Marklin by MTH Tinplate No. 2036 GB Leipzig Station Platform Hall Set 10-1029
Works With Any AC Transformer. Contains (2) Platform Sections, (3) Roof Sections, (1) Wall, (6) Track Clips, (2) Lighting Kits. In 1915, construction on Europe's largest terminal station was completed in the center of Leipzig City (Saxony). The new Main Station was in fact, a double station operated by two State Railroads before they were merged into the German Reichsbahn.
The structure was huge, measuring 298 m (326 yd) in length and featured platform access to 26 tracks. Naturally, this real-life station caught the attention of Märklin who wished to receate its essence for the world of models and toys. Though delayed by WWI, two designs of the Leipzig station finally appeared in the 1919 - 1920 catalog as O Gauge and I Gauge tinplate gems. The famous tin-plate masterpieces were featured in Märklin catalogs until 1930.
But no catalog indicated the name of "Leipzig". The official denotation was: "Großstadtbahnhof" (Big City Station) or "Bahnhof-Anlage" (Station Complex). However, architecture, style, and appearance left no doubt about the model's heritage: the "City" was meant to be "Leipzig".
Of course a full scale model would have been impossible to recreate. A 1:45 reproduction would have measured 6.70 m (22') in length. In those years, the size of toy train accessories was not determined by an exact scale factor, but by the gauge and the size of the railways.
A station had to match the track and the trains and it had to give an impression of the prototype. And it had to show the harmony of the original by incorporating unique details of real life and play value within the world of toy trains. And the incognito "Leipzig" City Station had all these features - it was convincing and fascinating. All "Leipzig" models were made from high-class materials and hand assembled. Original catalog descriptions included: "Sterling models in durable design" and "Fine handpainting" to help reinforce the value of every single item manufactured.
The 1929 price of the full-feature I Gauge version was 250 Reichsmark. This was about 1/10 of a contemporary German compact car like the Opel 4/18 (Greenback) or the BMW 3/15 (DIXI). Long considered precious, expensive and unattainable for many customers, the "Leipzig" Station was exclusive and layouts with it were respectfully admired. After WWII, the "Leipzig" Stations became more and more a favorite of collectors. Most lucky owners refuse to part with it so locating one today in good condition is difficult.
As a result, their value has steadily increased. Owners of the legendary "Leipzig" Station or its reproduction from M.
Electric Trains can now expand the station with the Station Platform Hall. Featuring a rear wall, two platforms with arching "glass" roofs, operating interior lamps and track clips, the Platform Hall completes the magnificent Leipzig station to its full glory. Configure the Platform Hall in parallel with the station and add additional platforms as desired.
