Introduction

Complimenting the release of Trumpeter’s BR86 Dampflokomotive (literally “steam locomotive”) Wings and Wheels has published a definitive reference for the modeler. Unlike the books on armored trains which I reviewed here, this is not a history book, but a true modeler’s walkaround-style reference work. That isn’t to say it isn’t educational: the photographs are accompanied by well-researched explanations and functional descriptions. For example, I learned that the square box in the cab (with all the tubes exiting it) is a grease pump (see picture). These tubes lead to all moving parts of the engine, and provide continuous lubrication.

This is Volume Two of a new series of "Train in detail" books from Wings & Wheels. Volume One will cover the Kriegslok BR 52 (Trumpeter release of a few years ago). Wings and Wheels also has an existing book about the WR 360 C14 (Trumpeter kit WR 360 C12) that will be reviewed shortly.

A Brief History

Some background on the locomotive is in order. This machine was first built in 1928 (86 001) with the last one coming off the production line in 1943. A total of around 775 were built, which is the longest run of any locomotive built in Germany, and saw service in various European countries until the 1980s (they were taken as war reparations).

The BR86 was a general purpose freight hauler, especially-suited to mountain routes. Interestingly, it was not associated with any armored trains, except perhaps to move cars from locale to another. Because it wasn’t armored and was vulnerable to having its boiler pierced by ordinance, it wasn’t suited for a combat role.

A more complete history can be found here, which Google does a nice job of translating.

the review

This is a paperback book of 144 pages. It is a large book, measuring about 11.5” tall by 9.5” wide (29mm x 24mm). All images and illustrations are in color, and average about four per page, so I would estimate there are about 600 all together. All the pictures are of existing, restored locomotives in various German Railroad Museums.

The book is divided into several sections, each of which covers a particular period of service. These are further broken down into specific areas of the locomotive. The service periods covered are:

Late: engine 86 283. This consists of:

• Exterior walk around
• Cab details
• Boiler tanks, compressor and water tank
• Buffer beam, steam cylinder, throttle linkage, brakes, frame and oil pump
• Drive wheel linkages, brake linkages
 
Mid: engines 86 001 and others. This consists of:

• Buffer beam, front frame, lamps and rear frame
• Cab exterior and roof
• Coal scuttle
• Side steps, cross head and steam cylinder
• Frame, fly crank and linkage
• Smoke box, water pre-heater, stack and bell, steam dynamo, water pump and air compressor
• Feed tanks, sand box, boiler fittings and details, water tanks and distribution head
• Interior details, boiler furnace, boiler controls

From various engines:

• Furnace door, power regulator, gauges and controls
• Cab roof, air levers and electric lines
• Lighting details
• More cab interior details
• Fireman compartment
• Grease pump (see picture)

The book concludes with two sections dear to modelers: photos of an excellent model, and paint schemes. The model was built using the older CMK resin kit; however, this book and other sources indicate that the Trumpeter kit is very similar to the CMK. That makes these photos an excellent standard (one of the pictures with this review shows that model). The text includes several indications of where the models fail to correctly represent things. A dozen color schemes are provided that include various periods, including wartime (see pictures).

Conclusion

This book is exactly what it says it is: a Photo Manual for Modelers. Anyone intending to build the Trumpeter or CMK models will find this extremely useful. This is especially true for anyone who intends to correct any deficiencies by scratch-building or use of aftermarket parts. It also provides an excellent education on how a Dampflok was put together.