Product Features and Details
Prototype: In the early 1900s traffic was increasing on the Höllentalbahn and the IXa locomotives were not able to meet the demand. In 1910 the Maschinenfabrik Esslingen delivered the first Adhesion/Rack and Pinion Locomotive Class IXb. The Badische IXb's were stationed in Freiburg and were used in both passenger and freight service. They were primarily used as pusher locomotives because the grades through the Höllental valley were very steep. The IXb's weighted 57 tons and had a top adhesion speed of 45 km/h and 23 km/h using the cog gear, they were in service until 1933, the Deutsche Reichsbahn classified them as BR 97.2. The were finally replaced in the mid thirties by the powerful BR 85 Tank Locomotives.
Model: Micro Metakit introduced the plans to build the IXb adhesion/rack locomotive three years ago and finally they will be delivered this year. The model is a functional moving work of art. It features a complete and functional inner rack system and runs with a double motion drive, just like the prototype. The outer drive rods move slower, at half the speed as the inner rods, because the inner rods need to run faster to power the cog gears. Most other brass manufactures would not go through the trouble to replicate this complicated running mechanism but the masters at Micro Metakit make it possible. This double motion movement is very impressive, a functional running performance like this is definitely not found in models from other manufactures. Model also features a brushless can motor, full cab interiors, sprung loaded puffers and much more. The #11204H is an Era II 1926 DRG version which is painted in the black and red livery. Model is very limited only 20 will be produced worldwide.
