Austrian Pre-War Train Set

[Pressure]

I obtained the o-gauge train set pictured here in Zurich. It has no markings, but was believed to have been made by a company called Gnadler in Austria during the period of 1935-38.  I have been unable to find any information about this manufacturer or train set. Would any of you be able to tell me anything them? Also, it runs on Gargraves with a ZW transformer, but becomes a bit hot. Any thoughts on that? Many thanks.

[dknelson]

A Google search shows that Gnadler trains are sometimes sold on the German version of Ebay.  In one case they seemed to be asking a very reasonable price so I gather from that that these are not hugely valuable.  Then agian perhaps the condition was not as nice as yours seems to be.

I typed in Gnadler trains and Gnadler Eisenbahn for my search terms.  Found some toy train museums where the word appears but my utter lack of German prevented me from looking more.  If you have a German speaking friend there does appear to be some info on the internet about these trains.

Dave Nelson

 

[dwiemer]

I know I am not much, but have you tried to submit your question to the folks at CTT magazine? I know they have a extensive library and perhaps can answer your question. It looks like a nice set, good luck.
Dennis

[martinden]

FWIW, there are on-line translators available. I've never tried to use one, have no idea what URLs, but it might be worth looking into with a Google search.

[More to restore]

Hello everybody,

I never heard of Gnadler before so this made me curious. I surfed the German and Austrian web via Google advanced search options :de :at and found the following sites for you:

 

www.buchklub.at/magazine/gorilla/hoffnungsreich/modelleisenbahn.doc

http://www.bahnmuseum.at/uebersicht1.htm

http://members.aon.at/reittinger/homepage1

http://members.aon.at/rhorvat7/html/gnadler_lokomotiven_teilesuche_0.html

 

The first site states the following:

"In der ZWISCHENKRIEGSZEIT gab es in Österreich zwar einige Firmen, insgesamt gesehen aber nur eine wenig umfangreiche Modellbahn-Produktion, v. a. weil sich nur sehr wenige Leute dieses Hobby leisten konnten.

Richard GNADLER "GNADLER" 1921 - 1972 Blecheisenbahnen Spur 0, Uhrwerk und elektrisch"

This translates into: "In the era between WWI and WWII there were few producers (of toy trains) in Austria. Overall their production was very limited, due to the fact that very few inhabitants could afford this hobby in these days. Richard GNADLER "Gnadler" from 1921 - 1972 tin toy trains in gauge 0, clockwork and electrical powered"

On another site they claim that Gnadler made gauge 1 items as well. The photos show fairly straight forward items. So, taken overall Gnadler trains are not ubiquitous, also not in German speaking countries and hence bidding is usually high on ebay.de and ebay.at. Seems that you found yourself a nice toy: enjoy it!

Best regards,

Eggo 

 

 

[apatahunga]

I know it has been 4 years since you posted your message on Gnadler. Do you still have the set? I think it is a set Made in Czechoslovakia. I just received few Gnadler pieces and they look different. Many thanks for your post and reply.