Trix has been part of Märklin for almost a quarter of a century. Trix H0 product manager Marco Löffler has an eye on which models are in demand.
As a product manager, what qualities do you associate with the Trix brand?
Löffler: For me, Trix H0 stands for the highest-quality models in terms of detailing and technical implementation in the DC range - as well as for durability and ease of maintenance. The assortment is broad and ranges from steam to electric traction, from Era I to VI and from Germany and Europe to the USA. So we can cater to every type of model railroad hobby with the right locomotives and the right cars.
Next year, Trix will have been part of Märklin for a quarter of a century. What has changed in the Trix product portfolio since 1997?
Löffler: In the last 25 years, there have been great leaps in the fineness of the implementation and the technical "gimmicks" - that is, the mechanical, electrical, and digital functions. For example, many Trix H0 electric locomotives are equipped with pantographs that can be raised and lowered digitally, on the 290 163-5 (art.no. 22902) the engineer turns in the direction of travel when shunting, and the type WGmh 824 club car (art.no. 23490) transforms into an experience with interior lighting, stroboscope, light organ, and sound that can also be individualized: Music and sounds can be exchanged via the micro SD card.
You mentioned the detailing. Which models show the progress?
Löffler: Our club models are the technical innovators and they always represent the state of the art in terms of metal die-casting, coloring, printing, or digital equipment - and also the level of detailing, as evidenced by the E 44 507, for example. The club models radiate into the assortment with a time delay. For example, our regularly announced surprise locomotives - mainly steam locomotives - are perfect down to the last detail. Whether it's the SNCF's 241-A (art.no. 22941), the high-axle S 3/6 (art.no. 22403), or even the SNCB's Series 1 (art.no. 25480) - these locomotives set standards in detailing while, it must be emphasized, being safe to drive at the same time, because these picture-perfect locomotives are designed for layout use. The balanced running behavior of a model that is safe to operate is thus part of the Trix H0 brand core.
What are your current favorites in the Trix assortment?
Löffler: My 2021 highlights are - besides the two club models E 44 507 and VT92 501 - the two completely redesigned "Crocodiles" of DB (art.no. 25990) and ÖBB (art.no. 25089), the "Churchill Arrow" (art.no. 25260) and, as representatives of the current era, the three variants of the redesigned Vectron of DB AG (art.no. 25190), Südleasing/SBB (art.no. 25192) and the Danish DSB (art.no. 25194). They're gorgeous: heavy weight, full digital equipment, revised bodies, and impeccable looks - from the prototypical roof garden on top down to the color-contrasting brake discs.
And which models of the fall novelties belong on the podium?
Löffler: My personal highlight of the fall novelties is clearly the newly designed UP steam locomotive 844 (art.no. 25984). This fascinating locomotive is unfortunately often and absolutely unjustly overshadowed by the somewhat better known "Big Boy" and "Challenger" locomotives, but it is just as impressive: an absolutely finely detailed model with many light and sound functions and dynamic steam output. For me, the highlight of this fall.
This interview was conducted with Product Manager Marco Löffler in early September 2021.
