V200: Conversion to digital operation complete

The digital conversion of the V200, Maerklin model 3021 is done. Since I had the lights and decoder working already, I just needed to put shell and chassis back together.

Here is a quick run-by in Talheim with an express train made up from appropriate vintage tin plate passenger cars.


This is the last post on the V200 conversion. The earlier posts are part 1, part 2, and part 3.

V200: Lights

Since I already decided that I would rip out the analog insides of this Maerklin 3021 and put a decoder in I did not want to keep the original light package either. I do want to do the model justice and keep the outside appearance as it was manufactured in 1958, thus I'll refrain from drilling out the 3rd headlight which is merely suggested by a bit of silver paint, as much as that offends my prototype instincts.

Light-board Mark I

I built a new light-board from some strip board and DCC-friendly 14V miniature light bulbs. I used some stacked styrene bits and double-sided tape to mount the board inside the locomotive shell, carefully paying attention to leave enough room for the motor assembly right next to it.

Light-board Mk I mounted in the shell

I hooked up my workbench 12V power supply and ... was underwhelmed.

Yes, the lights look ok. In fact they are looking better than with the original light package, but if I'm going through all this trouble might as well choose something with less maintenance burden. I remembered that I still have a pack of 3mm warm-white LEDs in my supply cabinet, and built a light-board with two LEDs arranged in series, protected by a 1.5kOhm resistor. After taking the photo I glued the stack of styrene and double-sided tape to the light-board assembly and mounted it the same way as the first one.

Light-board Mark II

The light looks similar and this was a somewhat pointless exercise after all, but now the old lady has LED lights. Woot.

Time to wire up the lights with the decoder in the chassis and see how well this all works on the layout.

V200: D E U T S C H E B U N D E S B A H N

The paint on the V200 Maerklin 3021 is showing signs of its age and eventful life.

This doesn't look particularly good as a close up, but the impression of the locomotive improved dramatically from merely fixing up the lettering on the side. At the moment I'm not planning to do a wholesale repaint of the body of the loco but rather leave most of the scruff marks. After all, it's almost 60 years old. It's allowed to have a few wrinkles.

[Part 1 of this conversion]

Playing with V200

This is Maerklin's 3021 model of V200 006. This model must have been produced around 1958, since Maerklin used the 200 006 number only from the introduction of the model in 1957 to 1959 (see this link for a description of the various model versions).
I've installed an Uhlenbrock 76200 multi-protocol decoder which also has cabling for driving the original Maerklin motors without turning them into a DC motor first as I usually do.

And yes, the old lady is now being tested on the Welztalbahn.