DB E03 new from Märklin/Trix

At a ceremony in Kassel on 10th February 1965, Henschel and SSW presented the first of the new E03 electric locos designed to haul express trains at 200km/h and officially handed over the machine to the Deutsche Bundesbahn.

During the 1965 Munich International Transport Exhibition (IVA) from 25th June to 3rd October 1965, E03 001, 002, and 004 attracted a lot of attention. They took it in turns to haul special trains between the exhibition grounds and Augsburg. On two sections of the line, these trains reached a maximum speed of 200km/h, which was allowed by special permission for the first time in passenger rail traffic – an impressive milestone in German railway history.

After the IVA, the high-speed runs were initially limited to tests. When used on scheduled services with TEE and long-distance expresses, the maximum speed was limited to 160km/h.

E03 002 was the first to be completed, and so forms the subject of the second Märklin/Trix limited edition club model this year. The model is completely new tooling, representing a pre-production loco with one row of bodyside ventilators, short cab, raised chrome strips, front apron, buffer cladding, and DBS 54 scissor pantographs with Wanisch WB15 contact strips.

The model will be accompanied by two sets of coaches (four and three) to replicate the IVA express trains, also available exclusively to club members.

Orders must be received by 15th August.

www.maerklin.de
www.trix.de