OBB Rh12.11 Steam Locomotive III (~AC-Sound)

OBB Rh12.11 Steam Locomotive III (~AC-Sound)

Details:

The Märklin H0 ÖBB Class 12.11 steam locomotive recreates locomotive 12.11 in its 1952 operating condition, featuring large smoke deflectors, small DRG-style lamps, long dome streamlining, an enclosed front section and a rebuilt Class 9184 tender. The highly detailed model uses predominantly metal construction and includes an mfx+ digital decoder, extensive sound functions, dynamic smoke generation and digitally controllable lighting.

Features:

• Highly detailed ÖBB Class 12.11 in 1952 condition
• Predominantly metal construction
• mfx+ decoder with extensive sound functions
• Factory-fitted dynamic smoke generator
• Digitally controllable cab, firebox and running gear lighting

Historical Background

The Class 12 originated as the BBÖ Class 214, developed in the late 1920s when Austria temporarily halted further electrification of the Westbahn between Vienna and Salzburg. The aim was to create a steam locomotive powerful enough to haul heavy express trains at speeds comparable with electric traction.

The resulting 2-8-4 locomotives produced almost 3,000 hp, making them the most powerful express steam locomotives in Europe at the time and the largest steam locomotives ever built in Austria. Only 13 examples were constructed between 1928 and 1936, with their enormous 4.25-metre connecting rods setting a world record. During trials, locomotive 214.13 reached approximately 155 km/h, the highest speed recorded by an Austrian steam locomotive.

Following the introduction of the ÖBB Class 12 designation, these powerful locomotives continued to haul express services until the Westbahn was fully electrified in 1952. Some were subsequently transferred to the Southern Railway, but all 13 had been withdrawn and stored by 1956 before being scrapped in 1961-62, apart from preserved examples.