Gauge One Collector #4

For the Serious 1/32 Scale Railway Enthusiast - November, 1997

Sinsheim and Lucerne shows

Special: GOC Interviews Christian Lennartz of M&L

 

"The Gauge One Collector" is published by:

Gallery of Transportation
8340  NW 74th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33166
305-863-3220  Fax 305-863-3213

Visit us at http://galtran.com

 

This Issue:

Welcome to the forth issue of GOC! The GOC will continue to try to keep you abreast of "what’s happening" in Ga 1 (1/32) world wide. With this issue, we bring you news from the Sinsheim Gauge 1 Show in June and the Lucerne Anniversary Show in September. And a special treat – We talk to Christian Lennartz of Markscheffel and Lennartz. We hear his building philosophy, choice of prototypes and many other interesting details about his renowned Gauge 1 house.

I hope that you enjoy the newsletter. Please write, call or fax me (Bill Box) at the Gallery, address above, with your 1/32 scale wants, desires and opinions. I will send a copy of GOC to all 1/32 manufacturers.

The Safety Valve: The Collector’s Problem – Lack of Information

I thought that this was a cute title for a section of the newsletter where I can "blow off steam". Others have suggested that it is more like "hot air" and should be considered as such. If you are easily bored or not willing to put up with my possibly meaningless rambling, I suggest that you skip this part. But, if you are still with me, let’s begin.

I have collected significant Gauge 1 models for a number of years. As proprietor of the Gallery of Transportation, I have an ideal vantage point to observe the current new market as well as aftermarket activities. Collectors have a big, big obstacle - reliable information. I think that we have the new market well covered via this newsletter, the Gauge One Collector. But there is little source of information on locomotives built before 1994. Do you know how many BR 50 locos were built by M&L? Do you know when they were built? Do you know how many variations were offered and in what number? Would you be able to tell a rare loco from a relatively common one? I deal with this every day and sometimes I cannot find the answers!

Bockholt and M&L do provide a list of their past models, but, did you know that Bockholt made a streamlined Nord Super Pacific and it was offered in two paint schemes? The list does not specify details. Fine Art Models’ catalog does the best job of documenting its production. However, every once and a while, a variant slips through the cracks. The vast majority of makers do not provide any production data. If you are a typical Gauge 1 collector, you probably did not know many of the builders listed in the Gauge One Collector even existed let alone what their previous issues were.

The average Lionel collector is better armed with production data than any Gauge 1 collector (someone throw cold water on this boy!). Well, you know what I mean. One of the reasons that toy train collecting has so many followers is the availability of this information. If collecting Gauge 1 models is ever to grow, this information must become available.

This lack of information is understandable. Most builders would much rather make models than write brochures. We tend to think of these builder’s having assembly lines with many employees, but this is not the case. The biggest studio is only about 10 persons and most are three employees or less.

There is no insidious force suppressing the release of these facts. Every maker that I have talked to is more than willing to share his knowledge. Someone has to collate this information and I have been volunteered. I am in the preliminary stages of writing a book about Gauge 1 model production from its rebirth in the late 1960’s to the present. I hope also to include documenting photos of as many locomotives as possible. This book will deal with Gauge 1 (1/32 scale) collectable models, not toy trains no matter how well they are done. In other words, no Märklin or LGB. Currently, I have almost 300 different locomotives in my database. That surprised me too. :

This promises to be a long effort, so do not expect it at the bookstore this Christmas (maybe even next Christmas). I will be glad to share any preliminary data that I collect. Just write, call or e-mail me at the Gallery of Transportation. Good Collecting!

GOC Talks to Christian Lennartz of M&L

Many collectors saw their first serious work in Gauge 1 at the shop of Markscheffel and Lennartz in Hamburg, Germany. This is the only shop in the world, other than the Gallery of Transportation, that several first rate models can be seen for sale at any given time. M&L not only sell their own locos, but those of other quality builders as well. I cornered Christian Lennartz, proprietor of M&L, at the Sinsheim show. What follows is a very interesting dialog illustrating the commitment and passion that Christian brings to Gauge 1.

 

Bill Box: How did you start in model trains?

Christian Lennartz: Many years ago, as a boy, I visited a model train shop in London. There I saw that man running the shop was surrounded by marvelous hand made models. I knew at that time that I wanted to do the same thing.

BB: What did you study in school to prepare you for managing M&L?

CL: What can you study? I studied music and became a classical musician. I loved playing music, but I also loved model trains.

BB: It’s quite a transition from classical musician to shop manager. How did that happen?

CL: I belonged to the Hamburg Model Railway

Club. One of our members was Mr. Markscheffel. Mr. Markscheffel’s family had been making sewing machines since 1878 and he appreciated excellent craftsmanship. We became partners in our shop – Markscheffel and Lennartz – in the 1960’s.

BB: Did you immediately begin selling fine Gauge 1 pieces?

CL: Oh no! We started like many other shops; we sold Marklin, Trix and other lines. There were little or no pieces being made at that time that come close to our quality today. We did start selling our own line of HO models in 1969 and O scale in 1971.

BB: When did you begin to make Gauge1?

CL: I lay on a beach in Israel when I noticed a magazine that had a beautiful Gauge 1 loco on the cover. Well, that was it. I was bitten. We made our first models in 1974. We made a tank car and then a DRG 55. We have never stopped.

BB: How do you pick your prototype?

CL: I like to model locos that I have seen operate around my hometown of Hamburg. There have been so many different types that operated there that we will never run out of model material.

BB: I suppose that that means that you will never make a model of a North American engine?

CL: (Laughing) I suppose not.

BB: Describe your building materials and techniques.

CL: We try to make everything from steel. Our frames are laser cut or cut with wire EDM from steel sheet. Our superstructures are also made from steel sheet and plate. Everything is assembled by hand soldering.

BB: How many pieces are in a run and how many locos can you make in a year?

CL: A typical series is 30 pieces, but sometimes it is as few as 15. We end up averaging about 30 locos per year.

BB: Can you describe your staff?

CL: We have two master builders and a total of seven persons assisting them. Each master builder is responsible for one entire series.

BB: I thought that might be the case. Each series seem to be subtly different. The quality is consistently excellent, but I swear that I can see "signature" of at least two masters at work.

CL: You can imagine how master builders are. They are artists.

BB: And you build only in "finescale" (We will begin calling it Proto32. BB)?

CL: Only finescale, no NEM.

BB: You seem to have a special feeling for your locomotives

CL: Each one is special to me. I use the phrase "Living Fidelity" in my brochure. I really mean that.

BB: Can you give our readers a preview on coming models?

CL: We can announce that our next series will be all versions of the BR 05. (4 6 4 Hudson type).

BB: Will you make the cab forward version, too?

CL: We will make all versions.

BB: Christian, Thank you for your time and your patience. By the way, put the Gallery down for one of each BR 05 version.

Below is a list of all known M&L models in Gauge One:

DRG 55 25 (PR G8) 0 8 0
DRG 71 0 (PR T5 1) 2 4 2 T
DRG 98 75 (BAY DVI) 0 4 0 T
DR 69 61 (PR T4 2) 0 4 2 T
DRG 75 1 (BAD VI b) 2 6 2 T
DRG 70 0 (BAY Pt 2/3) 2 4 0 T
DRG 89 70 (PR T3) 0 6 0 T
DRG 98 8 (BAY GtL 4/4) 0 8 0 T
DRG 90 0 (PR T9 1) 0 6 2 T
DB 50 2 10 0
DRG 50 2 10 0
DRG 52 2 10 0
DB 41 2 8 2
DRG 41 2 8 2
DB 012 OEL 4 6 2
DB 01 10 4 6 2
DRG 01 (ZUM JUBILAUM 1935) 4 6 2
DR 01118 4 6 2
DRG 01 (GRAU JUBILAUM 1935) 4 6 2
DB 01 220 (NEUBAUKESSEL) 4 6 2
DB 03 4 6 2
DRG 03 4 6 2
DRG/DB E 94 German Electric
KPEV G 12 2 10 0
BAD G 12 2 10 0
PStB G 12 2 10 0
EISASS LOTHRINGEN G 12 2 10 0
DRG 58 3 2 10 0
OBB BR 58 2 10 0
GRIECH. STAATSB ex G12 2 10 0
PStB G 8 2 2 8 0
DRG 56 20 GREEN 2 8 0
DRG 56 20 BLACK 2 8 0
DB 56 20 2 8 0
PStB T 16 1 0 10 0 T
DRG 94 5 (T 16 1) GREEN 0 10 0 T
DRG 94 5 BLACK 0 10 0 T
DB 94 5/094 0 10 0 T
DRG 98 3 (BAY PtL 2/2) 0 4 0 T
BAY PtL 2/2 0 4 0 T
WISMARER SCHEINENBUS DB VT 88 9 Railbus
DRG BR 96 EPOCHE IIa 0 4 4 0 T
DRG BR 96 EPOCHE IIb 0 4 4 0 T
BAY Gt 2 X 4/4 GREEN Mallet 0 4 4 0
BAY Gt 2 X 4/4 BLUE Mallet 0 4 4 0
BAY Gt 2 X 4/4 BLACK Mallet 0 4 4 0
BAY Gt 2 X 4/4 OCKER Mallet 0 4 4 0
BLS Be 6/8 (BREDA) # 201 Swiss Electric
BLS Be 6/8 (BREDA) # 203 Swiss Electric
DSB PACIFIC LITRA E
MAK 600 D MIT HYDRAULIC WLE Diesel Switcher
DEBE Diesel Switcher
KSCHE Diesel Switcher
TAG Diesel Switcher
AKN Diesel Switcher
BE Diesel Switcher
AVL Diesel Switcher
WZTE Diesel Switcher
DEBG Diesel Switcher

Fine Art Models

Gary Kohs showed his latest: The diminutive "John Bull" historic locomotive in Gauge 1. This little gem is displayed on an iron bridge that highlights that the Industrial Age has come. This is a perfect model for those interested in having only one Gauge 1 piece. The quality is great and the price should be more than reasonable.

 

 

 

The "John Bull"

Also on display was the 250 ton crane, this time in its European version with buffers. These remain one of the most detailed models built in Gauge 1 and sure to be a true collector’s piece. You heard it here first. Of course, a North American version is offered.

Reservations are being accepted for the UP Big Boy, the Pennsylvania Railroad’s I-1 decapod 2-10-0, New York Central Hudson in regular and streamlined versions. FAM's next European effort will be the elegant BR 03 in both streamlined and unstreamlined versions. Don’t tell anyone, but I definitely heard the phrase Bay S 3/6 mentioned! Call FAM to find out about this possible event.

It is beyond the purview of this newsletter to elaborate, but FAM also showed a Fokker Triplane and a Nieuport biplane both in 1/16 scale, several museum quality ships, a Bugatti 35B automobile and a TANK in 1/8 scale! All showing fantastic workmanship.

The Gallery of Transportation is a display agent, not a dealer, of FAM. We will assist the customer to the extent the customer desires at no charge to the customer or FAM. Fine Art Models is known for their quality, fidelity to detail, and value.

Markscheffel & Lennartz

Christian Lennartz is currently producing the model BR 78 4-6-4 tank passenger engine in DRG/DR/DB and pr. T18/wurt. T18 versions. M&L will make 30 locos in total, so, it is not too early to make your reservation. The BR 44 series is sold out before the first model is delivered. The Gallery has one ordered, first come, first served, I’m afraid.

BR78.gif (14878 bytes)

BR 78

 

See this issue’s interview for more information on future models.

M&L is known for their quality and extreme level of detail. The Gallery is a dealer for M&L, so, if you wish to reserve any of the above pieces, receive pricing information, or require additional information, please contact us.

Fulgurex

 

Happy 50th birthday Fulgurex! May we all gather again to celebrate your 100th!

The Cake!

 

The Aster BR 62, the "small BR 01", a 4-6-4 tank locomotive that is offered in both electric and live steam versions is still available. Aster's new locomotive is the BR 03 4-6-2 in electric and live steam. Early production models were on display.

Aster’s BR 03

 

Daniel Ingold said that the firm is still thinking about making the SBB Ce 6/8 Type I. He said that a final decision will be made in early 1998.

The Gallery is a Fulgurex dealer. Contact us for more information.

Aster’s next model

 

Lemaco

If you wish to receive Lemaco’s DR 243 or its variations, (DB AG 143 and DB AG 112) you should reserve soon. This will probably be quite popular once delivered in its many variations. Look for it in November 1997 for DM 11,500. 60 models total will be produced.

DR 243

 

They say that the SBB Re 4/ 4 ll (two pantograph version) should be here in 1998 and they have begun to accept reservations at DM 11,000 each. I would expect that these engines will be as popular as the recent Ae 6/6 and Re 6/6 models, that is they may be sold out as soon as they are delivered.

Reservations are now being taken on the DR BR 132 (red), DB BR 232 (red), DB AG 232 "Cargo" (red) and DB AG BR 234 (green) diesel locomotive series. These are scheduled for a 1998 delivery. A total of only 60 models will be made.

Attention Canadian collectors! Urs Egger announced that Lemaco will produce the Ontario Northland Railway "TEE-Type" four unit set. They will also make SBB and NS TEE versions. Be careful! Only 30 models total will be made. Delivery is set for 1998/1999.

Canadian Northlander

SBB TEE

Lemaco is now accepting reservations for the classic SBB locomotive - the Ae 4/7. Reservations are now being taken for a 1998 delivery. Two versions will be offered, 4(older) and 2(newer) door types, both in green.

Reservations for the SNCF 241P 4-8-2 in three versions are encouraged at this time with 1998 arrival date. Not many remain.

BLS Ae 4/4 in 1 and 2 pantograph versions has been announced as a future project.

Lemaco will make a model of the new DB AG BR 101 electric in red. If you would like a model of the very latest in locomotive technology, send us your reservation. Delivery is set for 1998/1999.

They are planning to produce the SNCF 141P also. In the last GOC I said that Lemaco might produce the PLM/SNCF 241 A and D models. Urs is reluctant to make the 241 A since Bockholt produced it a number of years ago. I told Urs that the 241 A is one of the most sought after models on the after market. In addition, it was made in 1/30 scale. I think that the 241 A would still be a good choice. The 241 D, sadly, seems to have been cancelled. Call the Gallery if you do not want the 241 A to meet the same fate. The Gallery has three reserved and all are spoken for.

It’s not all bad news on the French front. Urs said that Lemaco may make the 242 A1 in green! It is too early to reserve with Lemaco, but, the Gallery at this time has firm reservations for three that we will register with Lemaco as soon as reservations open. They are also spoken for. If you want one, call.

Lemaco’s locomotives are made by Samhongsa, a quality builder. The Gallery is a Lemaco dealer.

Kiss

Kiss Modellbahnen says that the TEE VT 11 5 was currently in production. They showed an unpainted prototype in Lucerne. Projected delivery would the summer of 1998, perhaps by the Sinsheim show. This is the model of the TEE double-ended diesel powered unit train. Typical consist would be the two loco units and five cars.

Prices for the components were as follows:

Loco (2 needed) DM7,500 each

Grossraumwagen (regular coach) DM2,900

Abteilwagen (compartment coach) DM2,600

Barwagen (bar car) DM2,900

Kuchenwagen (kitchen/buffet car) DM2,900

All brass construction

Kiss also announced that they intend to import the DR BR 93 5-12. It should cost about DM 8,900. This a large 2 10 2 tank loco.

Kiss also had their usual complement of high quality freight and passenger cars on display. See GOC #2 for more details or call the Gallery.

Call the Gallery to reserve any Kiss product. The TEE models are already short on available units.

Dingler

Dingler has sold out the entire run of their BR 24, a little 2-6-0 mogul type. It was a fine little model made in Korea that was well received and sold quickly. Now is the time to reserve the BR 64. About 50 models will be made.

Spring

Felix Spring showed his tribute to the 150th anniversary of Swiss Railways by demonstrating his firm's Swiss Spanisch-Brotli-Bahn 1/3 Steam Loco and its seven passenger cars. The loco model is electrically powered. This is quite an attractive train and historic as well. It is priced at Sfr14,000 for the set.

Also shown at Lucerne was the Swiss Maffei C 4/5 2-8-0. Felix said that his firm will also make the German Br 56 8-11, KBaySt C 4/5H, Etat and CFB versions. Both live steam and electric models will be available. Price has yet to be established.

Their SBB Eb 3/5 (Sfr 12,300) and the B 3/4 (Sfr 13,800) live steamers were also on display.

Spring has a reputation for making live steam locos that are well detailed as well as good steamers. The compromises that are required to made a scaled down line steam locomotive work well in its reduced size have been kept to a minimum.

Proform

This is little company is run by K. Probst and his son. It is a Swiss firm, but makes German style steam locomotive models. Everything is electric powered and designed to be run outside. You might think that running outside might mean a compromise in detail, but this is not the case. They are well detailed, and made completely of metal, mostly brass. Probst had several running at Lucerne and there were very smooth. My only objection is that the wheels are made to NEM standards, too deep for my collector’s taste. Then I found out that they can make their models in finescale!

BR 01

BR 01 Streamlined

BR 53

 

Here are the current offerings:

Proform also makes a line of German passenger cars also made to run outside. I admit that these are not as detailed as, say, the recent Lemaco SBB cars, but they are still nicely done. They even have a reasonable interior. They are made of machined plastic sheet sides and floors and molded high density foam roofs making them very light. That means that your favorite express loco can pull a full train at scale speeds! The trucks are exceptionally free wheeling. You can maintain your schedule even in the rain or snow since these cars are as weatherproof as they can get. Call the Gallery for more information.

Benecken Modelbau

Jürgen Benecken is still diligently making locos to order. See previous GOC volumes for more details. He offers a DB E 120 (DM 2,950), DB E 103 (DM 2,950), and a DB V 221 (DM 1,650) diesel model. I have seen these and they are very, very nicely detailed. All have cab interiors and run well. Jürgen’s work is very unconventional, but, highly effective. He makes locos and passenger cars in resin and fiberglass. The prototypes have smooth lines and are rather plain, perfect to be reproduced by Jürgen’s construction methods.

Jürgen's models make a good first model for the serious collector. They are reasonably priced, look great, run well, and many of his subjects have never been made by other makers. And don't forget his passenger cars!

Karet

I did not see anything new at the shows, but Karet still makes beautiful German freight cars, ready made and kits.

Hegob

Again, I saw nothing new, but Hegob not only sell assembled cars, but also, kits. They must be among the finest freight car kits ever offered. Hegob even has a wonderful catalog of freight car castings and supplies for laying hand laid European styled track.

Besig

Besig continues to sell their great line of German signals and other detailed items. Very high quality. Call the Gallery for your needs.

J&M

J & M is still offering an extensive line of passenger cars. If you need Swiss, French, German or United Kingdom cars this is your source. U.S. style passenger cars are available by special order. We can order their great catalog if you want. Talk to the Gallery.

Hubner

 

This company is noted for their track and turnouts in both Ga 1 and the narrow gauge Ga 1e. They have a complete line in both gauges and have a very high quality level. The Gallery can order direct. Call us for details. Hubner introduced flex track with concrete ties (sleepers) at Sinsheim. Does it look great! Just the thing for modern locos. Contact us.

Bockholt

Bockholt had an almost complete BR 65, a 2-8-4 tank passenger loco. Egon hopes to have it ready early in 1998. Following the BR 65 will be the BR 132 diesel of the DR, the BR 18 3 (Wurttemb C) 4-6-2 pacific, and the E 44 electric passenger locomotive.

BR 65

If you want any of these fine Bockholt locomotives, please reserve as soon as possible. Most Bockholt runs are sold out when built.

V 200

Finescale Locomotive Company

It is in the last phases if production of the "Duke of Gloucester" pacific 4-6-2. 100 pieces will be made and at the current exchange rates, the price is about $6800 plus duty and shipping - a bargain. Also included is a very nice glass case and wood base. If you want this model, time is running out on you! All serious collectors know that fine British Ga 1 models are very uncommon.

The "Britannia" class pacific will begin delivery in early 1998. Detail will be consistent with (or even a little better than) the "Duke", that is to say extremely well done. Neil Rose says that there will be several names available besides "Britannia" just like the prototype. Neil is trying to decide what follows the "Britannia". He is thinking of a West Country pacific or a USRA light mikado 2-8-2. The mike might be made in electric as well as live steam - a first for FSLC. If you want to share your opinion on this subject, contact us at the Gallery. We'll make sure that Neil hears you.

FSLC continues to make their line of L.M.S., G.N.R., G.W.R., and British Railways passenger cars. They are all brass, including the roof, well detailed, including a full interior and hand lettered. Reasonable, too. A typical car costs 650 pounds (maybe $1,000 US) with the most expensive, the G.W.R. dining car "super saloon" costing 950 pounds. We have a set of these cars on display at the Gallery and they are marvelous.

Neil said that he will be visiting the States in January, 1998 and he will drop by the Gallery. He said at that time he will tell us his future plans. I gave my word not to tell the little that he told me on our phone conversation, but you British collectors – hang on to your hats!

The Gallery is a display agent of Finescale Locomotive Company, not a dealer. We will assist the customer in every way possible, of course.

Finescale Models

Finescale Models is the new name for Bloch & Prieswerk. Cyril Bloch told me that they are adding the BLS Ae 4/4 to their line. Their current line includes the SBB Re 4/4 II (two pantographs), and the Re6/6. Cyril also said that they will next add the SBB Re 4/4 II with one pantograph. You might think that this would be a easy modification of the two panto version. Well, think again! Most parts on these models are different. The Ae 4/7 may be next.

Remember the hinged Re 6/6 rumor from GOC #2 and #3? I understand that the project is alive and well (really!), but, behind schedule. The exclusive distributor is reluctant to announce the project until delivery is certain.

I recently visited the Finescale Models studio. I was impressed. There are only a few employees (three or four), but Cyril uses the latest in computer aided drafting and machining. Their dedication to quality is obvious. The models are made from brass plate at least 3mm thick, but they still are able to capture the scale look of sheet metal, especially around the windows and doors.

Renzo Dottori

He continues on his quest of making the finest models ever made of the "Orient Express". The run of restaurant cars is complete and Renzo is concentrating on one of the Pullman cars. The examples that I have seen are almost beyond words and defy description. I think that Renzo will win his quest. See GOC #2 for a few photos or contact us at the Gallery. These cars are more than special.

Dream’s Models

At last scale Gauge 1 SBB catenary! These single and multitrack masts are brass and beautiful. Just the thing for a diorama, layout or display base.

SBB Masts

SBB Three Track Signal Bridge

 

The Gallery will become a dealer if these fine products are wanted.

 

Builders not at the shows, but are still happening:

Row and Company

They are selling the UP Big Boy. It is available in several versions including "as built" and "as retired". I doubt that many remain.

Wendell Row has decided to make ABA sets of the ALCO PA/PB passenger engines. Many consider these units to be the most beautiful diesels ever made. Several road names will be available. Production will be very limited! Call us for details.

The Gallery is a Row and Company dealer.

American Standard Car Company

ASCC (Ralph Brown) is custom building a line of Ga 1 heavyweight North American prototype passenger cars using similar materials that have proved themselves for so many years in O scale. He already has a catalog that must have at least 40 types of Pullman made cars. He is providing them completely built , painted, and with full interior! They are good looking, too! Models should be in the $1,200 to 1500 range depending on complexity.

If you have any desires for heavy weight cars, please contact the Gallery. We have ordered a complete Southern Crescent Limited for the Gallery! Would you like a pre ’38 Broadway or 20th Century? Wouldn’t those look special behind an Aster K-4 or Hudson? How about an FAM GG-1? Ralph is the man, order from the Gallery.

If you like lightweight cars, Ralph is beginning to produce smooth sided cars at this time, too. They will be built to the same standards as the heavyweight cars. Now you can have a passenger car behind the Samhongsa F-3/7 diesels and the other modern locos. Ralph will build practically any lightweight car to any road name. Just ask.

The Gallery is a dealer of American Standard Car Company.

 

The Gallery needs:

If you have any of the above for sale, please contact the Gallery.

Did you know that...

... the Gallery of Transportation has more Ga 1 1/32 scale locomotives and cars on display for sale than any firm in the world?

...the Gallery buys and sells discretely and in confidence, single pieces or entire collections?

Next issue

I have no idea when the next issue will be published. Sound familiar? I said the same thing in GOC #2 and #3. Well it's true. The Ga 1 scene tends to change right before a big show. And that’s Nurmberg in January 1998. You will read about the latest Ga 1 news and events, of course!

To date, the Gauge One Collector has reflected my likes, dislikes, and opinions. What about yours? Fax, email, or post me what you would like to see in future issues. If you don’t, keep expecting the same format.

The Gallery of Transportation would like to thank you for your support. Feel free to copy this newsletter and give it to a fellow collector. Call or fax if the Gallery can be of assistance.

Return to Gallery Home Page