29300
StLB Electric Loco Train Set





Magnesite has been mined in Breitenau since 1906. At first, it was transported by horse-drawn carts, but this was too expensive. So, in 1913, the 10 km (6.2 mile) railway line from Mixnitz to St. Erhard was inaugurated. In addition to magnesite, the line even carried passengers until 1966. Since 1927, the Steiermärkische Landesbahnen has been charged with operating the line.
From the beginning, two small AEG electric locos, E1 and E2, have been running on the line, and on the 90th anniversary of the railway, many visitors came to admire these machines. In the future, magnesite will continue to be hauled by rail on this line.
You can operate a typical freight train of the Mixnitz-St. Erhard line on your LGB layout as well. The set consists of the model of a small AEG electric loco as well as two freight cars, one of which features a brakeman’s platform. Even the tarpaulins, which are used to protect the load from the weather, have been modeled. The set is a realistic replica of an StLB train, similar to those still in use today.


The Prototype
When Austria’s Lokalbahn Mixnitz-St. Erhard (local railway from Mixnitz to St. Erhard) was inaugurated in 1913, the line was one of the first electric railways anywhere. AEG built two small locos, which hauled the short mixed trains over the 10.4 km (6.5 mile) line. Initially, the two locos were painted green with yellow lining, but for decades, they have worn their current blue livery. Today, these old-time locos continue to operate on the scenic line. While regular passenger traffic was discontinued in 1966, magnesite ore continues to be carried by rail from Breitenau to Mixnitz. The railway uses numerous two-axle gondolas, which are equipped with tarpaulins to protect the load. Today, the railway is operated by the Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (StLB).
In September 2003, the railway celebrated their 90th anniversary with special trips, using passenger cars on loan from other Austrian narrow gauge lines. The future of this historic railway appears secure for the time being: Magnesite will continue to be carried by the railway to avoid the environmental problems associated with truck transport.

The Model
This detailed model features:
- weather-resistant construction
- factory-installed onboard decoder for MTS and analog operation
- opening cab doors
- power control switch
- track or catenary power operation
- protected gearbox with seven-pole Bühler motor
- four powered wheels
- six power pickups
- voltage stabilization circuit with surge protection
- automatic directional lighting
- two multi-purpose sockets with circuit breakers