Märklin and Trix have revealed their 2026 Surprise Model, bringing one of Austria's most impressive express steam locomotives to H0 scale. The ÖBB Class 12.11 arrives as a completely new tooling, recreating a locomotive that could trace its origins back to the powerful BBÖ Class 214. Developed for express services on the Vienna–Salzburg Western Railway, these imposing locomotives produced almost 3,000 hp and achieved speeds of up to 156 km/h during testing, making them amongst the most powerful European express steam locomotives of their era.
The new model represents 12.11 in its 1952 condition, complete with large smoke deflectors, long dome streamlining, small DRG-style lamps and the distinctive rebuilt Class 9184 tender. Both versions feature an extensively detailed metal construction, digitally controlled lighting, firebox flicker and running gear illumination, together with a factory-fitted smoke generator producing speed-dependent dynamic smoke. The Märklin version features an mfx+ digital decoder with extensive sound functions, while the Trix model provides the locomotive for two-rail H0 layouts with digital sound and smoke functions.
Alongside the locomotive, Märklin has announced a matching four-coach ÖBB express passenger train set. Representing a mixture of Austrian express passenger vehicles from the period, the set provides an ideal formation to run behind the new 12.11 and includes finely detailed interiors, separately applied details and provision for optional interior lighting.
The 12.11 is available as the Märklin 38012 and Trix 25012, giving both Märklin and two-rail H0 modellers the opportunity to add this remarkable Austrian express locomotive to their collection. With entirely new tooling, extensive digital features and an impressive prototype behind it, the 2026 Surprise Model is set to be a standout addition to the Märklin and Trix ranges.
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