Version 8613.2B
Version 8613.2
The very simple ARAL two axle dark blue tank car from Märklin has a long proud tradition in the Mini-Club line. Dating back to 1972, six distinctly different cars have appeared in the catalogs without the catalog number changing.
Due to this fact, the earliest cars have become very rare and very much a wanted commodity in the collectors market.
Ztrack subscriber and Z-World web site manager Brian Redman, brought these discrepancies to light. Brain scanned in the images of the six different versions. The scans accompanying this article are from his web site.
Brian has broken down the listing in five different versions.
The oldest version of the ARAL tank car is version #8613.2. This car features the logo in a white square with a blue diamond. It has white brakes and a black number board with white lettering. A matte finish also has been applied to the car. The older version black plastic wheels accompany this car.
Version 8613.2B
Version #8613.2B is essentially the same car, but note, the matte finish has been replaced by a gloss finish.
Version 8613.4
In the third version, 8613.4 we note some more significant changes. ARAL is written diagonally in a white square border. White brakes, black databoard with white lettering and the older version black plastic wheel sets. This car is finished in a dark blue high gloss finish. Note also the text of TARALU and the difference from prior versions.
Version 8613.5
In version 8613.5, we find a white diamond border with the logo inside. The white brakes appear again, with the black databoard and white lettering. The wheelsets have changed at this time from the black plastic to the more typical metal wheelsets. Also note the color difference. The dark blue has been replaced by a lighter blue.
Version 8613.6
Version 8613.6 we see the diamond white logo with border, but no brakes. The data board is black with white lettering. The body color has remained the lighter shade of blue.
Version 8613 current
The final version, simply #8613 is how the car appears today in the current Märklin catalog. The large ARAL log has disappeared, replaced simply by the white diamond logo. The number board continues to remain black with white lettering.
The first four versions of these cars stems from the period between 1972 and the mid 1980s. Many early versions of rolling stock (early 1970s) have such discrepancies and history as the ARAL car. One way to check your collection for these treasured early pieces is to look at the wheels. If they are the black plastic, more than likely you are holding a dated piece in your hand.
The sudden changing of car styles while leaving the number intact was very common before Märklin switched to the extended numbering system. Check your collection, you might be surprised to find an early version mixed in with your rolling stock -Rob Kluz, Ztrack