DB Kittel CidT Steam Powered Railcar III

DB Kittel CidT Steam Powered Railcar III

1:220 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 88149 brings one of Germany's most distinctive early self-propelled railway vehicles to Z Gauge with a beautifully detailed model of the DB Kittel CidT Steam Railcar. Finished in Deutsche Bundesbahn crimson red livery and carrying road number CidT 1, this finely engineered model captures the unique appearance of a rail vehicle that bridged the gap between the steam locomotive and the diesel multiple unit.

Designed for branch line and rural passenger services, the prototype combined passenger accommodation and steam power in a single vehicle, providing an economical solution for lightly used routes. Märklin has faithfully recreated this historic railcar in 1:220 scale, featuring a metal chassis, numerous separately fitted details, enlarged buffer plates, black nickel-plated spoked wheels and an accurately reproduced front buffer beam.

A newly developed high-performance motor powers both axles, ensuring smooth and reliable operation, while warm white LED headlights automatically change with the direction of travel. Compact yet packed with detail, this charming Z Gauge model is ideal for branch line layouts, secondary routes and collectors of unusual railway prototypes.

Features:

• 1:220 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• Best suited to Epoch III Model Railways
• This model mainly operates in Germany
• Decorated in DB company markings
• Newly developed high-performance motor with both axles powered.
• Warm white LED headlights with directional lighting changeover.
• Metal chassis construction with numerous separately applied details.

Historical Background

The Kittel Steam Railcar was developed during the early twentieth century as an innovative solution for passenger services on lightly trafficked branch lines. Named after Eugen Kittel, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Royal Württemberg State Railways, the design incorporated an improved and more efficient steam boiler that significantly enhanced the performance of earlier steam railcars.

Initially operated in Württemberg, the concept proved successful enough for further batches to be constructed for other German state railways, including Baden. Following railway nationalisation, surviving examples entered service with the Deutsche Reichsbahn and later the Deutsche Bundesbahn. Two Baden-built vehicles survived into the post-war era and were repainted into the distinctive crimson livery carried by DB railcars. These unique steam-powered vehicles remained in service until the early 1950s, representing the final chapter in the development of steam railcars in Germany.

The Märklin 88149 is a superb addition to any German Z Gauge collection, offering a fascinating prototype that showcases an important and often overlooked stage in railway evolution.