Hello Members over the world,

This is a kind of tricky question for us as so far no trickies to tricky you !
Just a serious request with as high-lights,
Märklin doesnot know.
Kolls doesnot know.
Tototrains as only possibility did not answer yet!

As a member of a local 3Railforum I happened to be in a discussion about a NL-electric loc with the Mä nr. 3161. (http://wiki.3rail.nl/doku.php?id=modellen:marklin:maerklin_3161)

According the Kolls this type of loc. has been launched by Mä in 1981 (-1983)
There should be one version under this Mä nr.3161.

Now to the question;
Someone in our forum learnt from “someone” that the MEA (Märklin Enthusiasts America) did launch this model 3161 with a special script “10th Anniversary” according their 10 year excistance in 1982..
After searching on Internet we could only find one lead to a possible existance of this loc under the next link; http://www.tototrains.com/dutchspezial.htm. under a catalog nr. 82701. No photo, just a short description , 1982 3161- Class 1200 #1202, MEA.

Question : does anybody have some info about this loc and/or info on the MEA.
Further info; 3Rail is a local Märklin forum in the Netherlands and the Dutch speaking part of Belgium and do have about 2500 members. Early this year we started building up a kind of Wiki for which we use this important information.
Tototrains (above link) has been requested for info on this model but no response yet. In the listing of Tototrains there is a passenger car (nr.81701) incl. pict referring to the basicmodel 4151 which also has something to do with the Anniversary of the MEA. (see incl. part of the car.)

I think MEA have own add lettering '10th Anniversaly MEA with siginal symbol' on 3161 loco but Marklin don't add the lettering.

Right Steven, I've the same idea as far as the passenger car is concerned. The lettering is more white as it is on the standard model.

Wonder if anybody can tell us something about the MEA (Märklin Enthusiasts America) was this an independent Mä Modellovers Club or was it a kind of commercial act of the Mä Dealers in the USA?

Thx for your reply.
Jos (from the nether Netherlands)

The MEA is still active and info can be found here:

http://www.modellbahn.com/

They hold two swap meets every year. One was reported on this forum back in April.

Hello Ray,

In my other reply I've already gave my Thx but can say I did have a telef.conversation for more than a hour with the owner of the mentioned site Herrn Papenberg. He handed me the copy-right for the photo of the loc 3131.2 the MEA special.
His Web-site is very informative.
BTW, I've passed that Rock several times at the time I happened to be a merchant Marine officer heading for places like Denia, Valencia and other for loading oranges a.s.o.

regards
Jos