The Barcelona-based manufacturer Mabar Tren has just released new versions of these emblematic RENFE (ex-NORTE) passenger cars on the market, so we take the opportunity to make a brief review of the evolution of this model.
Cabe recordar que se trata de unos vistosos coches de madera de dos ejes con origen en la Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Norte de España (NORTE), que pasaron a RENFE como parte de la integración de las antiguas compañías en la empresa estatal. Fueron construidos por diversas compañías entre los años 1906 a 1931, constituyendo una amplia y longeva serie de coches que, tras varias reformas, llegaron a funcionar hasta los años 70. En la imagen podemos apreciar un primera clase aún en versión NORTE.
The cars, of a single class, were divided into first class (with five compartments and 29 seats), second class (with six compartments and 50 seats), and third class (with seven compartments and 67 seats). These were partially corridor cars, in which the compartments were originally connected through long external gangways, which were used by the conductors to move from one compartment to another while the train was in motion.
The 1:87 scale model was developed by Mabar Tren over a decade ago. The first two references appeared in March 2007, and two more followed in July of the same year:
- Mabar 81600: Set of three cars of I, II, and III class, with serial numbers Ahv1829, Bhv1650, and Chv1835 respectively. RENFE version. (See image)
- Mabar 81601: Third-class car with serial number Chv1833. RENFE version.
- Mabar 81602: Second-class car with serial number Bhv1668. RENFE version.
- Mabar 81603: Third-class car with serial number Chv1814. RENFE version.
Its success was immediate, surely thanks to being one of the best commercial reproductions of towed material seen up to that moment in the Spanish market. We can appreciate the careful tone of the wood (Photo 1), the perfect reproduction of handles and ladders (2 and 3), the arrangement of brake and lighting elements on the frame (4), and the detailed interior of the cars (5).
We had to wait until August 2014 for new versions, and this time, we could see them for the first time in the NORTE livery. In total, there were four references:
- Mabar 81604: Second-class car with serial number Bhv1665. RENFE version. (JPG7)
- Mabar 81605: First-class car with serial number AFHV 642. NORTE version. (JPG8)
- Mabar 81606: Second-class car with serial number BFHV 654. NORTE version. (JPG9)
- Mabar 81607: Third-class car with serial number CFHV 2110. NORTE version. (JPG10)
And that brings us to the present moment. The new models are presented in two references, returning to the project’s origins, which consist of a set of three cars and an individual case:
- Mabar 81608: Set of three cars of I, II, and III class, with serial numbers Ahv1829, Bhv1652, and Chv1835 respectively. RENFE version. (JPG11)
- Mabar 81609: Third-class car with serial number Chv1680. RENFE version. (JPG12)
The main novelty of these versions is the color of the wood, noticeably lighter than in all previous versions, as seen in the comparison images (JPG13, 14, 15). Interestingly, this small detail alone makes them tremendously attractive and gives them a distinct appearance from their siblings. Otherwise, they remain the same beautiful cars that we know so well, exuding Iberian “era III” charm from every angle.
As a curiosity, it’s worth noting the significant difference in the packaging of the cars, reflecting a clear evolution in the brand’s image, as well as in the interior protection of the models. They have transitioned from being placed in a styrofoam cradle to being fully covered by a double plastic blister (13 and 14).
Only a handful of Iberian models can boast of having such an extensive and well-reproduced family, with a total of 13 different cars… and more to come!
