NEW Märklin 55178 1 Dampflok 18 314 Kohle, DR, Ep. III, MFX-Sound, gealtert

Märklin 55178 Gauge 1 Steam Locomotive 18 314 Coal, DR, Era III, MFX Sound, Weathered

Are you looking for an exceptional express steam locomotive that embodies a significant chapter in the history of the German Reichsbahn in the GDR in a particularly impressive model rendition? The Märklin 55178 Steam Locomotive 18 314 is a highly professional, weathered special edition model in 1-gauge and depicts the distinctive experimental locomotive from the VES-M in Halle (Saale) as it appeared in service around 1960.

The prototype is based on the former Baden IVh and was used as a test locomotive by the German Reichsbahn of the GDR. As part of its conversion, the 18 314 was fitted with a Reko boiler and a distinctive partial fairing. Its unusual appearance and its special role in experimental operations made it one of the most remarkable steam locomotives of its time.

The 18 314 as an experimental locomotive at VES-M Halle

The express steam locomotive pictured belonged to the German Reichsbahn of the GDR and was used as a test locomotive at VES-M in Halle an der Saale. The abbreviation stands for the Test and Development Center for Locomotive Management. In its modified configuration, the locomotive served as a special test vehicle and differed significantly from its original design.

The starting point for the conversion was steam locomotive 18 314, which had been derived from a former Baden IVh. In the version shown, the prototype has a coal-fired main furnace and is coupled to a 2´2´T24-type coal tender. Its operational condition around 1960 classifies the model as belonging to Era III and recalls a period when the Deutsche Reichsbahn continued to develop its steam locomotives through modifications and testing.

An Unmistakable Prototype of Era III

The combination of the Reko boiler, partial fairing, and the distinctive shape of the express train locomotive gives the 18 314 a high degree of recognizability. Witte air deflectors and the single-sided Indus magnet are also part of the depicted prototype configuration. As a result, the locomotive embodies a clearly defined historical condition and appeals particularly to model railroading enthusiasts who value exceptional vehicles of the Deutsche Reichsbahn.

As an experimental locomotive, the 18 314 represents not only regular express train service but also the technical development work of the DR in the GDR. Its history links the design of the former Baden IVh with the later conversion and testing measures carried out by the Deutsche Reichsbahn.

Professionally weathered special edition for Gauge 1

The Märklin 55178 is offered as a special model and has been professionally weathered by Becasse. This gives each model a realistic, in-service appearance that further highlights the steam locomotive’s powerful presence. A certificate documents the professional weathering.

With its imposing size, heavy weight, and elaborate construction, this steam locomotive is suitable both for operation on a properly designed Gauge 1 layout and for display in a showcase. The black-painted aluminum base allows the model to be effectively displayed in a showcase when not in use on the layout.

For discerning collectors and Gauge 1 model railroaders

This model is intended for collectors and experienced model railroaders seeking an exceptional Deutsche Reichsbahn steam locomotive in a particularly elaborate design. The combination of the historical prototype, professional weathering, and extensive digital features makes the Märklin 18 314 a special centerpiece of any Gauge 1 collection.

The depiction of the cab and the locomotive crew also contributes to the authentic overall effect. The engineer and fireman figures are already installed and emphasize the character of the operational test locomotive.

An exceptional collector’s item from the Deutsche Reichsbahn

The Märklin 55178 combines the history of a former Baden IVh with the special conversion design of the Deutsche Reichsbahn. As an aged experimental locomotive from the VES-M Halle in its condition around 1960, it brings a rarely depicted prototype from Era III to your Gauge 1 layout.

Get your hands on this exceptional special edition and expand your collection with one of the most distinctive test locomotives of the German Reichsbahn in the GDR.

Features:

• Gauge: 1
• Era: III
• Railroad Company: DR
• Operational condition circa 1960
• Switchable red taillight
• Cab lighting
• Smoke box door opens
• Built-in buffer capacitor
• All driving axles powered
• Movable cab doors, and much more
• Highly detailed all-metal construction
• Load-controlled, wheel-synchronized running sound
• Lighting with maintenance-free warm-white LEDs
• Most other attached parts are made of metal (MS)
• With Witte wind deflectors and a single-sided Indus magnet
• Professionally weathered by Becasse, with certificate
• Decoder generation with current buffer and up to 32 functions
• Converted version as a test locomotive for the VES-M in Halle (Saale)
• Conventional headlight operation, digitally switchable
• Special function: The engineer operates the throttle (servo-controlled)
• Smoke box door and dome cover open with many original details
• Chassis, locomotive body with boiler, and cab made of die-cast zinc
• Operates on AC, DC, Märklin Digital, and DCC
• Headlights with period-correct light color and warm-white LEDs
• Red train-end signal can be turned on or off, and cab lighting
• Undercarriage, superstructures, boiler, etc., made of die-cast zinc; attached parts made of brass
• mfx decoder for operation with AC, DC, Märklin Digital, and DCC
• Control mode selection (forward, reverse, continuous operation) in 3 stages with a servomotor
• Smoke generator with wheel-synchronized steam emission, front and rear cylinder steam, and steam whistle
• Model: Special edition, highly professional weathered version of the 18 314 by Becasse
• Elaborate model with many attached parts and a highly detailed cab
• Built-in smoke generator with wheel-synchronized steam emission, multi-stage cylinder steam, and steam whistle
• Telex coupler at the rear, screw coupler at the front (1 additional coupler included for the rear, to be swapped out)
• Version with Reko boiler and partial fairing, based on the 18 314 steam locomotive (formerly Badische IVh)
• Engine lighting, three-light headlight with era-appropriate light colors that change with the direction of travel
• Digitally controllable special function: The engineer operates the throttle (servo-controlled motion sequence simulating how the engineer operates the throttle on the prototype)
• Equipped with spring buffers; the locomotive model has a screw coupler at the front and a remote-controlled Telex coupler at the rear (the rear coupler can be replaced with a screw coupler)
• Includes an mfx digital decoder with 32 functions, a regulated high-performance drive, and a sound generator with wheel-synchronized running noise as well as extensive sound functions
• Prototype: Express steam locomotive 18 314 with a coal-fired main furnace and a 2’2’T24 coal tender of the Deutsche Reichsbahn of the GDR (DR/DDR)
• Includes: Accessory set with one screw coupling, steam oil, and gloves
• Mounted on a black-painted aluminum base for display in a showcase
• Control switch (forward, reverse, continuous operation) with 3 settings
• Built-in engineer and fireman figures
• Minimum operating radius: 1,020 mm
• Length over buffers: approx. 73.8 cm
• Weight: approx. 9.2 kg

Specs:

• Gauge: 1
• Rail Company: DR
• Era: III
• Color: Black
• Electricity System: DC
• Analogue / Digital: Digital
• sound: Yes
• News: 2026
• Type: Steam loco

Further links:

• Print View

CAUTION: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Danger of swallowing! Age recommendation from 14 years.