The V36.4 is our first model railroad locomotive. Designed for both 2-rail DC or digital operation (NMRA DCC).

Ready to run:
  • with back EMF load control
  • with directional constant lighting
  • with remote controlled couplers

All the same features are available in both DC or digital!

Series V36.4, "ugly duckling". In the  50's-60's it was seen throughout the whole German federal territory.

Model of the model

The model represents a reproduction of a series of 18 locomotives, which MaK Kiel manufactured. This series differ from the previous by an extended axle base and a completely welded construction. Our model locomotive, the V36.413 was built in the period between 1957 and 1959 in Friedberg (Hessen).

Characteristics

Our model of the V36.4 is built to a scale of 1:87 (HO Scale). The locomotive is designed to operate on both conventional two-rail DC. layouts and on NMRA DCC digitally controlled layouts. In both operating modes you can use:

The V36.4 model is build from the ground-up to with these electronic features in mind. Instead of adding the electronics to an existing model, we build the model from the ground up with operation in mind.  The result is a superior running model with all the latest advances in electronics.

Both the front and the rear couplers can be operated by remote control.  They are designed for the use with the NEM loop and hook coupler system.  Tips for adjusting couplers to provide the best operation of your cars couplers are included with the model.

Conventional DC operation

The V36.4 model locomotive can be operated on two-rail DC layouts and all the advanced features are still available!
The locomotive motor is designed to not start until approx. 5V is on the rails. The lighting and the coupler operation is available at a lower voltage. It is therefore possible to leave the locomotive stopped on the layout with the headlights on.
When you increase the DC track voltage above 5 volts, the locomotive will start moving. The back emf load-sensitive regulation kicks in to allow very smooth slow speed operation without jerking.

The remote control control coupler is activated using a simple circuit trick:

A simple momentary switch is used to switch the track voltage from the normal DC track voltage to alternating AC voltage. Electronics in the locomotive reacts and activates the coupler. The switch is only activated long enough to activate the coupler.

 

 Circuit for the clutch
The uncoupling process works as follows:

The rotary speed knob on the control unit is moved until until the lamps light up. Select the direction so that the lights away from the car are lit. The locomotive will not move yet.

Activate the coupler switch for the duration of the coupler operation.  During this time AC voltage is fed to the track. The coupler arm lowers itself, the locomotive will also move slowly  approx. 5mm away from the car being uncoupled.

The principle of uncoupling

Digital operation

In digital operation the model can be controlled via any NMRA-DCC conforming system.

Of course, the back-emf load-sensitive regulation is always active during digital operation.

Four further functions can be used:

Uncouple:
The locomotive is driven up to the place, where it is to be uncoupled. Now the locomotive is brought to a stop and the direction set so that when moved it will move away from the car being uncoupled.  With F1 the uncoupling process is activated: The hook lowers itself, and the locomotive creeps approx. 5mm away from the car being uncoupled.

Couple:
The locomotive is driven to a point directly in front of the car, which is to be coupled. With F2 the coupling process is activated: The coupler hook lowers, and the locomotive creeps approx. 5mm toward cars. When the coupling process is complete the lowered hook is lifted under the coupler loop of the car to engage the coupler. In this way a car can be coupled, without any movement of the car.

V36.4 Manual in PDF format