Hello All,

I am looking forward to the new Swiss Crocodile by MTH shown in their 2010 catalog.
But, I am curious in regards to the catalog photo. I am pretty sure they used a LGB Swiss Crocodile in the photo. The give away is the plastic rail ties with brass track. This is LGB track. Not an issue, but this is the first time that I have seen an LGB engine used for a model in an O gauge catalog.

Actually, LGB does not make the Swiss Federal Railways Be 6/8 or Ce 6/8. LGB's famous model is of the meter guage Ge 6/6 of the Rhaitische Bahn. The model in the MTH catalogue is probably Marklin's no. 1 gauge model. This would expain the LGB track, since it runs on it.

Here's the LGB model.

Glen, I think you hit the nail right on the head. I also believe that it is a Marklin #1 or I gauge model sitting on LGB style track with a center rail added. I believe it is a common for MTH to use an existing model to show what they plan to make.
I would have been jumping up and down if they made a copy of the LGB Crocodile in O gauge. I have 3 of LGB's and would love to see one in O gauge. I wonder if ETS would make it?
The South East spur of the RhB
TumbleWEED

You gents are absolutely correct. Thanks for catching my mistake. After I posted it, I kept thinking it was Marklin No. 1 gauge because LGB as you accurately pointed out did not make the Swiss Crocodile but Marklin did in No. 1 gauge.

I always wanted one of those LGB engines...but too expensive. Do they still offer it?

I once owned three models of the LGB "Croc"--one red, one green, and one brown. My red and green models "posed" for the cover of the "Official Guide to LGB Trains" that we did during my time at Greenberg/Kalmbach). They were sweet locomotives, and I often wish that I still had them. I sold most of my European-style models when I decided to focus on U.S.-style motive power.

I own a number of Marklin #1 gauge locomotives, but never did have the $ to buy one of their Crocodiles, which are gorgeous models. I imagine an O gauge version will find a good following across the pond, as well as some fans in the U.S.

At York there was another O gauge Crocodile and it was ETS that offered it. They offered it in both brown and green. There was a smaller similar electric as well. The Crocodile listed for $929

I'm very excited about the MTH Croc. I've pre-ordered one of each!I have seen one up close at the Swiss transport museum in Luzern(Lucerne).They're really an amazing machine.

Boomer

I was at the same museum in 1970 and was very impressed by the Croc. I had the LGB model and have since sold it. I think I will get the MTH model as I already have overhead wire on my layout. The big question is what do I put behind it?

quote:

Originally posted by Mike W.:
I always wanted one of those LGB engines...but too expensive. Do they still offer it?

After a breif hiatus during the LGB bankruptsy Marklin is now making the LGB crocodile under the LGB by Marklin line. However, it will cost you more than the list for the MTH engine, and with no command or sound to boot.

quote:

Originally posted by Boomer:
I'm very excited about the MTH Croc. I've pre-ordered one of each!I have seen one up close at the Swiss transport museum in Luzern(Lucerne).They're really an amazing machine.

Boomer

You mean this museum.
It has a great side by side comparison of the meter gauge engine and the standard gauge.

The Swiss really love their crocs. On a trip to Switzerland a couple of years ago my parents found coffe creamers at the airport with crocodile images.

While we're on the topic, how about some improptu crocodile photo fun.



Yes Virginia, there was a real blue crocodile.



Yes, a real crocodile did wear the LGB logo.



Doubleheaded on an excursion.



The one of a kind 182, the only crocodile of the meter gauge Berninabahn.



They are not afraid of heights.



Some standard gauge models.

Crocs RULE!

My best LGB baby croc of the RhB was the one that came with the "Alpine Express" set about ten years ago. It had full digital sound recordings of the REAL thing, including the relays latching, vacuum brake sounds, and the traction motor whine. The sound system had a capacitance circuit that let the shutdown sounds play for about a minute after the power was shut off to the track. Absolutely the BEST electric engine sounds I ever heard!

I also was the proud owner of a digital sound Marklin Gauge One Croc (green) for a few months back in 2003. You do not want to know the price. Never had any track or transformer, so it never ran, but it sure looked good in its display case!

Glenn, thoes are really great photo's. In the one photo is my other favorite, the LGB 2045 box cab. I like the photo with the train going round the curve on the edge of the mountain. Except for the backround mountains I'll have a curve like that on my new garden railway.
Got more?
TumbleWEED 381
Art, back in about 1985, back in Ridgewood, NY, I was offered a Marklin O ga. tinplate crock with 7 freight cars and a oval of Marklin O 3 rail track. Solid steel rail on tinplate ties and a few buildings. As I recall the asking price was $1.000..But I was already into LGB and didn't want O gauge.
That's one I shouldn't have passed up :- (

The Swiss Krokodil has been a staple of Marklin's HO product line for many years. As a kid, I looked forward to my visits to FAO Schwarz in New York City with its fabulous selection of Marklin trains. It gave me a chance to stare at the Krokodil until my mother pulled me away. I loved electrics even back then!

Bob

The smaller Krok offered by ETS is the SBB's standard gauge De6/6 "Seetal" machine. 0 scale
[ hence narrow gauge, 0m ] models of the RhB baby kroks have been offered by:
a) Kiss [ of Germany ], imported from Korea. These were offered in two versions, "Fine Scale" and 'Fama compatible' [ the latter able to take sharper curves, and with deeper flanges ]. This was when Kiss had taken over the 'Fama' line, after Utz but before Roco, in the early 90's.
b) Ferro-Suisse, in ( Very ) Fine Scale.

Regarding the MTH models: It would be nice to see the green version with 1 door per side, renumbered
[ if applicable ], and otherwise in post-1947 appearance for those buyers who don't model earlier times.

Best regards, SZ

This is my Fulgerex Swiss Crocodile!!!



Stefan from where the Crocodile com from!!!

^ That is one VERY cool train, my friend.


I am liking the MTH croc a lot, even if what is being shown is not what is being produced. I like the ETS version as well. Going to have to ponder this one.

quote:

Originally posted by Stefan Bürki:
This is my Fulgerex Swiss Crocodile!!!



Stefan from where the Crocodile com from!!!

What scale is this engine?

Here's a crocodile you don't see every day. It's the Ge 4/4 182 of the RhB, a one of a kind meter gauge engine built for the Bernina Bahn. After spending decades rotting in France, the engine is now back in Switzerland being restored by fans. Hopefully it will be running again soon on the Bernina line with the classic MU's.

Here is a brass model in IIm scale (1:22.5 LGB compatible G gauge). It's about the same size as our LGB crocs, but with brass construction it weighs a ton. It is made by Kiss, who also makes other LGB compatible meter gauge trains.



Note that this crocodile from the 1930's does not use jack shafts like its earlier standard gauge and RhB cousins. However, it is articulated at the noses, making it a real crocodile.

The Fulgarex Kroc is probably Gauge One. It is not merely a model, it is a work of art!

I'm still a tin horn enthusiast, but absolutely love the big electrics. I have the lionel E2 and two mth bipolars as well as a PC GG! and PRR GG1. I was very excited to see the 2010 croc but wonder where I can find an appropriate consist to go along with it.
Can some one suggest for me?
Thanks

The MTH engine comes with some kind of European compatible couplers, so you could probably buy rolling stock from a manufacturer over there. However, I know what it is like buying G gauge products from German manufacturers (LGB, LGB by Marklin, and Kiss) and if O scale follows the same rules you will likely be paying brass prices for plastic cars. For example, imported LGB passenger cars fetch about $300 to $400 and freight (even small 2 axle) cars go for about $100 to $200. I would also expect most european stuff to be 2 rail, not 3 rail. I would hope MTH starts making rolling stock for its european locos; I am not enthusiatic about paying an arm and a leg to make a train for my crocodile.

Hello everyone!!!

My croc is a Fulgerex brass import model from Japan and it is 0scale. I', looking forward to see the MTH engine because I could buy three of the MTH locos vor the price of my brass croc. I have been told MTH will release some freight cars for the swiss cargo engine, but not sure about cars for the old engines. You guys could check out ebay for Lima/ Pola Maxi or Rivarossi cars (all imported by AHM). With the swiss croc you can pull old freight cars from all over Euope such as Germany, France, Italy and so on.

Stefan from Switzerland

Glenn, that Kiss crock is a beautiful model. Are they still available and where I might find a set of drawings for it?
TumbleWEED 381

quote:

Originally posted by CNJ 3676:
The Swiss Krokodil has been a staple of Marklin's HO product line for many years. As a kid, I looked forward to my visits to FAO Schwarz in New York City with its fabulous selection of Marklin trains. It gave me a chance to stare at the Krokodil until my mother pulled me away. I loved electrics even back then!

Bob

I understand. For me steam comes in second place.

I was going to pre-order a Crocodile, so I went to one of "the usual suspects'" websites; I then pulled up the MTH "Specifications" page and - Whoa there - it differs in significant respects from the MTH Catalog pages on their website [ I rechecked ]. For examples:
A. Cat: "original, as-built dual jackshaft version"
Spec: "available in both the original dual jackshaft version and the later single jackshaft type" !!!
B. Cat: "Scale wheels operate on 54" radius curves" [ & Hi-rail, 0-72 ]
Spec: "Operates on 0-31 Curves" [ for scale wheels' version ]
C. Cat: Length: 16 1/2 "
Spec: 18 1/2 "
D. Spec: "1/45 Scale Proportions"
Cat: No mention of scale [ uh-oh ]

The catalogue to me generally seems 'more correct', since the spec sheet mentions "Illuminated number boards" [ ! ]; is it the general impression of MTH devotees that the catalogue is "more correct" than the specification sheets ?
I am VERY well aware that what MTH produces may not agree with either. Does MTH still issue a "Catalogue corrections" notice, or do they just skip that step now ? For example, Mike W. told me at the last York that the "Orient Express" passenger set will have a baggage car instead of 2 sleepers [ eg, 4 different body shells ] , but I've never seen that in print [ well, "electric print", to coin a phrase ] -- has anyone ?

Best regards, SZ

quote:

Originally posted by tumbleweed381:
Glenn, that Kiss crock is a beautiful model. Are they still available and where I might find a set of drawings for it?
TumbleWEED 381

TW: For suggestions on where to find drawings you might want to go to ' www.club1889.ch ' [ the volunteer group that owns the loco ] and ask them.
To me the most likely source would be the Claude Jeanmaire books on the RhB, specifically the volume on the DC lines, inc the Berninabahn. I don't have that volume, and a quick look in other sources / magazine indices didn't turn up a dwg reference, either.
The Kiss website is ' www.kiss-modellbahnen.de ', and it looks like they have them in stock. According to my quick calculations, the price would be about [ better be sitting down ] $3600 + shipping. I and others find them to be slow answering e-mails.
[[ Disclaimer: Other than having purchased an 0 ga loco from them years ago, I have no connection with this company.]]

With best regards, SZ

Steinzeit
Thanks for that information. I also found the Kiss website and yes $3,600 is a little much for my pocket now that I'm retired. On the other hand, the few photos that I have found so far is giving me a good start on scratch building one. I've made a drawing of it with LGB 2 axel motor blocks and LGB bsic proportions so that the finished model will look like it may have come right out of the LGB factory.
Shoot me an e-mail with any photo's you may find.
TumbleWEED - tumbleweed381@aol.com

Steinzeit,
Just went to www.club1889.ch. WOW, thankyou very much! Just goes to show, when you know where to look, the internet can be a fantastic thing.
Just back from the Kiss web-site. They give me all the information I need to detail my model. Mine will be just a tad shorter than the Kiss model since I will use LGB's 2 axel motor blocks. Still it will look good in my stable of RhB crocks and box cabs.
the South-Eastern spur of the RhB
TumbleWEED

( Does Alinghi think Oracle will ever get out of court and on the water? )

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tumbleweed381,

Steinzeit!!

You are giving us interesting info about the narrow gauge swiss crocs!!!
Could it be that you are from Switzerland (too)??
If so, I'm from Switzerland too, but I'm more into the standard gauge trains. I'm living near Rapperswil where one of three standard gauge crocs is stored servicable.

Regards, Stefan

quote:

Originally posted by tumbleweed381:
Steinzeit
Thanks for that information. I also found the Kiss website and yes $3,600 is a little much for my pocket now that I'm retired.

Well, TW, Christmas is coming -- and why else would we have wives / girlfriends than to support our train habit ? [ I will have to admit though that warm-from-the-oven raspberry muffin earlier this evening was mighty tasty....]
Anyway, have fun building / running it !

Stefan: No, I'm not Swiss [ You had asked this on the 14th Convention topic, but you must have missed my reply ], I just like Swiss trains. The last time [ 1988 ] I was near Schindellegi I was down the road visiting two old 'friends' numbered 21 and 22 ( and my favorite sister, BT 25, was then on the SZU ).

Of course, I also like Austrian / Japanese / German / US / French / usw trains too -- even Canadian ones, such as GMD1's [ especially the 4 axle GRG-12's that were used inter alia in pairs on passenger trains in the Toronto area ] !
Imagine that !

Best regards, SZ

PS: MTH has since updated the "Specifications" pages on the Kroks so that they now agree with the catalogue. Thanks, MTH !

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Steinzeit,