Prewar Marklin operation

NOT NECESSARILY!  There are difference voltage ranges and some are DC.  do you know the model number? any numbers on the cab? Lightning bolt arrows on the boiler?

Thanks for chiming in, Rob. The loco has no number I can find, but the collector that passed it to me described it as an 890. It does have lightning-bolt markings on the boiler on either side of the stack. Here's a couple of pics:

What do ya think?

Paul R.

Red bolt means that it's 20v . Should be AC, but test it.  if it cogs, then its DC.

@Rob English posted:

Red bolt means that it's 20v . Should be AC, but test it.  if it cogs, then its DC.

Fantastic info, thanks for passing on that knowledge

@Rob English posted:

Red bolt means that it's 20v . Should be AC, but test it.  if it cogs, then its DC.

Thanks, Rob...thanks for the info. What do you mean "cogs"?

Paul

jerky motion back n fourth, which means DC only

Alan

Got it...thanks!

On the track and running great:

Thanks again for the help.

PD

I'm going back many years , a European toy collector - emphasis on Marklin I thought told me that some models used European regulated house voltage - 240V - on the track.  Am I remembering right or confused.  I thought he said a lighting bolt signified that, but I thought the example shown was gold/yellow.

@NHVRYGray posted:

I'm going back many years , a European toy collector - emphasis on Marklin I thought told me that some models used European regulated house voltage - 240V - on the track.  Am I remembering right or confused.  I thought he said a lighting bolt signified that, but I thought the example shown was gold/yellow.

Gold Arrow is High voltage. not sure i would like to run my trains on line voltage! Red Arrow is 20v and there are 4v trains... green arrow, just looked it up.