In 2003 Günther Hödl's Linie8 GmbH of Germany added 1:160 N scale operating models of Siemens Combino articulated trams to its product line, with five models. (Models with 78xxx product numbers instead of 79xxx are unpowered versions.) Linie8 also produced similar HO scale Combino models, plus other designs. Two additional 5-section N-gauge Combino models, for Amsterdam ER and Amsterdam ZR, were later listed by Hödl, but apparently not actually produced. On the N-gauge trams, Hödl handled development and sales, Leopold Halling did the mold design and manufacturing, and Josef Stängl designed the drive.
The N-scale Combino models, while not very detailed physically, are cleverly designed, with the various detailed liveries simply painted onto clear plastic bodyshell sections. The graphics are extremely sharp. The body sections and their roof detail pieces simply press down onto the chassis sections using mounting pins. To model particular prototypes, two different end sections (one more tapered than the other) and variations in the mounting location of the sprung (but unwired) metal pantograph were used. Two trucks are powered by a single motor.
The Combino models were sold in Austria by Leopold Halling GmbH in Halling packaging, and they were also sold in Japan by Dauphin Ltd. in Tramway packaging. The Hiroshima models sold in Japan were offered with multiple vehicle numbers, including 5001, 5002 and 5003. The Erfurt models included a sticker sheet offering several routes and vehicle numbers. The Nagasaki 3-section Combino was used as a “stand-in” model to represent a similar actual Nagasaki tram of Japanese manufacture.
Hödl later warned purchasers that the N scale Combino models might suffer from motor overheating, since the motor was enclosed in the small model shell. It was recommended to not operate the models for long periods, and to check them from time to time. I have never experienced a problem with my Combino models. - R. D. Kerr
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Product: | 79001 Combino Nagasaki 3-Section |
| Year Made: | 2003-20?? | |
| City/System: | Nagasaki Electric Tramway | |
| Colors: | White/black/blue | |
| Vehicle No.: | ||
| Writing: | ||
| Notes: | Wide ends; stand-in model for Japanese-built prototype. | |
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Product: | 79002 Combino Hiroshima 5-Section |
| Year Made: | 2003-20?? | |
| City/System: | Hiroshima Electric Railway | |
| Colors: | Green/black/gray | |
| Vehicle No.: | ||
| Writing: | ||
| Notes: | Wide ends. | |
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Product: | 79006 Combino Erfurt 5-Section |
| Year Made: | 2003-20?? | |
| City/System: | Erfurt Stadtbahn | |
| Colors: | Red/black/white | |
| Vehicle No.: | Choose Veh. No. and Route/Line from sticker sheet | |
| Writing: | ||
| Notes: | Tapered ends; doors on right side only. | |
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Product: | 79007 Combino Erfurt 3-Section |
| Year Made: | 2003-20?? | |
| City/System: | Erfurt Stadtbahn | |
| Colors: | Red/black/white | |
| Vehicle No.: | Choose Veh. No. and Route/Line from sticker sheet | |
| Writing: | ||
| Notes: | Tapered ends; doors on right side only. | |
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Product: | 79009 Combino Ulm 5-Section |
| Year Made: | 2003-20?? | |
| City/System: | Stadtwerke Ulm / Neu Ulm GmbH | |
| Colors: | White/black/gray/blue | |
| Vehicle No.: | ||
| Writing: | ||
| Notes: | Tapered ends; doors on right side only. | |
