Spur 1 Märklin E60 testing and written review

Описание: This is a review of Märklin's red era III E60, prod.no. 55603 (unmodified), which I got to see and drive at the last hobby fair in November 2016 at Rødovre, Denmark.

First of all, the physical look: Märklin has kept up their game with this model, as it is well detailed, just like the BR 38, parts of the E 10, and the BR 41 previously reviewed on this channel. It is first and foremost the number of details which delight. There are a plethora of rivets, indentations, details in the driver's cab, wires, etc. The downside is that Märklin's models' small details are not necesarily as "sharp" and clear as, say Kiss Modellbahnen. From what I understand, this is on account of Märklin using a kind of zinc-injection technique, rather than brass assembly. In any event, the model looks stunning, and it is a joy to watch it run.

The lights are pure white, not the yellow colour used earlier, which is a definite plus. The cab lighting is great, and really lets you see all the beautiful interior.

My impression is that the model starts smoothly, and alternates between speed steps in a gracious manner, unlike the unsatisfying E 10 (prod.no. 55012). Even if it may only be a matter of tweaking CV numbers, this should be in order from the manufacturer's side from the beginning.

The model has a motorised, digitally controllable pantograph, which is very satisfying. When taking the price into consideration, this is as expected, and hopefully we will see no more non-motorised pantographs from Märklin other than perhaps in starter sets (or the release of two versions).

The sound disappoints, as did the sounds of the E 10, reviewed earlier, for some of the same reasons: Whilst there are more sound functions to choose from (including radio chatter and spark sounds when the pantos go up - nice, as seen from Fine Models!), which is certainly good and promising for future models as well, the basic electric engine sound still has an incredibly woolly and sharp tone to it (yes, at the same time), and it just sounds off. When I listen to my friend's BR 110's (one based off Uhlenbrock sound, another off of ESU's), there is a world of difference in quality. The sounds of the two latter are both clean, crisp, and non-offensive to your ear, whereas Märklin's E60 engine effects, just like the E 10, quickly become unpleasant, and then annoying and unbearable. It's a shame that the model trails in this area, and I would hope that Märklin continues their present stride when it comes to innovation, improvement, and competitiveness.

Overall, this model looks great, and has fine digital functions. The sound has considerably more functions than the E 10, including good spark sounds, but the quality of the engine noise is still lacking. Märklin continues its improvements overall, and offers relevant competition against the middle tier manufacturers of smaller series, such as Zirkus Krug, and Kiss Modellbahnen. However, Märklin's products are now made in Hungary, seemingly at least in part because of wage increases in China. This means that whatever you buy new from Märklin, you can't expect it to translate into decent wages. In general, and related to all Märklin products, this is a huge setback for me, and I only buy second hand from this manufacturer.