Märklin: spring novelties 2026

The first manufacturers begin announcing their new spring products at the beginning of January. Märklin is the first to do so for gauge Z. We would like to briefly report on the new models and  model variants here. All new products will then be presented and described in detail in our February issue.

A real surprise is a Vomag rail truck (item no. 88022), which made it into the German Federal Railways' inventory. The unusual vehicle is also motorised in the model and has two illuminated lanterns at the front. Metal-filled plastic and bronze investment casting are used in the manufacturing process.

Equally unexpected was a model of the Glass train of the 491 series (88280). The observation railcar has the Olympic blue paintwork (era IV), two different pantographs and already has five lanterns (with headlights and tail lights) on the front ends, thus corresponding to the modernised version. The interior is visible and furnished.

The popular model of the V 80 class diesel locomotive (88802) now appears in Era III with a silencer attached. This is certainly not its most attractive appearance, but it is authentic and has been a well-documented operating condition in railway history. The bronze investment casting process is continued with the Rail Zeppelin (88762). This appearance suits this vehicle very well, as the outer shell of the propeller railcar was aluminium-coloured and the metal surface now looks like a yellowed photograph.

A new freight car is also rolling in with the OOtz 44 (82710) hopper car in a four-pack. However, we do not consider the models to be completely new designs. These cars with the side inscription ‘Erz Id’ are likely based on the chassis and body of the OOtz 43 from the 2011 new product range. The only difference to this ‘sister model’ is a lower body, which requires a new moulded part.