Märklin BR 245 HO Scale Model Locomotive

Information about the Prototype

The German Railroad (DB) sought a replacement for the class 218 diesel locomotives, which had been in service for nearly four decades. The new locomotives needed to efficiently haul medium-weight regional passenger and freight trains. Bombardier offered the class 246 single-motor diesel locomotive from the Traxx family, which had proven successful in Metronom bi-level trains between Hamburg and Cuxhaven. Due to new exhaust regulations, further production of the class 246 was challenging. Bombardier's solution was to equip the locomotives with four smaller, individual diesel motors that met the EU Stage III B exhaust regulations. This led to the development of the class 245. The DB signed a framework agreement with Bombardier for 200 class 245 locomotives. DB Regio ordered 20 units for regional services in Frankfurt/Main, Mühldorf, and Kempten. These locomotives can reach 160 km/h (100 mph) and are powered by four six-cylinder Caterpillar CAT C18 diesel motors, producing a total output of 2,252 kW (3,062 horsepower). The DB long-distance passenger service group also ordered seven additional units to replace class 218 locomotives on the Sylt shuttles, with one class 245 replacing two class 218 units.

Safety Notes

• This locomotive should only be operated with a compatible operating system (Märklin AC, Märklin Delta, Märklin Digital, or DCC).
• Use only switched-mode power supply units and transformers designed for your local power system.
• The locomotive must be powered by a single source.
• Adhere strictly to the safety instructions in your operating system's manual.
• For conventional operation, the feeder track must be equipped with an interference suppression set (e.g., 74046). This set is not suitable for digital operation.
• Do not expose the model to direct sunlight, extreme temperature changes, or high humidity.
• WARNING! Sharp edges and points may be present due to functional design. The LEDs comply with Laser Class 1 according to EN 60825-1.

Important Notes

• The operating instructions and packaging are integral parts of the product and should be kept and passed on with the product.
• For repairs or spare parts, contact your authorized Märklin dealer.
• Warranty conditions are detailed on the included warranty card.
• Disposal information is available at: www.maerklin.com/en/imprint.html

Functions

• Automatic recognition of the operating mode.
• Mfx technology for Mobile Station / Central Station.
• Factory set name: DB AG 245 006
• Factory set address: MM 24 / DCC 03
• Locomotive parameters (address, acceleration/braking delay (ABV), maximum speed) can be set via Control Unit, Mobile Station, or Central Station.
• Direction-dependent headlights.
• In analog operation, only driving and headlight changeover functions are available.
• Various controllable functions.

Note on Digital Protocols: The digital protocol with the most features is the highest priority. The sequence of digital protocols in descending order of priority is: mfx, DCC, MM. If multiple digital protocols are detected on the track, the decoder automatically selects the highest priority protocol. For example, if both mfx and DCC are detected, mfx will be used. Individual protocols can be deactivated using Parameter CV 50.

Controllable Functions

The following functions can be controlled via different Märklin control units:

Parameter (CV) Overview

* () Values for Control Unit 6021/Mobile Station 60651/60652

CV 50 Alternative Protocols

This table shows how to set alternative protocols using CV 50:

Parts List and Diagrams

The document includes exploded view diagrams and a parts list for the locomotive and double-decker wagons. The parts list details components such as antennas, decoders, motors, lighting units, and couplings, along with their respective part numbers. Some parts may be supplied unpainted or in different colors and can only be repaired by the Märklin repair service if not listed.

General Note to Avoid Electromagnetic Interference: A permanent, flawless wheel-rail contact is crucial for reliable operation. Do not modify any current-conducting parts.