Märklin 38350

The class Ae 3/5 - the little Sécheron
Despite seeming at first glance to suggest something more exotic, “little Sécheron” is not a painting by Picasso, but merely an affectionate nickname for a Swiss loco that was intended to usher in a new era of rail in the Swiss Confederation. Electric traction throughout the land was the order of the day following the First World War. In this context, single-frame construction and single-axle drive systems were the magic formula for the new age of electrification on the lowland routes of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The type Ae 3/5, which was built from 1922 onwards, appeared unusually compact with its three driving axles and two running axles but generated no less than 1,775 horsepower – an impressive figure at the time. What’s more, the minimalist design had an air of unusual sophistication. Consequently, the class Ae 3/5 quickly acquired its nickname – inspired by the Geneva-based company Sécheron, which supplied the electrical components. The class Ae 3/5, road number 10217, remains immaculately preserved as a fully functional little gem at the train depot in Olten. This elegant machine served as the prototype for the wonderful new Märklin model of this loco type, which also possesses truly rustic charm in 1:87 scale.

Prototype: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) class Ae 3/5 electric locomotive. With crossover plates on the ends and an oncoming train light above the upper headlight. Fir green basic paint scheme with gray running gear. Locomotive road number 10217. The locomotive looks as it did in 2022.
Model: With mfx+ digital decoder and extensive operating and sound functions. Controlled high-performance motor with a flywheel. One axle driven. Traction tires. The triple headlights and one white marker light (Swiss headlight/marker light code) change over with the direction of travel, will work in conventional operation, and can be controlled digitally. When the locomotive is running “light,” the lighting can be changed to one red marker light. The oncoming train light can be separately controlled in digital operation. The headlights at no. 1 and no. 2 ends can be turned off separately in digital operation. There is a double “A” light function. There is also lighting for the cab and control desk, a flashing effect for the relay, and machine room lighting, each of which can be controlled separately in digital operation. Maintenance-free warm white and red LEDs are used for the lighting. A buffer capacitor is included. The locomotive features highly detailed metal construction with many separately applied details. The cabs and machine room have interior details. The loco features detailed roof equipment with roof conductors, insulators, and roof catwalks, as well as scissor pantographs. The minimum radius for operation is 360 mm / 14-3/16. Brake hoses and imitation screw couplers are included.Length over buffers approximately 12.8 cm / 5-1/32.

You can find matching passenger cars in the Märklin H0 range as items 43363, 43373, and 43383.You can find a DC version of this model in the Trix H0 range as item 25350.

NYHED 2026