DB Class 103

1552 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by ME 26-06, Oct 29, 2007

simonj

Discussion Starter · Oct 25, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

Which of the two models by Fleischmann and Minitrix is the most accurate? It looks like F updated their version in 2003 with a NEM socket but not sure if they used new toolings for the body etc. Has anybody seen the variants side by side? thanks

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ME 26-06

· #2 · Oct 27, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE (simonj @ 26 Oct 2007, 00:58) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Which of the two models by Fleischmann and Minitrix is the most accurate? It looks like F updated their version in 2003 with a NEM socket but not sure if they used new toolings for the body etc. Has anybody seen the variants side by side? thanks

Look out for the "old" Arnold - the last models that were produced (not the early ones, they stink) are the most accurate 103 offering in N scale.

Couldn´t find one on eBay, they´re very hard to get these days.

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goedel

· #3 · Oct 28, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE (ME 26-06 @ 27 Oct 2007, 08:14) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Couldn´t find one on eBay, they´re very hard to get these days.
Are these old or new style Arnold ones? eBay numbers:

190166464951
280164650699

First one looks a bit dirty from the pictures, but as long as everything works then a bit of dust is easy to clean off. Any help Simon?

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ME 26-06

· #4 · Oct 28, 2007

They´re the old style offerings.

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goedel

· #5 · Oct 28, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE (ME 26-06 @ 27 Oct 2007, 08:14) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Look out for the "old" Arnold - the last models that were produced (not the early ones, they stink) are the most accurate 103 offering in N scale.
These would date from 1994 and 1995?
How can one tell the difference, expecially from pictures e.g. in an eBay auction? This would be useful information to have! Especially if the person selling the item does not know themselves and it changes the amount you are prepared to pay but desire not to give away your suspicion to other bidders! Some sellers will post the question asked and answer to the bottom of the item desciption - now all your competitors know it is a rare version X too etc.

(for example sometimes in a picture of a Roco Eurofima it is hard to tell if it has KKK or not...however all coaches made with a white train destination sign printed on the side (e.g. "Wien West Bhf - Innsbruck Hbf") are without KKK, those with KKK do not have it printed on. etc.)

Thus this is old (1990-1995):

And this is new (1995-2002), ignoring Fleischmann couplings fitted in picture:

No item number needed, just a very crude picture that reveals the white sign or its absence is needed! i.e. get a bargin from a dreadful picture on ebay...

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simonj

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 28, 2007

QUOTE (goedel @ 28 Oct 2007, 12:59) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Are these old or new style Arnold ones? eBay numbers:

190166464951
280164650699

First one looks a bit dirty from the pictures, but as long as everything works then a bit of dust is easy to clean off. Any help Simon?

Hi, I think I'll end up getting the Fleischmann version as it as a 6 pin NEM socket for easy fitting. The Minitrix version is out of production but I know a mail order place that still has stock.

Quite a good amount of info on various locos on wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DB_Class_103

also some Swiss info,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Rail..._in_Switzerland

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ME 26-06

· #7 · Oct 29, 2007

QUOTE (goedel @ 28 Oct 2007, 19:44) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>How can one tell the difference, expecially from pictures e.g. in an eBay auction?

This is an auction for the new version. Engine # 103 169-9, Article number 2373.

That was the data I was looking for - these engines are up to par with the latest E03 prototype releases - they are great!

The engine is smaller, the body is way less crude, very fine printing and detail. Compare the front windows (correct shape, flush, albeit the picture in the auction is not too good) with the older releases - that should help you find a new, good one!

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