money paid to
Consultants"
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