Die Preußische P 8 von Märklin

 In 1967 Märklin released her first H0-scale model of a Prussian P 8, later known as Baureihe 38^10-40.

 The 1967 catalogue showed this page...

Photo (c) LCTM

... which turned out to be this model: DB 38 1807 with Wannentender.

M3098

Many variants appeared throughout the years, both German and foreign, before Märklin set eye on Era 1.

The famous 38 1807 (3098) was followed up by this DRG 38 3553 (1977) with Kastentender 

M3099.2

Another DB variant appeared in 1988 as 038 772-0 for Epoche 4, also with Kastentender.

(The cabin printing was shifted downwards)

M3099.3

As a limited edition an Era 3 Eastern Germany DR-model numbered 38 1182 was released in 1992 for MHI.

M3398.10 

In 1995 Märklin finally decided for a Länderbahn version, but ~ alas ~ it was not Prussian, but Badanian.

In a remarkable blue livery, the BADEN 1164 appeared until 2001.

M3091

It still took 22 years to come to the Prussian roots of the P 8.

Here's the KPEV Münster 2401 (1999-2003).

M34988

l’ Histoire se répète.

When Märklin decided to make a totally new model of the famous P 8 "Mädchen für alles", 

we still had to wait another 3 years and 5 variants before a "rein Preußische Bauart" appeared.

The first release was an Era 3 DB-version 38 2591 with Kastentender for Märklin (AC) in 2003.

M37030

The same year a DRG-version 38 2019 appeared, only for Trix and limited for 2003...

T22101

...which ~ à propos ~ was also released for Märklin with Wagner deflectors as DRG 38 2637 in 2007.

M37039

Then another DB-version for Märklin was released, limited for VEDES in 2004.

Without deflectors the 38 3075 came in Era 3 livery.

M37032

Two years later the very same model was released again for VEDES in (a kind of) weathered condition

M37032.100

Even after these three German variants, Märklin still had no intention of heading for a fine Era 1 model.

In 2005, two foreign engines saw daylight first in the Märklin Export Program.

One for Italy (FS) with Kastentender and white wheels...

M37034, FS

... the other for France (SNCF) with a 3-axled tender (known from the Pr. G 8.1)

M37036, SNCF

Finally the year 2006 approached.

Exclusively and ~ in the purest sense of the word ~ seriously limited the first born P 8 was announced.

One might say: “It was worth waiting for.”

Just have a look at the pictures below, I made in July 2006, and let's enjoy the beauty of it.

Erfurt 2458

Königlich Preußische Eisenbahn-Verwaltung

 (B.M.A.G. 1913, F. Nr. 5011)

In 2014 a second and improved (gear, colour, LokSound) model was relased as M37028, with Bahnnummer "Halle 2439"