Märklin H0/00 trains: memories of building a railway

Märklin's H0/00 gauge trains became familiar to families around the world. At roughly 1:87 scale, a railway could fit into the home while still offering plenty to build and operate.

Hans remembers the pleasure of making a layout with a parent's undivided attention. It involved much more than running a train: planning the scenery, wiring the track, organising traffic and making buildings all became part of the hobby.

The locomotive shown here resembles the German E18, although it does not reproduce every detail. An early post-war example like this was a considerable purchase at the time.

Today, collectors need to examine these models carefully for zinc pest. Poor-quality diecast metal used in some early post-war models can develop cracks and eventually break apart. An intact survivor is worth appreciating.

Where did your first Märklin railway come from? Tell us about the train, the layout or the person who helped you build it.

Story and research by Hans van Dissel.