Okay, not exactly. But for about ten years now, Maerklin has been re-issuing a number of their classic locomotives and tinplate passenger cars in response to a demand for simpler, robust -- as in, less detail therefore less worry about breaking fine, delicate trim parts -- items with traditional styling albeit with digital capabilities (as far as the locomotives are concerned).
I'm not one for reproductions in general, but I couldn't resist this set. The locomotive is equipped with a basic decoder controlling lights and direction -- no sound -- along with a 5-pole design traditonal-style motor. The coaches are constructed of sheet metal and feature great paint and crisp lettering. As a bonus, included in the four-car set is a baggage car (not available previously), as well as two additional coaches that were never produced before.
Having served the latter part of my military service in Italy, this set was one I just couldn't pass up as it will complement my existing original tinplate HO items Maerklin produced in the '60s and '70s.
