No ladies and gentlemen, your eyes do not deceive you.  If you look closely at the photograph, you do indeed see a small Mercedes-Benz model train photoshopped on top of an S-Class hood.

In an effort to appeal to the millions of model train fans throughout the world, Mercedes is releasing a limited edition freight train consisting of a locomotive and, are you ready for this - three double-decker transport carriages holding 24 silver chromium-plated S-Class models. According to the press release, the models will be in 1/87 scale and feature the utmost attention to detail.  Only 1,200 model trains are scheduled to be produced, and they'll set you back about $760 bucks.

Well I definitely know what I'm asking Santa for this year - a shiny new bike and a Mercedes-Benz model train. I hope I haven't been a naughty boy this year, because my mommy said if I misbehave Santa will put coal in my stocking.

Check out the full press release below.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Model Vehicle Freight Train Marks Première Of The New S-Class: All Tracks Clear For The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class



Stuttgart, Sep 14, 2005

On occasion of the new S-Class to be premièred at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH presents a limited exclusive H0 gauge model vehicle freight train edition of 1,200 units only. The train consists of a series-182 locomotive and three double-decker car transport carriages holding a total of 24 silver chromium-plated new S-Class models in the 1/87 scale. All models are handcrafted and excel in their attention to detail and their elegant workmanship.
‘Be ahead’: this is the self-evident ambition of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In clear keeping with its predecessors’ tradition, this new vehicle generation, too, will set benchmarks in the luxury segment. The S-Class vehicle freight train is a shining example of innovative model making on a ‘small scale’ and a coveted collector’s item at the same time; the partners ‘Maerklin’ and ‘Herpa’ guarantee superior quality and utmost attention to detail. The digital design of the series-182 Maerklin locomotive was produced in co-operation with the Mercedes-Benz Design Centre in Sindelfingen. The anthracite-painted locomotive sports the silhouette of the new S-Class and the message ‘Be ahead. The new S-Class’. Details such as the printed-on internal code number 182 221-9 indicate a clear reference to the vehicle, too: 182 is Deutsche Bahn AG’s code designating a locomotive; 221 is the internal model series number of the S-Class, while the numeral 9 reveals that this is the ninth generation of premium sedans built after the war.



Each one of the three car transport carriages carries eight S-Class model cars crafted manually with extreme care at Herpa on the basis of original vehicle data. Each model consists of more than 20 individual pieces; with a stunning attention to detail. The models do not only show a precise copy of the interior but also feature delicate trim strips, exemplary wheel rims and a chromium radiator grille with a free-standing Mercedes star. The elegant silver-chromium plating of the body underlines the emphasis on the supreme quality and exclusiveness of the model cars. The enormous technical effort and the innovations seen on the small-scale versions correspond to the ambition pursued by the new standard-scale S-Class.

The S-Class vehicle freight train edition is limited to a total of 1,200 units, 200 of which come with Trix systems for DC model railroaders. The chromium-plated S-Class models have been exclusively produced for the vehicle freight train; identically designed individual miniature copies of the luxury-class sedan will not be available. In Germany, the train will sell for € 599,- a piece and will be exclusively available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners. Sales will start in September 2005.

Copyright © 2005, Daimler Chrysler AG