LGB Mikado

A loyal reader asked Yours Truly recently to talk about the Mikado and other Biggies from LGB. So, in the midst of one of the coldest winters on record in the USA here is some Winter Reading:

The Mikado was designed by LGB in 1999 and it took until 2002 to bring it onto the market. From the start it was meant to be an offer for the US market though it was sold in Germany and Europe as well. As with all big locomotives by LGB with the exception of the Mogul, the Mikado was made in small numbers. That said there were still   5,210   engines manufactured over the years. All engines until 2006 were manufactured in Nuremberg , Germany even though all other locos and stock was manufactured mostly in China from 2000 on. Today under Märklin,  most engines and stock is manufactured in Hungary. The Mikado suffered from some 'early childhood'- malfunction due to a design flaw in the body construction which was then redesigned in 2002. Please read our blog "Mikado 1,2,3" published on 11/6/12 for further detail on the subject.
The Mikado LGB numbers are LGB 20872 for the first engine type in 2001 to LGB# 22871 for the last engine in 2004. The numbers in-between are LGB# 21872, 22872,23872, 24872,25872. The numbers do NOT represent a continuous time frame when issued or offered.

LGB 212872

In addition to the pure LGB Mikado made in Germany there is a LGB authorized LGB Aster G 21832 Mikado White Pass in metal.

Value wise the Mikado has lost a bit of her steam in the last two years. You see offers anywhere between US$ 1,200 to $ 2,400.00 for the LGB versions and from US$ 1,800.00 to $ 4,000.00 for the Aster Mikado. That said, if you buy a Mikado that has had some run time at all you might need to take into consideration that a few parts need attention and might add to your 'final' purchasing costs. Gear wheels are at the core front as are motors. Operation of the earlier Mikados leads to developing play on the first drive shaft in the motor block which should NOT have play And since all Mikados came with sound except the SNCF (green French) Mikado 22871, the sound boards wont keep another 10 years either. Unfortunately, the Mikado was made under Rolf Richter's regime and there were no upgrades made to an already very outdated sound module used in the Mikado. On the other hand, with fantastic sounds available from either Phoenix or ESU you might just have saved enough on your purchase price to spend a little on a really great sound that is modern, update-able, and top-of-the-line.

The very rare LGB 22871 French Mikado

Repairs: For working on or replacing motors, checking the drive shaft, greasing the drive shaft connections or check for play on the first drive shaft  work on the motor blocks is required. It is best to separate the drive train from the loco body. To do this the generator should be removed first so you can place the Mikado on its back without damaging the generator (highly recommended from Yours Truly, too because due to a sparse spare parts situation, generators go for US$ 38.00 currently with a trend to increase in price). The drive train is attached to the locomotive with 3 screws only. Two in the rear on the left and right hand side of the motor and 1 screw all the way in the front, hidden behind the pilot. It is strongly recommended to use the correct screw driver ( for small screws) so you can re-attach the screws again and not damaging them or their thread for good with a wrong tool.
With these screws removed the drive train comes off the body in one piece. Watch for the cables: one red, one black to quick-disconnect cables for the chuff, bell+whistle; and one set of cables, black and brown, connecting the motor to the electronics inside the body. Please make notes which wire or connector goes where and make sure that the quick dis-connectors will be re-connected in the same direction - otherwise your sound will not work.
Sounds complicated? Yes, it can be. That's why you have Klaus. And Klaus can actually repair play on the drive train which is a complicated matter and needs parts made on his 3-D mill.
Parts: as for parts, Klaus carries the Mikado gear wheels, motors, generators, wheels, traction tires, push rods, and hand rails. Just call with your needs- he will find what you're looking for.

Battery Operation for LGB Trains

 LGB locos initially were designed for track power operation. So, to switch from track power to battery power requires some major changes for your LGB loco.

LGB was designed as an outdoor model train to be run in your backyard or garden layout. The tracks were built to withstand weather and climate influences. Track accessory and the LGB locos were also made to withstand those influences like sun, wet morning dew, temperature changes etc. Track power supported these challenges best. In the beginning of LGB (the late 60’s) there were no batteries around that would have supported such power needs. Nor were there any control systems available for battery operation.

That all changed in the early 2000’s with the first wireless handheld controls to come onto the market, first for track power and shortly after for battery powered model trains. However, the supply side kept being limited to only a very few manufacturers. In addition the availability of suitable batteries was indeed very much limited. LGB locos and the garden layout would require batteries being capable of supplying at least 1 Amp at 14 to 18 Volts for a duration of at least 3 hours or more. Regular batteries like gel cell batteries or NIMH batteries were too bulky and required a trailing car to carry the power pack. 

Within the last five years lithium-ion batteries and polymer-Li-ion have entered the market fulfilling the power requirements and the size requirements in one. Now it is possible to install a battery pack into a properly sized Diesel loco (like F 7 or Alco Diesel-- Switcher Diesel locos are yet missing out, but see below) or into a tender of a steam loco (like a Mogul or a Mikado, a smaller steam loco like the Forney is still missing out, but see below). 

A Mogul #  22194 w/ Vanderbilt Tend before installation

Nowadays, battery operation may be a real alternative to track power. Especially outdoors and with excessively large layouts, keeping the tracks clean becomes a growing challenge and a time consuming job. Being independent from track power makes operation possible at any given time without any track cleaning. Battery power control systems presently do not catch up to the versatility of a grown digital control system with up to 28   functions, various consists possibilities, and switch operation.  Battery operated systems often give only limited access to additional functions. 

The # 22194 w/Vanderbilt Tender
after installation and TLC by Klaus

For the analog operator the battery operation adds 2 or so more functions to his loco-control ability.  For the digital train operator, especially when comparing to “fully blown DCC-systems “ like Lenz (with 29 functions), ESU (20 functions) or Dimax (16 functions), battery operation with the Revolution (by Aristocraft)  throws you back significantly to 6. The AirWire set  is a bit bulky but delivers more functions.

Klaus installs battery operated wireless controls into LGB locos – so far into Moguls and Stainz w/tender. His customers are VERY happy with the results. It is not that easy to put all the components into the LGB loco since you need to remove the LGB electronic first and then install e.g. the Revolution components. The Revolution comes with an interface 'pack' which is a bit bulky and needs to find its space in the loco or tender. And of course the battery pack needs to go somewhere, too. That's why the large LGB Steam and Diesel locos make it possible to install into the loco or tender. However, for smaller engines there is always the possibility to install the components into a boxcar which then 'fuels' the train.

 It takes a bit of time to get the job done. A decoder support plate is also required due to space and installation reasons. Klaus manufactures those plates in his workshop. Once all is in place Klaus checks for proper functioning, test-runs the engine and control system, and off it goes to its customer-based layout.

Buying Used LGB Moguls

With LGB/Märklin in insufficient supply of new locomotives the LGB fan is driven to the estate and collectors's market or simply to used locos.  LGB locos have always been made with great care and especially those still made in Germany come in a material that will last for decades or better say more than half a century. When buying from an unknown source like from eBay, amazon.com or dash follow some simple rules: ( below see 4 examples of damages with a broken smoke stack below left and transport damage on the right)

dirt and abandonment lead to this poor sight

This loco was simply slaughtered
by a previous, untrained installer

are all decorative parts in place or are some listed as missing? The Mogul sports some decorative parts that are very hard to come by these days among which are the flag poles, the stanchions, the generator, the bell and bell holder, the cow catcher and/or the snow plow. If any of these are missing that should reduce the price by about 10% (of the original price when new).

• does the Mogul come with its tender. The Mogul loco and the Mogul tender are considered "one locomotive" and cannot be separated. The tender has a cable connection to the front loco for power pick-up, cables for lights and were installed the sound preps 

This Mogul was NOT packed well at all.
The cow catcher needed replacement

• does the Mogul show wear and tear? Take a look at the loco wheels and the power shoes if the buyer provides such a photo. Can you detect signs of worn out wheels? Or worn power shoes? Then the loco had a lot of operation time and maybe the gear wheels and the motor are also about to expire. Take an additional 15% off (of the original price when new). Mogul loco wheels are (almost) no longer available (except at TrainCraft By Klaus - we carry them for restorations) and the same goes for intermediate gear wheels and the Original Buehler motor (which we also carry)
• is the smoke stack in proper condition and does the smoker work? All Moguls came with a smoke generator (Seuthe 5 Volt smoker - made in Germany) whether in the wood version (diamond or balloon smoke stack) or the coal version (elongated smoke stack). especially the ballon smoke stack is prone to cracks and breaking of. Some just glued the stack 'back together' with improper glue, leaving either bad glue marks, cracks or real damage leading to non-operable smokers. Smoke stacks are sometimes available (TrainCraft carries them!) but pretty expensive these days. If the smoker is not working deduct 20% of  the original loco price when new.

• is the Mogul very dirty and shows scratches or missing lamps/lights? Then the loco had not only a lot of operation time but has also been left outside or been generally not taken care of. Other essential parts may be damaged then as well - see all of the above. Then check also for possible damage on the connecting rods. If you have all parts at home or access to it and the Mogul is offered for less than US$ 300.00-go for it anyway.

• does the Mogul come in its original box that matches the number on the loco? Is the box in good condition? These days the collector's market is growing and the original LGB box is becoming as important in collecting LGB as the loco itself to appraise and determine the total value of the LGB loco/set.

Then there is wear and tear or simple damage that can only be detected if the Mogul is opened by a professional. Over the years your "Famous Klaus" came upon oxidized  lead weights spreading this "salt" within the motor block , burnt gear wheels due to an owner's try to 'improve' the traction way to much with added weight...,and badly worn-out bearings which lead to general motor and body damage.

Now for the good news: LGB Moguls and other fine LGB German made locos are made out of very durable materials and very high-class plastic. They will survive A LOT!! And Klaus is always near to get any Mogul back to its Original glory and operation - even if the radiant shine of a brand-new- out-of-the-Nuremberg-factory loco sometimes is a thing of the past. -- So- go call Klaus (770-886-6670) or email him at  klaus@traincraftbyklaus.com  with all your LGB Mogul needs!

Motors and Gear Wheels

LGB locomotives are getting older. After all, LGB driving stock has been around for more than 45 years now. Most of the locomotives were made to run for about 800-1200 hours which would loosely translate into 5-10 years of operation. NOW- we all know by now that a German made LGB loco runs much longer - 'way much longer' in Generation X speak... But there comes a time after maybe 20 or so years.... that the material will run its course. And today's topic is about the relation between the Buehler motors and the gear wheels.

Motors: There are 2 types of Buehler motors. The older one was utilized for the very first LGB engines starting from 1968. It was custom-made for Lehmann by Buehler back then. In the early 90's Buehler changed the design of the long and short shaft motors to achieve better cost-profit margins. Some of those 2nd generation motors might die earlier than the first generation. But what leads to the demise of those motors other than old age? And why do the gear wheels play such an important role in this?

 'dead' Buehler motors

Motor Demise: One of the coils fail (mechanical overload, bad soldering spot or else), thus the motor runs rough. With that it puts an excessive mechanical strain on the gear wheel. The collector then gets clogged up with carbon dust shorting the other collector segments. This results in a large heat production inside the motor which travels to the gear wheel via the axle and the worm gear. Now the worm gear eats itself into the plastic gear wheel. Result: the loco stops running. And you might think it is a faulty gear wheel because that is what you see first when you check.
Mechanical overload :  too many additional lead weights in the loco (thinking to improve loco traction...), loco is running unattended, derails and gets stuck still running, human weight from above ( a 2-year-old lies on top of the loco trying to ride it...). If the loco is blocked suddenly then the plastic of the gear wheel gets damaged by the worm gear because the motor keeps running. The damaged plastic wheel results in a rough driving characteristic and a higher electrical load to the motor which eventually kills the motor.

Small selection of LGB gear wheels

Gear Wheel: There are about 15 different gear wheels. Different LGB locos use different gear wheels and one LGB loco may have more than one type of gear wheel. All LGB gear wheels are made of plastic and were manufactured in Germany. Three colors are prevalent: white, grey and black. The color does not define the type needed.

Gear Wheel Demise: In case the loco runs 24-7 or similar - like in doctor's offices, in children's hospitals, in public parks or exhibitions - the axles work themselves into the motor block body thus widening the bearing of the axle (See also our blog about Operating 24/7 in Feb/2013). The axle starts to wobble thus changing the precision position of the gear wheel. The plastic gear wheel wears off , and the worm gear cannot grab it as before thus either the loco just stops or the motor gets too much load resulting in a slow demise.
In case the gear wheel is connected to the intermediate gear wheel this intermediate wheel then gets damaged as a result of the wobbling and the motor gets damaged in the long run as well. If this happens in a steam loco the wheels that are interconnected with a connecting rod loose their synchronization and start binding. The connecting rods get damaged and the motor will get a devastating overload.

What to do: Call Klaus ( at 770-886-6670) and discuss your loco operation mode with him to determine what parts you need and how to prevent similar damage in the future. Klaus has Buehler motors and all gear wheels in stock to keep your LGB trains running.

Hand Cars -- Part 2

20032 Fiery Tom 2001-2002

"Fiery Tom" was first displayed in the 1998 catalog accompanying a set of fire engines, trucks and related figurines. It was made in Nuremberg/Germany in relatively small numbers. Selling price is starting at US$ 250.00 but may be too low by the time you read this

20030 Fiery Tom 1998-2000

It was followed by # 200323 which looked the same but had a German fire siren sound and a blue flashing light on the side car. Again, production numbers were pretty small. Selling price is at US$ 300.00 and increasing


In 2001 LGB issued the 21020 Christmas/Santa Fortuna Flyer  exclusively for LGBoA.  This Fortuna Flyer was followed in 2002 by # 21030, the Santa rail-motorcycle,

FORTUNA Flyer 21020

Santa Cycle 21030

 also an LGBoA exclusive. Both were made in small numbers, about 25% of a regular train "edition". While each of them sold for roughly US$ 90.00 in 2012 they sold for $ 1,250 the pair about 4 weeks ago.

LGB 20040 snow plow DR Cottbus

From 1999 to 2003 LGB also issued a snow plow used by various Narrow gauge train lines, this one being used by the "DR - Cottbus" with DR for 'Deutsche Reichsbahn' (German Railroad Line dating from 1920-1945/49). They gave it the LGB # 20040 and issued the same with sound in 2001-2002 with the # 20040.8. Auction/Estate prices are anywhere from $ 80.00 to 150.00 but may blow up fast...

The next 'generation' of hand cars / flyers came in 2004 with the # 24020. It was the Snoopy Flyer and was made in small numbers. It is selling around $ 300.00 with prices probably going up fast.

LGB 24020 Snoopy Flyer

LGB 22030 Peanuts Cycle

Then the LGB as we know it was about to 'expire' with declaring bankruptcy in 2006. The models they made before the final curtain came were the LGB 22030, the Peanuts motor cycle with Charlie and Lucy riding and Snoopy & Woodstock on the back bench. The market price currently wobbles between US$ 350.00 and  $ 500.00 with a clear upward move. It was announced as an LGBoA Exclusive but was obviously sold to other markets as well later that year.
The same 2005 catalog also displayed the LGB # 20050 Snoopy Joe Cool as draisine (hand car) which goes for about US$ 400 to 500.00 as well.

LGB 20050 Snoopy Draisine/ hand car

Then came the Disney Draisine # 23010 in 2006 with only 500 built the price goes up on a weekly base currently at US$ 470- $ 500.00

LGB 23010 Disney Draisine

Then in 2006 LGB's Rolf Richter tried another 'pull on Coca-Cola' by having made a hand model (# 24010) and advertising it without having secured the rights with COCA-COLA company. You guessed it- it  was never manufactured. It would have been cute though with the Coca-Cola polar bears carrying snowballs and a Coke bottle...

If you like more information on any of the above listed items or want to buy or sell one - please contact Klaus at  770-886-6670 or email at klaus@traincraftbyklaus.com

LGB Hand Cars, Flyers, Draisine

Hand cars have their own charm. The following is a quote from Wikipedia about hand cars:
A handcar (also known as a pump trolley, pump car, jigger, Kalamazoo,^[1] or draisine (powered or unpowered) in many other parts of the world) is a railroad car powered by its passengers, or by people pushing the car from behind. It is mostly used as a maintenance of way or mining car, but it was also used for passenger service in some cases. A typical design consists of an arm that pivots, seesaw-like, on a base, which the passengers alternately push down and pull up to move the car. --- Handcars have been normally used by railway service personnel (also known as a Gandy dancer) for railroad inspection and maintenance. Because of their low weight and small size, they can be put on and taken off the rails at any place, allowing trains to pass. Handcars have since been replaced by self-propelled vehicles that do not require the use of manual power, instead relying on internal combustion engines or electricity to move the vehicle.

Below we try to list all handcars, motorcycles, flyers and similar, ever made by LGB. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact us. We have a great selection of Original Old German LGB driving stock at hand.

LGB made their first handcar # 2001 in 1971! The "Riesenfreude-Katalog 1971" presented it in a black-and-white-photo and offered it for DEM 42.50, which would be the equivalent of  roughly US$ 170.00 in today's money

LGB obviously was never for those with small pockets. This little Gustav-hand car was made in 7 different color versions for the LGB number 2001 alone. In 1993/94 the same base model got the LGB# 20010 and  those were manufactured in Nuremberg/Germany until 2007. Prices vary depending on condition of those cars and demand for certain manufacturing years/color schemes and range from US$ 70.00 to US$ 120.00 (?).--The newest number for the little Gustav-Draisine is LGB # 20011 in yet another color version and are offered for 1US$ 176.00 to $ 220.00 in the new LGB 2013 catalog. Manufacturing is not in Germany.

LGB Santa hand car # 21010

It wasn't until 1993 that LGB made another little hand car, this time a Christmas/ Santa hand car LGB # 21010. They were made in Nuremberg Germany until 1998.


In 2004 and for 2005 LGB made a similar Santa hand car with the number 21013. It had a Gnomy Stainz on the car. It was made in in similar small numbers as the 21010.

LGB # 21013 from 2004/5

Demand is growing for these Santa hand cars and their collector's value is rising beyond their original sales price of  approx. US$ 140.00

LGB # 22010 Clown Hand Car

LGB continued their hand car series in 1995/96 with a Clowns Hand Car LGB # 22010. They were made until 1999 in Nuremberg/Germany.  The Clown's car features a clown with an umbrella, an artist's box and a handbag, a monkey on the box and a seal with a 'golden' ball next to the monkey. Spare parts for this car are still available, but becoming scarce. Demand is changing from high to low to high within the last 7 years and current value is around US$ 170 to $ 200.00 for mint condition. Expect rising prices.

LGB # 22020 MARS Flyer

The Clowns Hand car was followed by the MARS flyer in 1997 with LGB # 22020. It features a propeller which actually propels the little car. It was offered/made until 1999 in Nuremberg/Germany. Expect to see prices ranging anywhere between US$ 300 and 500.00 for this neat little flyer.

That same year, 1997, LGB also offered another version of the flyer, the FORTUNA-Flyer, LGB # 20020

The motor drives the propeller which actually then propels the little flyer. This time the propeller comes in red and the body is painted in blue. A pilot sits in an old-fashioned cockpit, wearing a cap. 

LGB 20020 FORTUNA Flyer

The original box included a labeling sheet. The FORTUNA Flyer is a bit pricier than the MARS flyer and sees asking prices around US$ 350.00 to $500 and more.

Please follow our 2nd part of the Draisine series report including LGB #'s 22030, 22032, 22040, 22050, 23010 and 24020 to be published here shortly.

For any questions call Klaus @ 770-886-6670

.....About Screws

Screws.They are telling a great story about your LGB loco. And they have their own LGB story.

LGB# 69002

The most commonly used screws on your loco or car can be bought from LGB-dealers in packs of hundred, LGB # 69002. As the photo shows they come in a variety of 4 different sized black screws and one silver metal screw, the pack contains approx 100 pieces.

The original (German) LGB screws are all self tapping - they cut themselves into the material while being screwed into it. They are made out of ferromagnetic material so they will cling to your screwdriver (right image)
Screws made in China do not necessarily have that characteristic so they may be hard to work with and may get lost easily. Note: the most common damage your Famous Klaus is seeing are screws that have been over-wound. Self tapping screws that are over-wound will damage the plastic they are screwed into. And once the damage is done it is difficult to repair the thread. (Your Famous Klaus does this kind of repair, though)

Then there are screws used to mount push rods to the wheels. They are not sold by LGB dealers. There are metal screws used in the body/ motor block, there are screws used to assemble the timing gear, there are screws to mount wheels on axles (old LGB motor blocks) and some screws require washers. The image below shows all types of screws used in LGB locos.

NOT FOR SALE screws for LGB locos - Repair and restoration only!

Screws in very good condition

Screws on left are in used condition,
 screw on right shows damage.

When working on the screws make sure to use the correct fitting screwdriver. Incorrect sized screwdrivers will damage the screw for good. The value of an Old original LGB Loco made in (Western) Germany (before 1990) hinges often enough on the condition of the screws. Below are 2 images, one of a (Diesel switcher, left image below) body with almost perfect screws and one of a tender with used screws. Note that the tender (right) has been opened multiple times for various repairs and maintenance issues. The screw on the very right has 'wrong screw driver damage'. When working on your loco to remove screws always use a white towel underneath. Do invest in an $8.00 white bath towel and keep it just for your loco needs. (You may thank me later...) That way you'll find all screws easily, they wont roll away and wont fall down to the floor where they always hide in the furthest corner close to the neighbor's shed......

Another value decreasing condition is the use of non-LGB screws in a loco or wrong size screws. The first  impairs the looks as long as the size fits which is not very likely. Which brings us to the wrong-size-screws. Mostly Klaus sees non-LGB screws that are too big for the purpose. If they are self tapping they generate a thread that is too big for the correct sized screw and will only help as long as the wrong screw is not removed. Since the screw doesn't really fit in the first place ( note that US screws are based on inch base and the LGB German types are based on metric - you get the idea why other screws rarely fit) chances are they either come loose or the plastic piece holding the thread can crack. That's when the trouble will start for good. Klaus has gotten quite a few locos in for repair this spring with exactly that fault showing. His work scope spans from expanded repairs of the thread itself to complete restoration of specific plastic parts of the loco.

So be careful when working on your loco (screws) and make sure to always use the correct sized screws to preserve the value of your engine!!