Munich & Regensburg
Large stations, electrified main lines and mixed traffic with DB and international trains provide a convincing southern German layout theme.
Länderbahn Trains between Bavaria and Bohemia
alex Model Railway: Class 223, ER20 & Passenger Coaches
Discover locomotives, double-deck coaches, classic passenger coaches and starter sets in the distinctive alex design – with H0 and TT models for modern Era VI layouts and international passenger services between Bavaria and the Czech Republic.
Modern Private Railway with Classic Locomotive-Hauled Passenger Trains
What Is alex on a Model Railway?
alex Model Railway | Class 223, ER20 & Passenger Coaches covers models based on the alex brand of Die Länderbahn. The theme combines modern private-railway operation, locomotive-hauled passenger trains and cross-border services between Bavaria and the Czech Republic.
alex is especially interesting because it differs from many modern regional railway concepts. While numerous operators now rely mainly on multiple units, alex continues to use locomotive-hauled passenger coaches. This makes it possible to reproduce genuine train formations, locomotive changes, additional coaches and longer passenger trains on a model railway.
The current RE 25 service runs from Munich via Landshut, Regensburg, Schwandorf and Furth im Wald to Prague. The Länderbahn operates the German section, while Czech railway operation is integrated into the cross-border service. This makes alex particularly suitable for a layout featuring international traffic, a border station or a Bavarian-Bohemian landscape.
The Class 223 diesel locomotive from the Siemens ER20 family is particularly characteristic of alex. Passenger coaches are used behind these locomotives. The current Modellbahnshop selection includes alex passenger coaches, double-deck coaches, a starter set and a TT coach set. Older Roco Class 223 models remain useful prototype references but are no longer part of the current shop range.
From Munich via Regensburg towards Bohemia
The alex Prototype for a Modern Model Railway Layout
Around 2.48 million passengers per year, approximately 1.9 million train-kilometres and a fleet of 14 locomotives and 43 passenger coaches make alex an unusual modern example of locomotive-hauled regional passenger transport.
Schwandorf & Cham
Diesel operation, smaller stations and attractive scenery combine a main-line character with a rural atmosphere.
Furth im Wald
The border crossing is particularly suitable for international train formations, different railway operators and operational changes.
Plzeň & Prague
Suitable ČD vehicles create a cross-border model railway world between Bavaria and Bohemia.
Locomotive-Hauled Passenger Trains Instead of a Uniform Multiple Unit
This is exactly what makes the alex theme interesting: locomotives and coaches can be selected individually, extended, fitted with lighting and combined into different train lengths.
Distinguish Locomotives and Passenger Coaches
Which Vehicles Belong in an alex Train?
The model theme centres on Class 223 / Siemens ER20 locomotives, conventional passenger coaches and double-deck coaches. The correct combination depends on the selected prototype year and service.
Class 223
Siemens ER20 “Hercules”
Class 223 is a characteristic alex locomotive for non-electrified routes. Its distinctive front makes it immediately recognisable as a modern private-railway locomotive.
Use “Class 223” in the Product Search →
ABbmdz
Mixed-Class Passenger Coaches
Coaches combining first and second class, multipurpose accommodation and compartments are characteristic of alex passenger trains.
Select Passenger Coaches →
DBpz
Double-Deck Coaches
Roco reproduces high-capacity double-deck coaches with interiors and integrated lighting for both DC and AC model railway systems.
View Double-Deck Coaches →
H0 Offers the Largest Direct Selection
Choose alex Models by Gauge
Current direct alex products are concentrated mainly in H0 and TT. Other gauges can reproduce the Bavarian-Bohemian railway environment but should not be confused with a currently available direct alex vehicle range.
| Gauge | Scale / System | alex Selection | Planning |
|---|---|---|---|
| H0 DC | 1:87 · Two-Rail | passenger coaches, double-deck coaches and starter set | many H0 alex vehicles specify a minimum radius around 358 mm; check the individual product |
| H0 AC | 1:87 · Centre-Contact | illuminated Roco double-deck coaches; older Class 223 AC models also exist as historical references | check pickup shoe, decoder requirements and lighting current |
| TT Gauge | 1:120 · Two-Rail | current Tillig passenger coach set | very suitable for longer passenger trains in limited space |
| N Gauge | 1:160 | themed layout environment and related private railways | check specifically whether a direct current alex model is available |
| Z Gauge | 1:220 | Bavarian-Bohemian layout theme possible | do not assume a direct alex model range |
| Gauge 0 | usually around 1:45 | station environment and regional railway theme | locomotive-hauled passenger trains require substantial space |
Further technical guidance is available in the Model Railway Compatibility Database .
Current Direct alex Products at Modellbahnshop
Filter Passenger Coaches and Starter Sets
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6 products displayed
alex Starter Set for H0 DC
The PIKO Hercules starter set combines an alex locomotive, two passenger coaches, track and control equipment for an accessible introduction to the theme.
Classic alex Passenger Coaches in H0 and TT
Individual coaches and coach sets make longer locomotive-hauled passenger trains possible. For a prototypical consist, class designation, running numbers and period should be considered together.
PIKO
PIKO 58676 H0 alex 1st/2nd Class
Passenger coach with NEM coupling pocket, close-coupling mechanism and a length of 264 mm.
H0 DC
1st / 2nd Class
Era VI
View Product →
Tillig
Tillig 01104 TT alex Three-Coach Set
Three-coach TT passenger set of DLB GmbH for Era VI locomotive-hauled trains.
TT
3 Coaches
Era VI
View Product →
DBpz Double-Deck Coaches with Interior Lighting
Roco offers alex double-deck coaches with different running numbers and train destinations for DC and AC layouts. This makes varied longer formations possible.
Roco
Roco 6200104 H0 DBpz #2 DC
Second-class double-deck coach with LED interior lighting, buffer capacitor and close-coupling mechanism.
H0 DC
DBpz
Hof Hbf
View Product →
Roco
Roco 6220103 H0 DBpz #1 AC
Centre-contact coach with LED interior lighting, buffer capacitor and train destination München Hbf.
H0 AC
DBpz
München Hbf
View Product →
Roco
Roco 6220104 H0 DBpz #2 AC
Centre-contact version with a different running number and train destination Hof Hbf.
H0 AC
DBpz
Hof Hbf
View Product →
No current alex products match this filter combination. Remove one of the filters or reset the selection.
Brands for alex Models and Matching Layout Equipment
Manufacturer Pages at Modellbahnshop
Roco, PIKO and Tillig form the main focus of the current direct alex selection. Further manufacturers provide track, digital equipment, figures and station buildings for a complete Era VI layout.
Plan the Locomotive, Coaches, Track and Station Together
Suitable Product Groups for an alex Layout
Diesel Locomotives
Compare modern private-railway locomotives and ER20-related models.
Passenger Coaches
Find passenger and additional coaches for longer train formations.
Starter Sets
Complete introductions with train, track and controller.
PIKO A-Track with Roadbed
Suitable expansion for the PIKO Hercules alex starter set.
ROCO LINE H0 Track
Plan prototypical main lines and generously sized stations.
Tillig TT Track
Build TT stations and longer passenger routes in less space.
Digital Model Railways
Control sound, lighting and locomotive functions conveniently.
Build the Scenery
Reproduce Bavaria, the Upper Palatinate and Bohemian railway scenery.
Build a Credible Locomotive-Hauled Private-Railway Train
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alex Train Formation on a Model Railway
The strength of this railway theme lies in classic train formation: one locomotive hauls several different passenger coaches. The train length can therefore be adapted to the available platforms and layout size.
Define the Prototype Year
Planning Step 1
Do Not Mix the Current Service with Former Allgäu Operations
The former alex network towards the Allgäu ended in 2020. For a current layout, the Munich–Prague and Munich–Hof services provide the relevant orientation.
Choose a Class 223 / ER20 Locomotive
Planning Step 2
Distinguish DC and AC Versions
Older Roco 70944 and 78944 alex models illustrate the two-rail and centre-contact versions respectively, but both are currently archived in the shop. For a purchase, use only a currently offered compatible locomotive.
Combine Passenger Coaches Sensibly
Planning Step 3
Include First Class, Second Class and Multipurpose Accommodation
A mixed-class coach adds visual and operational variety. Additional coaches can lengthen the train without changing its basic character.
Check the Platform Length
Planning Step 4
Long H0 Coaches Require Considerable Space
A single Roco H0 double-deck coach is already approximately 308 mm long. Several coaches plus a locomotive can quickly create a train well over one metre in length.
Make Cross-Border Traffic Visible
Planning Step 5
Add ČD Vehicles and Bohemian Scenery
A second platform with a Czech train, suitable signalling or a station building near the border emphasises the international character.
Plan Railway Operation Instead of Continuous Circling
Planning Step 6
Use Stations, Train Crossings and Storage Sidings
Scheduled stops, train crossings and storage movements make a locomotive-hauled regional express operationally more interesting than continuous running around a loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers About alex Model Railways
The key answers about the prototype, Class 223, gauges, electrical systems and train formation.
What Does alex Mean on the Railway?
alex is a brand of Die Länderbahn for locomotive-hauled regional passenger services. Current services include Munich–Prague and Munich–Hof.
Which Locomotive Is Typical of alex?
Class 223 from the Siemens ER20 family is particularly characteristic. The locomotive family is often referred to as “Hercules” in model railway ranges.
Which Direct alex Models Are Currently Listed Here?
The current checked selection includes a PIKO Hercules starter set, a PIKO passenger coach, Roco alex double-deck coaches for DC and AC and a Tillig TT passenger coach set. The older Roco 70944 and 78944 Class 223 locomotives are explicitly no longer offered.
Are There alex Products for Märklin Centre-Contact Layouts?
Yes. Current Roco alex double-deck coaches are available in H0 AC versions for centre-contact layouts. Older Roco Class 223 AC locomotives also existed, but the checked Roco 78944 model is currently archived.
Can an H0 DC alex Coach Run on a Märklin Layout?
A wheelset conversion may be possible for certain passenger coaches. The specific product page and manufacturer documentation must be checked for suitable replacement wheelsets. Locomotives require a compatible centre-contact version rather than only a wheelset change.
Which Gauge Offers the Best alex Selection?
H0 currently offers the widest direct selection on this page. A current alex passenger coach set is also available in TT.
Does alex Still Run to Prague?
Yes. The current 2025/2026 timetable includes the RE 25 between München Hbf and Praha hl.n. via Landshut, Regensburg, Schwandorf and Furth im Wald.
Does alex Still Run to Lindau and Oberstdorf?
No. The former southern alex network towards the Allgäu operated until 2020. On a model railway this can still be represented as an earlier Era VI operating period.
How Long Should an H0 alex Platform Be?
The required length depends on the selected train. A Class 223 with several scale-length passenger or double-deck coaches can require well over one metre of usable platform length.
Which Other Railways Suit an alex Layout?
DB regional and long-distance trains and Czech ČD vehicles are particularly suitable. Larger stations can additionally feature freight trains and other private railway operators.
From an alex Train to a Complete Model Railway Layout
Explore gauges, track systems, digital control, station planning, scenery and train formation in the central model railway knowledge guide.