Seen More Detailed: Simplifications Of Primex Lokomotives
 

This site show the simplifications which were typical for the Primex models of the first years more detailed. As an example, the Primex model of the BR 23, #3097 is compared with the original Märklin model #3005. Before Primex brought out this simplified BR 23, Märklin already offered a nearly identical loco under the same number (#3097). Nonetheless, there's no better loco for a comparision than this one!

The models #3191 and #33005 which were offered later on, weren't simplified in any way, there were even improved versions compared to the original model #3005.

   
     
Primex 3097
Märklin 3005
     
A complete view of both models
     
   

These pictures show the simplifications on the chassis: parts of the valve gear rods have been omitted (the eccentric crane etc.). What can not be seen on the pictures: even the gears have been simplified! The model 3005 is driven on all three driving axles by gear wheels, the model 3097 only on the last one!

 
Look at the lettering of model 3005 - and then on the "lettering" of model 3097.... Also the gangplanks of #3097 are not painted red, like on #3005. What can not be seen on the pictures: the cab's back side of model 3005 is closed by a special back wall which is missing on model 3097.
 
The loco's front part has also be "slimmed" - running board sets and handrails are missing.
 

The tender has not only "simplified" letterings, the bogies are made of imbued plastic which can be seen on first sight. And while the #3005 has a loop-and-hook coupler (Märklin calls this kind of couplers "Relex couplers") the #3097 is only equiped with a simple hook coupler.