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Model H0 gauge, scale 1:87; Märklin 39777;

Rail Zeppelin, aircraft technology on rails
In the 1920s, aircraft engineer Franz Kruckenberg, who was born in Uetersen in 1882, had the vision of high-speed rail transport with propeller-driven rail vehicles. The project he implemented based on lightweight aircraft construction technology culminated on January 21st. June 1931 in a triumphant record run of his streamlined rail zeppelin, which set the speed record for rail vehicles at 233 km/h, which was valid for 23 years. However, in the course of the test operation, the propeller drive turned out to be less suitable for rail vehicles due to its principle. Nevertheless, with this and the axle-driven successor designs he developed, Kruckenberg laid the foundation for modern lightweight express railcars. The rail zeppelin was and remains a legend and synonym for the rapid progress in rail transport technology, which today culminates in the current high-speed multiple unit traffic.

Prototype: Propeller-driven Kruckenberg rail zeppelin. A legendary classic from the 1930s.
Highlights

    Retro packaging based on historical packaging.
    Digital decoder mfx with extensive sound functions.
    LED headlights that change red/white depending on the direction of travel.
    For the first time with bottom lights.
    LED interior lighting installed as standard.
    Cab lighting can be controlled digitally.
    Powered rear propeller can be controlled digitally.
    Train driver figure in the driver's cab.
    Interior decorated with miniature figures as travelers.

    Product description

    Model: Reissue of a Märklin classic. With digital decoder mfx with extensive sound functions. Regulated high-performance propulsion. 2 axles powered. traction tires. Dual headlights and a red marker light that change depending on the direction of travel work in conventional operation and can be controlled digitally. Interior lighting installed as standard works in conventional operation and can be switched digitally separately. Driver's cab lighting can be controlled separately digitally. Lighting with maintenance-free warm white and red light-emitting diodes (LED). Rear propeller can be controlled separately digitally, operates conventionally. When maneuvering and reversing, an electric motor can be heard and the propeller is off. Train driver figure in the driver's cab. Interior decorated with miniature figures as travelers.
    Vehicle length approx. 28.5cm.

    One-off series.
    Large company

    Although petrol/benzene and diesel engines had long since been invented, their fully developed application in rail transport took until the late 1920s/early 1930s, and some wrong paths were taken. The engineers Franz Kruckenberg - a former airship builder - and Curt Stedefeld approached the goal, and by 1930 they had built a propeller-driven express railcar with the nickname “Rail Zeppelin” in Hanover. The silver-painted vehicle with the intentional resemblance of a Zeppelin on rails only ran on two single-axle drives. Its tail was flattened to optimize flow and what was most notable was the large, two-bladed propeller on its upper part, which was driven by a rear-mounted twelve-cylinder aircraft engine from BMW with an output of 600 hp. As an extraordinary advantage in terms of propulsion, the propeller allowed infinitely variable and therefore ideal speed control by simply accelerating. Since the gearbox and other ballast were eliminated, it was possible to build the 25.85 m long vehicle easily. It weighed only 18.6 tons and held 40 people. After initial test runs in the Hanover area, Kruckenberg wanted to test the propeller car on a longer route in high-speed traffic. This is how he stood in the early hours of the 21st. June 1931 in Hamburg-Bergedorf at 3:27 a.m. ready to depart for Berlin. In 1931, the DRG considered the route between Hamburg and Berlin to be one of the fastest routes because it was largely straight and had hardly any significant gradients. After the descent, the speedometer needle quickly settled between the 150 and 180 km/h marks on the open road. The 200 km/h mark was soon exceeded and the car raced along at a top speed of 230.2 km/h over a distance of around twelve kilometers between Karstädt and Dergenthin! That was a unique record! Finally, at 5:05 a.m. after a journey time of 1 hour, 38 minutes and 19 seconds, it rolled onto the platform at Spandau West station. The “Berliner Tageblatt” then stated: “Rail Zepp faster than airplane, Hamburg – Berlin in 102 minutes”. The average speed of the record run was definitely impressive at 157.3 km/h. From August 1932, the test vehicle was completely rebuilt because it quickly became clear that the propeller drive could not be used in the conventional railway network. Now he moved BMW engine to the front end of the vehicle, where it acted on a hydraulic power transmission from the Föttinger system for forward and reverse travel in a freshly installed two-axle bogie. After a sale to the DRG in November 1934, a few NOCH test drives with the hydraulic transmission followed. The vehicle then remained parked and was quietly dismantled in the spring of 1939.

According to EU Directive 2009/48/EC, model trains/cars are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. Particular danger for children up to 3 years due to small parts that can be swallowed.*

New item in original packaging and 2 year dealer warranty from Märklin authorized dealer.

All items can be viewed and picked up from us.

New goods, in original packaging; You buy 1A goods in a specialist shop; Invoice incl. statutory VAT; Switzerland, Norway and overseas VAT deduction possible in our shop;
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