0e - 0-scale modelling of 750/760mm (2'6") gauge - Märklin Minex Württembergische Staats-Eisenbahn passenger coaches

As mentioned on my page on Märklin Minex Württemberg passenger coaches, the model is not an accurate reproduction of any prototype. I have therefore decided to convert a number of the Märklin models by scratchbuilding new sides for them to more closely resemble the various prototypes that the K.W.St.E. built.

The model is somewhat underscale and is too short for any of the K.W.St.E. prototypes, so at a minimum it is necessary to make new sides. The height is tolerable and by making new sides and a roof the width can be corrected at that stage. Note that the Märklin windows are not the correct proportions so simply splicing two body shells together doesn't result in an accurate model either.

Even with new sides the model will still be somewhat of a compromise but there is very little alternative if you want Württemberg passenger carriages.

Other models

Spieth used to make an accurate, scale model of the short, 4-window KBi coach in brass but these were built in small quantities and are very scarce.

Prototype information and conversion hints

Märklin presumably shortened the coach to allow it to run around their standard curves. In order to make it more prototypical (however you do it) you end up with a longer carriage which could cause problems on sharper model curves - the prototypes had swiveling axles for exactly the same reason.



Class KBi, 38 built from 1911 onwards Length over couplers: 8430mm (193.8mm in 0e) Wheelbase: 5000mm (114.9mm in 0e) As the windows are smaller the interior would be less visible and simpler replacement seating would mean that this model could donate its interior seating to the conversion below.


Class KBi, 19 built from 1894 onwards Length over couplers: 10930mm (251.3mm in 0e) Wheelbase: 7180mm (165mm in 0e) Ideally needs the interior seating from the conversion above. In this photo: Two 2nd class compartments to the left, three 3rd class to the right, thus the uneven window spacing. Note that the drawing is the other way round from the photo.

	There are (undimensioned) drawings off all of these carriages on H.P. Schramm's website (www.schmalspureisenbahnen.de/schmspbw.php). It is possible to work from a few known dimensions and extrapolate others but this is only a compromise. As the carriage will never be perfect it is probably good enough.
Class KBi, 22 built from 1894 onwards Length over couplers: 8430mm (193.8mm in 0e) Wheelbase: 5000mm (114.9mm in 0e)

	There are (undimensioned) drawings off all of these carriages on H.P. Schramm's website (www.schmalspureisenbahnen.de/schmspbw.php). It is possible to work from a few known dimensions and extrapolate others but this is only a compromise. As the carriage will never be perfect it is probably good enough. Unfortunately, there are no trucks available to match the prototype. Addie Modell sells a number of parts that could be built in to a reasonably accurate model of the truck, but if you are not up to it, their Weyer truck might be acceptable.
Class KB4i, 11 built from 1900 onwards Length over couplers: 10970mm (252mm in 0e) Wheelbase: 7140mm (164.1mm in 0e)

Converting the Märklin Minex carriage to be more prototypical

I am currently building the first of my conversions; one of the long, 5-window, 2-axle carriages. It uses the end platforms and a lengthened frame, and not much else; sides, ends and roof are all new.

References

There is some information (in German) and photos of these and other 750mm gauge rolling stock on the Thema Schmalspurbahn website (www.thema-schmalspurbahn.de).

Königlich Württembergische Staats-Eisenbahn (Württemberg) passenger coaches

Other models

Prototype information and conversion hints

Converting the Märklin Minex carriage to be more prototypical

References