Prototype - marklin Kof II Mode D'emploi

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Prototype

These locomotives were far from sufficient for their intended service.
Therefore, beginning in 1948 the DB ordered another 731 Köf II locomotives
from different builders. The postwar units do not differ from the earlier loco-
motives externally or in dimensions, but they did benefit from various detail
improvements such as welded frames and superstructures. Starting in 1954
almost all new Köf II units were equipped with air brakes. This allowed the
maximum speed of 30 km/h (18.75 m.p.h.) to be raised to 45 km/h
(28.13 m.p.h.).
In the 1950's older units were modernized at the same time that new locomoti-
ves were being purchased. The power transmission and motors were standar-
dized to a large extent and most units were gradually retrofitted with air brakes.
Some of the Köf II were equipped with a second main air tank. Switching coup-
lers were also installed. Beginning in 1966 the locomotives were equipped as a
group with electric warning bells and beginning in 1970 the cabs were equipped
with side windows and doors so that they could be heated.
Class 321 = mechanical brakes,
max. speed = 30 km/h (18.75 m.p.h.)
Class 322 = air brakes,
max. speed = 30 km/h (18.75 m.p.h.)
Class 323/324 = air brakes,
max. speed = 45 km/h (28.13 m.p.h.)
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At this time the German Federal Railroad had more than 1,000 Group II
small locomotives.
The Köf II is in use not only on the DB, but also on many other domestic and
foreign railroads, in Switzerland for example. In addition, on many privately
owned railroad, museum railroads and industrial railroads.
The prototype of Märklin's 5574 is the DB locomotive 323 021-6, the former
Köf 4918, built in 1938 by Deutz under the factory number 20064/38.
Köf 6124 was built in 1951. During its service life it was successively
assigned to Hanau, Dillenburg, Opladen, Oberhausen and Oberhausen-
Osterfeld Süd. At the beginning of the 1980s this locomotive was restored as
a museum locomotive to its original condition with a black paint scheme and
Era III lettering.