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Roco

With a 68-page A4-size new items brochure and a press release that reports that they have just exceeded their financial forecast for the past year, with modest growth predicted in the current year, Roco are keen to present a confident programme.

The new items brochure illustrates a number of proposals with prototype pictures, as usual, if perhaps a few more than in past years, but by the time of the trade fair there is often evidence of progress with some of these models, and advance samples to be photographed.

While some companies do flag new tooling or highlights, Roco remain the only concern to note the status of all planned models: all-new (FN), modified tooling (FV), altered livery and markings versions (F&B), and simple re-releases (WD).

Under the banner of ‘Innovation Studies’, a video screen in the centre of the display ran an interesting presentation that could have been cleverly animated - but below it the actual models were shown, a BR110 electric and a passenger coach fitted out with a host of extras under digital control: the loco, for example, had pantographs that could be raised and lowered, the coach doors that could be opened and closed, achieved with piezo motors, along with several extra light and sound functions.

Epoch I releases include a new version of the KPEV G10 0-10-0, a KPEV four-wheel van with raised brake house, and a Sachsen four-wheel insulated van with raised brake house with ‘HAFLAG’ branding (all in the second quarter) and a Bavarian four-wheel flat wagon with side stakes loaded with bundles of wood (first quarter).

The proposed new model of the Austrian 2-8-2T, initially as BR9313-14 in Epoch II form, is illustrated with a CAD drawing only and is due in the fourth quarter.

There will be a new version of the E80 six-axle bat-tery/overhead electric in DRG Epoch II condition with prototypically correct different pantograph, new roof equipment, and altered basic frame equipment (second quarter).

The short ‘Thunderbox’ coaches (six-wheel clerestory-roof second/third composite, four-wheel clerestory-roof third in both high and low roof versions, and baggage van with cupola lookout) are due in DRG finish in the second quarter.

Several new versions of freight vehicles are due in the first quarter - a ‘Leipzig’ long wheelbase four-wheel van, an insulated ‘Seefische’ variant in grey, and a goods train crew van.

Following the success of the BR64 2-6-2T, work has begun on a new model of the BR24 2-6-0, sensible as the standard types had many common components. The first version will be in DB Epoch III form, but so far it is illustrated only with a prototype picture, and no delivery date is given.

The DB Epoch III steam fleet should also gain (in the third quarter) a revised model of the BR01 Pacific, with new boiler, no front skirt, and small Witte smoke deflectors; for the first time with a decoder socket, LED lighting, and fine metal wheels. Dare we hope that the opportunity will be taken to make the eccentric cranks correctly handed too?

A new version of the BR57 0-10-0 (also now with decoder socket) and a modified model of the BR0310 Pacific with old boiler are scheduled for the second quarter, while there should be a modified model of the BR50Ük 2-10-0 (with the simplified cab with round roof and closed leading side windows) in the fourth quarter.

To mark 50 years of the Trans Europ Expressnetwork, there will be a new version of the E1012 Bo-Bo electric in Rheingold 1962 blue & cream (second quarter) and to match (in the fourth quarter) new models of the saloon and compartment firsts, observation car, and diner, as a set of four; the saloon and compartment coaches will also be available separately to extend the train. The coaches are illustrated only with prototype pictures so far.

Likewise, shown only with drawings, are new models of the WR4ü-28 dining car and WL4ü-28 sleeper, in DSG red.

On the freight side, the previously announced new model of the type Om wooden four-wheel open is offered in a set of three (one with brake house), with different running numbers, loaded with coal. Delivery is due in the third quarter, and prototype pictures suffice for now.

All other proposals are new versions - a set of three swing-roof four-wheel hoppers, with different numbers; a bogie tank wagon in the blue livery of the ‘Röchling’ company; a former ‘Dresden’ van with end doors (all first quarter); two sets of three steel four-wheel open wagons (one in each with a brake platform), with different running numbers, loaded with coal; a pair of four-wheel flats each carrying three ‘house-to-house’ silos; a van with raised brake house paired with a stake-sided flat carrying a ‘Schenker’ trailer; a four-wheel lowside loaded with a ‘Plainbacher’ lorry (all second quarter); a four-wheel ‘Aral’ tank wagon; and an ‘Interfrigo’ van (both third quarter).

The BR64 2-6-2T is due in the third quarter modified to DR Epoch III condition with rivetted water tanks.

The proposed new models of the WR4ü-28 dining car and WL4ü-28 sleeper are also due DR form, in ‘Mitropa’ red, in the fourth quarter.

Also late in the year another express train first class bogie coach will extend the present range of 1928 stock.

New versions of the long wheelbase four-wheel ‘Thunderboxes’ (first, second, and baggage) are due with DR Epoch III markings in the third quarter.

As to freight, new versions include a ‘Bromberg’ bogie van in kit form (first quarter) plus a four-wheel lowside carrying a ‘VEB Kraftverkehr’ lorry, and a former ‘Leipzig’ van (both second quarter).

DB Epoch IV new versions include the BR044 three-cylinder 2-10-0, featuring a cab with the leading side window sheeted over, in the second quarter.

At the same time there should be a modified model of the BR140 Bo-Bo electric, for the first time with simple lamps, in green livery.

The Roco Club limited edition this year, available in the fourth quarter, will be pre-series Co-Co electric E103 001 in unique condition after an overhaul in 1974, without the silver roof.

Early in the year there should be a new version of the BR212 B-B diesel in wine red, equipped with a digitally operated coupling each end.

As part of the 50 years of the TEE theme, Roco propose for the third quarter a new model of the SBB RAm diesel train set. While the brochure has a CAD drawing, a development model was shown.

A new version of the E103 Co-Co electric is expected in the second quarter to provide motive power for those new 1962 Rheingold coaches now in TEE red & cream, again as a set of four and with the saloon and compartment coaches available separately. Once again they are due in the fourth quarter and depicted coaches with prototype photos.

The same applies to a new model of a ‘DSG’ red dining car.

The 26.4m express stock (first, composite, and two seconds - one with working tail lamps - and a baggage van) get new running numbers in the first quarter.

The Roco Club limited edition this year, due out in the fourth quarter, will be a set of three coaches (first, second, and baggage) in the so-called ‘Pop’ colours.

As to freight, the first incarnation of the new model of the type Tadgs long swing-roof bogie hopper, announced last year, will be in DB Epoch IV form, and an unpainted sample was shown; delivery is due in the first quarter.

Otherwise the freight releases are new versions: a type SSy bogie flat with side stakes loaded with overhead masts, and a type Rils bogie bulkhead flat with hooped cover (first quarter); a set of three steel opens, one with brake platform, with different running numbers, loaded with coal, and a set of three heavy duty six-wheel bogie flats loaded with steel slabs, with different numbers (second quarter). The Roco Club Premium special wagon for this year is a four-wheel lowside wagon used on track maintenance duties.

Moving on to the DR in Epoch IV, the BR50 2-10-0 with small Witte smoke deflectors and a Giesl ejector chimney is planned for the first quarter though only shown as a prototype picture.

The BR120 ‘Taigatrommel’ Co-Co diesel with original silencer is also due for early release but only represented with a prototype picture; it is also offered with a sound decoder.

Towards the end of the year there will be a new model of the BR114 B-B centre cab diesel, with a choice of two running numbers.

Freight releases are all new versions - a type Fcs four-wheel hopper loaded with coal, and bogie pressurised gas tank (second quarter); a six-wheel triple silo pulverised coal wagon, and a former ‘Bremen’ four-wheel van (third quarter).

For Epoch V there will be a new model of the BR1462 Bo-Bo electric in DBAG traffic red with prototypically correct altered body and destination boards; although due in the first quarter it is shown only as a prototype picture.

First quarter delivery is also due for a new version of the BR185 dual-system Bo-Bo electric, in ‘TX Logistic’ silver, and a new version of the BR151 Co-Co electric, in ‘Railion’ red.

The planned new model of the former DR BR114 B-B diesel will also be offered as a DBAG BR204; it is expected in the fourth quarter, and shown with a prototype picture only.

In the second quarter the BR628/928 diesel railcar sets cone with a new running number in traffic red.

The only new passenger stock is a set of three coaches in the ‘alex’ livery, due in the third quarter.

Freight offerings include the new model of the Tadgs swing roof long bogie hopper in ‘DB Cargo’ red (first quarter) (above) and ‘NACCO’ yellow (second quarter). Among new versions are a set of three ‘Interfrigo’ refrigerated four-wheel vans, with different markings and numbers (first quarter); a short bogie pressurised tank with protective cover, used by ‘VTG’ (first quarter); and a bogie container flat registered with AAE carrying two ‘Lagermax’ tautliner containers (second quarter).

Austria

The German BR898 0-6-0T becomes ÖBB class 789, in Epoch III form, with a cover on the coal bunker, in April but only a prototype picture is shown.

In October the ÖBB 2050 Bo-Bo diesel is due in Epoch III green with grey frames.

Italy

The all-new model of the Gr740 2-8-0 is scheduled for October though the catalogue has only prototype pictures. Two numbers are proposed, and the option of digital sound.

The ETR.240 four-car articulated electric train set, derived from the ETR.220, in Epoch IV form is due in September as is the modern E.402B Bo-Bo electric while the E.656 Bo-Bo-Bo electric in original blue & grey but with Epoch V markings in noted for April along with the E.428 ‘Pirata’ Bo-Bo-Bo electric with streamlined body in the Epoch IV grey with orange & purple trim, though all three locos are shown by prototype pictures.

The E.646 Bo-Bo-Bo electric is also due in April in Epoch IV Treno Azzurro two-tone blue livery, along with a set of three coaches (first, composite, and second) in two-tone blue for the Treno Azzurro; the first and second will be available separately to extend the train.

Two Epoch IV freight wagons join the range in May - a sliding sidewall bogie van, and a bogie cereal hopper lettered for ‘Monfer Cereali’, though this is only shown with a prototype picture.

Holland

The famous CIWL Pullman cars are due to return in April, as two sets of three (kitchen and diner in post-1932 blue & ivory plus baggage in blue, and three different sleepers) for the pre-war Ostend Vienna Express. A saloon coach as used on the Ostend - Karlsbad section will be available separately.

For the American market, the C&O ‘Allegheny’ articulated is to get a LokSound™ decoder and a different running number. A 60' passenger car and a baggage are offered singly and in sets of three assorted in either Chicago & North Western dark green or Pennsylvania tuscan red.

Lima

It is interesting to note how many of the former Lima models have been transferred to the Rivarossi label when upgraded for re-release.

Several of the models announced last year are still awaited.

The only new items noted are AC digital versions of the DB E10 (Epoch III) and 110 (Epoch IV) preseries Bo-Bo electric, due in September.

The V36 0-6-0 diesel, in DB Epoch III form, is not noted as new but still shown only with a prototype picture.

A set of three Fads167 side discharge bogie hoppers, loaded with coal, with DB Epoch IV markings, is due in April, along with a DR Epoch IV type Fc (ex Tds) four-wheel hopper (below).

A generic four-wheel tank wagon fitted with a track cleaner pad is planned for October.

Australia

Although not noted in the (European) press release, the catalogue shows as new the New South Wales C38 Pacific, unstreamlined, in green livery, and the NSW 422 class Co-Co diesel in Tuscan red.

The NSW twelve-wheelers (MBE first, MFE second, and TAM sleeper) are also shown, along with the Victorian Railways GY four-wheel open wagon in yellow with tarpaulin cover and an Australian National AOBX bogie open wagon in green. All the above are simply described as ‘Australian’ and not correctly identified for state or operator, with classifications that are incorrect or at best incomplete - this hardly inspires confidence.

For the French market, Jouef are offering the anticipated model of the 141R for October delivery; it is still represented by a prototype picture.

The 141P should be available with a new number in October.

In March there will be further versions of the successful BB66400 diesel - in blue with yellow trim and in blue with white trim, both with three sets of alternative plates provided, plus in ‘Fret’ green with a new number.

The BB67000 diesel appears in the new ‘En voyage’ livery at the same time, and there will be a new number for the CC72000 diesel in blue & grey - both models only represented with prototype pictures, as are the previously announced ‘En voyage’ and ‘Fret’ livery versions of the CC72000 and indeed all following new items.

Two new versions of the CC6500 electric, in ‘Maurienne’ green, and in grey & red with orange trim, carrying the Aquitaine headboard, as pre-served, are due in June. The BB26000 ‘Sybic’ electric in the original 1988 grey & orange with SNCF ‘noodle’ logo is planned for May; the previously announced ‘En voyage’ and ‘Fret’ livery versions are also still awaited. The BB36000 is due in June in the latest red, grey & white livery with the new ‘carmillon’ logo; the original 1997 red & grey version is also still awaited.

The TGV POS (Paris Ostfrankreich Süddeutschland) is offered as a four-car set, with the new SNCF logo, with two sets of three intermediate cars, arriving in April.

The X3800 ‘Picasso’ autorail becomes part of the Junior Line, with no release date given.

There is to be a brand new model of the X73500 single unit diesel railcar, the French equivalent of the BR641 noted above, in two versions: with large TER logo and no regional affiliation, and with small TER ‘snail’ logo, as used in Rhône-Alpes. Both are sched-uled for September, and should be followed in October by a version as a CFL 2100 series.

The only loco-hauled passenger stock introductions are the OCEM rivetted vehicles (above) - first/second composite, two different thirds, and third baggage, with a choice of running numbers for each, in Epoch III finish, expected September, along with a steam heating van in Epoch III blue livery, shown only as a prototype picture.

The new freight releases are all for Epoch V: two new versions of the type Uas bogie hopper, ‘Franciade’ and ‘Transcéréales Invivo’, in April and May respectively, and a type Habillss sliding sidewall bogie van with different ‘Franprix’ supermarket advertising along with a ‘Transcéréales C.T.C.’ bogie hopper in May, all shown with prototype photos. Two new versions of the type Sgss bogie flat wagon on Y25 bogies carrying a 40' container, ‘Roca’ and ‘Tastet’, are due in June.

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