When I bought Märklin Baureihe 53 0002 (article no. 3701), it was a love-at-first-sight. According to some records, this model was produced between 1995 and 1999 and comes with a Digital/MM decoder, which has limited function namely, I could turn on/off the head/tender lights. No sound, no smoke generators.

It is a beautiful machine. The Wehrmacht (or officially Iron Grey) livery made it standout among the “standard” black/red livery steam locomotives from Epoch II onwards.

I planned for an upgrade since the acquisition and researched more about BR 53 and Märklin decoders. Finally, our Märklin H0-Forum group expert showed a video how he upgraded a member’s BR 53 and that’s what I want for mine too.

My Baureihe 53 0002 DRB now upgraded with a high-performance motor (dt. Hochleistungsantrieb HLA), mfx-Decoder with Sound and two smoke generators and carried out an “acceptance test” on my Timesaver layout.

My Märklin Insider Stammtisch (MIST) 61 will be holding our first 2022 model railway exhibition in March. Baureihe 53 0002 DRB is now ready for its first public performance after the upgrade.