Introduction: Initial Ideas

Welcome to my first Märklin and first H0-scale layout. It is a work-in-progress; therefore, please bookmark and follow my posts and updates.

My plan is to build a Märklin H0 layout based on freelanced sceneries across Germany (no specific locations). It will, nonetheless, run with steam locomotives and rolling stocks from Epoch II/III. Non-steam locomotives or modern rolling stocks (Epoch IV-VI) will be an exception, mainly guest operating sessions or from special editions that I might collect.

Layout Size: unknown

At present, I do not have a dedicated space for my layout and I do not know how big it will be. There are a couple of layout plans that I had in mind: (1) from my N-scale “Somewhere in Germany” plan and (2) Oliver Bachmeier’s HO layout.

My N-scale layout covered a space of 1.4m x 4.0m, which I built a few year ago before I had to dismantle the modules. To realize the track plan in H0-scale, I will need at least 2.6m x 7.3m, if I scale it proportionately (less if I redraw this and make it fit). More about this layout here.

My germaN160 “Somewhere in Germany” layout was intended to provide operating session fun for 2 persons (Foto: Jimmy Low (c))

Oliver’s Neustadt layout is in H0-scale and covers 3.3m x 1.5m. It is a moderate-sized layout but offers lots of operating opportunities and scenery build-up. More about Oliver’s H0 layout here.

Oliver Bachmeier’s H0 layout is equally fun to operate.

In the recent issue of Märklin Magazin 06/2021, Märklin shows an interesting 3.9m x 1.4m layout that looks quite similar to Oliver’s. More on this layout here.

The turntable is the centerpiece of this Märklin layout, that fits nicely to the steam-era layout that I have in mind.

In short, nothing is firm yet as I get inspired by other model layouts and the space constraint I will have. Good thing is I have a track planning software SCARM that allows me to experiment freely.

Modelling Period: Steam Operation in Epoch II / early Epoch III

One thing that is certain is the modelling period. It will be the steam operation period between Epoch II (1920 – 1949/51) and post-WWII period, early Epoch III (1949/51 – 1960). I love the sound and the power of steam locomotives.

Equipment: Steam Locomotives and Epoch II/III Cars

The never-built BR 53 0002 DRB will be a prominent star of the layout. I will upgrade to a high-performance motor (dt. Hochleistungsantrieb (HLA)), add sound decoder (presently MM2 decoder) and two smoke generators. My BR 74 854 DB will perform switching services and occasional short trains.

Other steam locos that I am keen to have – dear Santa, I hope you are reading this – are: BR 50.0, BR 43.0/44.0, BR 95 and BR 96 Mallet.

At present, I have nine 2-axle freight cars – flat car with side stakes, gondola, box cars, etc., mainly from Epoch III. Perhaps a few cars will be added over time but any freight cars from Epoch II/III.

As for passenger cars, I am considering Thunderbox (dt. Donnerbüchse) passenger cars, which will constitute the staple passenger rolling stock.

Signalling: German Semaphore Signaling of the Epoch

For the signaling system, it will be semaphore H/V signals of that period although light signals were introduced during that modelling period too.

These signals and turnout switches will be operated by under-table servos using the “mechanical” signal/turnout levers.

Red for signals, blue for turnouts. A German mechanical signalbox in H0-scale (Foto: H0fine.de)