The model of Germany's very first steam locomotive is a classical Trix model. Even on layouts modelings later eras, it can be used as a historic train.

However: if you want a model on the current stand of model railway technology, you should look for the Insider Club model Märklin and Trix offered in 2001. There ist only one thing both models have in commen: the same prototype. The 2001 model reaches the standart of small-series productions, it has a lot finde details.

In a comparision with this super-detailed model, the old Trix model must loose.It represents the stand of model train technology in the mid-1960ies. Moreover, it's not hold in exact 1:87 scale: in fact, it is 1:64! It's motorized with a Perma standart motor, which can't meet today's requirements for driving characteristics.

Nevertheless, the model is still worth to be rebuild and re-motorized, it's not very difficult at all. Like nearly all conversion of Trix engines before, also this one is basing on a Trix International model. On the one hand, Trix Express models are much more expensive than those of the International series; on the other hand, the conversion of a Trix Express model becomes more exprensive, too, because all wheels have to be replaced.

For a certain period of time, Trix has also offered a version for AC-operation. However, this model was operated with DC on Märklin tracks. There's a special switch box containing a rectifier and a switch for changing direction of travel.

However, these models didn't remain in programe for a long time. But, never mind, Trix International models are easy to convert! 

The loco has no motor! Die-hard markliners who even reject the finely detailed Fleischmann steamers because they have the motor in the tender, will be shocked if they here that the old Trix Adler train is being driven by its first passanger car! But this was the stand of model train technology in the mid-1960ies: because of a lack of fitting, smaller N-gauge motors, they used the HO-gauge motors they had. The models were built around the motors. What has to be changed at the loco now? Not much! Only check the wheel sets, if they have the fitting distance between the wheels on the axle: 13,8 mm. If not, you have to correct it.

The three coaches are permanantly coupled.
	The original wheel contacts can be dismantled. Instead you have to put the wheelsets into an new position, so that they have electrical contact with both rails.
	The pickup shoe is screwed under the middle car. It's the Märklin #7164 pickup shoe.
	The bottom side of the driven car.
	Why replacing the old motor? The original Perma motor doesn't meet any of today's requirements of good driving characterisics. We know this motor already from other conversions. The new motor is a Mabuchi. It is offered by  Heiko Mehnert for about 30 €. The Faulhaber conversion kit from SB-Modellbau is an alternative, but it is three times as expensive as the Mabuchi conversion. In my case, that conversion kit would have cost more than the train itself! The results of the Mabuchi conversion, are, in fact, excellent. If one wants to run his Adler train digitally, he must replace the old motor in every case: the old motor has a very high currency consumption, to much for most decoders.
	In the middle car we find enough room for the installation of a reversing unit or of a decoder. However, for older Märklin decoders, there could be too less room: they are much bigger than modern decoders.

Another successful conversion could be finished. Even if there were some problems at first, and even if the model can't be compared with the new Trix model, and the scale is too large (consider: only a few people will ever realize that - as long as there is no Adler model which are true to scale on your layout they can compare it with!): for the operation on the layout, we got an interesting model! 

Disclaimer: I can not be hold responsible by any damages you cause, by following my instructions. What you are doing, you are doing it at your own risk!