Marklin has been the leader in train models for the last 15 years. Their American Prototype line brings America’s age of railroads back to life with true-to-life details and exciting innovations. The Starter Set is based on actual New York Central System (NYC) train and comes complete with a diesel locomotive, freight train, transformer, mobile control, track layout, hardware, and detailed book of instructions and tips. With headlights and realistic sound effects, this train is sure to bring any fan back to the time of rail travel. The high-efficiency propulsion and digital control give plenty of control over the train’s movements.

The prototype for this train was the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway class 52 express locomotive (American Locomotive Company type PA-1. Diesel-electric propulsion. Road number 61L). This locomotive comes with a digital decoder, controlled high-efficiency propulsion and auxiliary functions. Two axles power four traction tires. Headlight and lighted number boards will work in conventional operation and can be controlled digitally. Mars light, diesel motor sound effects, horn sounds as well as the acceleration and braking delay can be controlled digitally with the 6021 Control Unit.  “Men are collecting trains in all scales ... They’re connecting to their past and remembering a favorite car or fighting in a war,” commented Shirley Moore, owner of the 53-year-old Talbot’s Toy Land in San Mateo, Calif. She named Marklin as one of her collectors’ favorite brands. "You have two brands in the world of trains with high collectibility: Lionel in the United States and Marklin in global markets," Fred Gates, president of Marklin told TDmonthly.  "They maintain their value." Each year, Marklin produces limited-run items to commemorate a particular historical anniversary.