The Austrian Federal Railways (BBÖ) decided as early as the Twenties to electrify its most important routes as fast as possible. The seven class 1100 (class 1089 on the ÖBB) mountain express train locomotives developed on the basis of a Swiss prototype especially for the grades in the mountains were delivered to the BBÖ in 1923/24. The 20,350 mm / 66 foot 9 inch long units consisted of two close coupled sets of driving wheels, on which a short machinery bridge with a transformer, a sliding relay, and two cabs was mounted with articulation. The name Crocodile quickly entered popular conversation due to the locomotive's long, low, and narrow hoods on the driving groups of wheels. These units looked the most like a crocodile of all Crocodiles. Since this locomotive turned out so well, nine more units were delivered in 1926/27 as road numbers 1100.101-109 (ÖBB: 1189.01-09). They reached a higher speed due to an altered gear reduction and were equipped with more powerful motors.

Prototype: Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) class 1189 Austrian Crocodile electric locomotive. Blood orange basic paint scheme. Road number 1189.02. The locomotive looks as it did in the mid/end of the Seventies.
Model: The locomotive has a digital decoder and extensive sound and light functions. It also has controlled, high-efficiency propulsion with a flywheel, centrally mounted. Two axles in both drive frames powered using cardan shafts. Traction tires. The running gear is articulated for negotiating curves. Triple headlights and a red marker light change over with the direction of travel, will work in conventional operation, and can be controlled digitally. The lighting can be switched to a white marker light. The headlights at Locomotive Ends 2 and 1 can be turned off separately in digital operation. There is a double A light function. Cab lighting and engine room lighting can be controlled separately in digital operation. Maintenance-free, warm white and red LEDs are used for the lighting. There is highly detailed metal construction with many separately applied details. Brake hoses and prototype couplers are included separately for installation on the locomotive. Length over the buffers approximately 23.4 cm / 9-3/16.

Freight car sets to go with this locomotive can be found under item number 24121 in the and under item number 46231 in the Märklin H0 assortment at Ajckids.com with information about the required exchange wheelsets. These car sets are being issued with new car numbers in 2024.This model can be found in an AC version in the Märklin H0 assortment at Ajckids.com under item number 39090.