Restoring a 1978 Märklin Dealer Layout
Apparently the principal national Märklin dealerships in each country had a demonstration layout based on the 8930 toporama. This layout utilised the standard basic and extension kits, and showcased all of the model buildings available in the Z range at that time. The layout did not however include a turntable, transfer table or road level crossing, nor did it feature any signals or relays. This one was supplied to Haseldens Hobbies & Cycles in Palmerston North in May 1978. At that time, Haseldens was located in Main St, but the following year they moved to new premises in The Square, Palmerston North. The model was supplied by H.W. Clarke Ltd, a distributor that also stocked radios, refrigerators and other electrical appliances. I purchased this off TradeMe in early 2020. Only two of the nine points were operational, many of the catenary mast bases and wire trees were rusted out and at some point a heavy weight - probably a transformer - had been dropped on the catenary, crush