OBB Rh1189.08 Crocodile Electric Locomotive IV (~AC-Sound)

OBB Rh1189.08 Crocodile Electric Locomotive IV (~AC-Sound)

1:87 scale model produced by Marklin. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Details

The Märklin 39092 brings one of Europe's most iconic electric locomotives to H0 gauge with a stunning model of the legendary ÖBB Class 1189 "Austrian Crocodile". Finished in classic fir green livery and depicting locomotive No. 1189.08 during the second half of the 1970s, this highly detailed model captures the distinctive appearance of Austria's famous mountain express locomotives.

Built with Märklin's renowned engineering and attention to detail, the model features a powerful centrally mounted high-efficiency motor driving multiple axles via cardan shafts, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The articulated locomotive design accurately reproduces the prototype's unique construction, allowing the model to negotiate curves with ease while maintaining a realistic appearance.

A factory-fitted mfx+ digital decoder provides extensive operating and sound functions, including separately switchable cab lighting, machine room illumination, directional headlights and marker lights. The locomotive also features highly detailed roof equipment, metal construction, and numerous separately fitted components, including transformer oil cooling pipes and detailed cab interiors.

Perfect for Epoch IV Austrian layouts, the Märklin 39092 is a superb centrepiece locomotive for express passenger and heavy mountain railway operations.

Features:

• 1:87 Scale Model
• AC Sound Model
• Best suited to Epoch IV Model Railways
• This model mainly operates in Austria
• Decorated in OBB company markings
• Best suited to 360mm radius curves
• Factory-fitted mfx+ digital decoder with extensive sound and lighting functions.
• Powerful centrally mounted motor with cardan shaft drive and traction tyres.
• Separately controllable cab and machine room lighting with warm white and red LED illumination.
• Highly detailed metal construction with authentic roof equipment and cooling pipework.

Historical Background

During the 1920s, the Austrian Federal Railways (BBÖ) embarked on an ambitious programme to electrify the country's most important railway routes. To tackle the challenging mountain gradients of the Alpine network, a new generation of powerful electric express locomotives was developed, inspired by successful Swiss designs. The result was the remarkable Class 1100, later designated the Class 1189 under ÖBB ownership.

The locomotives featured an articulated design with two powered bogie units connected by a central machinery section housing the transformer and electrical equipment. Their long, low hoods quickly earned them the nickname "Crocodile", a name that remains synonymous with some of the most famous electric locomotives ever built.

With their impressive power and sure-footed performance on steep Alpine routes, the Class 1189 locomotives became a mainstay of Austrian express services for decades. Their distinctive appearance and pioneering engineering have since made them highly sought-after subjects for railway enthusiasts and model railway collectors alike.