East German Workhorse – DBAG Class
143/DR Class 243 in N Scale
Hi there. I am back. This time with an overview of one of a current DBAG loco.
Two 143 engines in current DBAG livery. Source: wikipedia commons |
Starting in 1990, the now renamed Class 143 (the first
digit 1 indicates electric locomotives, 2 is for diesels at DB) started
appearing all over Western Germany as well. In particular, the locomotives soon
proved to be extremely reliable and effective for regional and S-Bahn trains,
outperforming the DB Class 111 in many areas. Although over 250 units have been
scrapped already – the lightweight aluminum construction means that many otherwise
minor collisions result in irreparable damage to the frame – due to the sheer
numbers produced, the 143 still is very much an everyday sight, pulling
regional trains across all parts of Germany. In addition, a handful are now in
freight operations with a number of private operators, such as RBH and MEG.
DBAG Class 143 in N Scale
An earlier Arnold 143 model issued prior to the Hornby takover in traffic red Era V livery but with wrong red pantographs |
Not long after the 143s invaded and spread out over the
West, in 1992 both Roco and Minitrix produced N Scale models of this
locomotive, shortly followed the next year by Arnold. All three models have
been continually updated and reissued over the years in all of the most
frequent liveries: original dark red DR colors; orange/grey S-Bahn livery;
orient red, as well as the current traffic red. MEG and RBH liveries were made
by special order on the Arnold model.
When I shopped around for models of this locomotive, I was
strongly advised by German forum users against the Minitrix model. It has
somewhat inaccurate dimensions and axle spacing. It is also the only one not to
have been updated with a newer motor with flywheel and accordingly has the
worst driving characteristics. Since I never bought any of Minitrix’ models I
cannot provide any further details on it.
Innards of old (bottom) and new (top) Arnold models |
Under Hornby management, Arnold in 2011 reissued its 143
in current Era VI lettering and updated with operational red marker lights, a
NEM651 decoder socket, as well as a new 5-pole motor with two huge flywheels.
Two years later, Fleischmann reissued the former Roco model, likewise updated
with marker lights, BEM651 socket, close coupling mechanism, but with
Fleischmann’s trusty 3-pole motor and a small single flywheel. Shortly after,
Fleischmann also produced a full DCC sound version with sound decoder by Zimo.
Comparing the Arnold/Hornby and Fleischmann/Roco models in
their latest incarnation, the result is more or less an overall tie. Which
model suits you better will depend on your individual preferences and
willingness for compromise in certain areas. Visually, the two are very similar
in overall accuracy, detailing, printing and looks. I would give a slight leg
up to Arnold on the visuals due to the somewhat crisper details and due to
Fleischmann’s continuing use of Roco’s huge and clunky pantographs.
Fleischmann (left) with correct inner marker lights. Arnold (right) with wrong outer marker lights. Note the much higher Roco pantographs on the Fleischmann model. |
Fleischmann did, however, do one thing correctly that
Arnold managed to screw up: on the Fleischmann model the correct (inner) lights
light up as the marker lights, while on the Arnold model the red light comes
out of same lights as the white headlights. This is an unfortunate blight on an
otherwise really exquisite model, as the configuration of the taillights is
rather characteristic on this locomotive since it is so frequently seen pushing
regional trains. Due to lack of foresight as well as the limitations of the
6-pin NEM651 socket, neither model permits turning off the lights on one end
without extensive soldering and rewiring, so you invariably end up illuminating
the first coach.
The current Fleischmann reissue of the Roco model. |
In terms of
performance, the Arnold model easily outclasses the Fleischmann model. In analog
use, the two sizeable flywheels of the Arnold, along with its fine five-pole
motor, give it superb low speed handling characteristics and smooth
acceleration and deceleration. Out of the box, my particular Fleischmann 143
had a misaligned flywheel that produced a noticeably uneven run and required
return to the shop and realignment. Once fixed, it performed much better, but
still nowhere near as smoothly as the Arnold. The differences are somewhat less
pronounced in digital operation. I have a Doehler & Haas DH10 installed in
the Fleischmann and an ESU LokPilot Micro 4.0 in the Arnold and the DH decoder
manages to tame the Fleischmann very well so that realistic acceleration and
deceleration is possible. Overall, I still prefer the handling of the Arnold.
The other area where Arnold gets an unfortunate and rather
serious demerit is accessibility for maintenance. The Fleischmann/Roco
construction is rather simple – though, as is typical for Roco, a bit quirky –
to disassemble: you pull out the four bumpers and then you can easily pull off
the shell. The circuit board is on top and the decoder socket is centrally
located for easy access and leaving ample space for the decoder of your choice.
The current Arnold/Hornby model. The new issue has correct grey pantographs. |
Not so the Arnold. To open that model, you have to spread
the sides of the shell and pull off the shell – so far, so normal – but then
you have to pull out the headlight/marker light units, which are held in place
inside the shell by the clear plastic light attachments and which are tied to
the circuit board by soldered wires. Pull too hard and the soldering joints will
come apart. Trying to reassemble this thing afterwards is a nightmare.
Additionally, as is common with many early 90s Arnold designs (103, 152, ICE3
etc.) the circuit board is inexplicably located underneath the chassis, where
it is prone to have contacts gunked up by lubricant from the nearby bogies. Decoder
installation requires complete disassembly of the entire locomotive and space
for the decoder is limited. The ESU LokPilot micro is just about the largest
decoder you will want to try to fit there, as it fills out the space entirely.