FlixTrain combines distinctive green locomotives, modernised passenger coaches and contemporary long-distance railway themes. This guide explains Vectron and Taurus locomotives, typical coach types, realistic train formations and suitable models in H0, TT, N and Z gauge.
FlixTrain is the rail brand of the Flix Group and has operated in the German long-distance passenger market since 2018. The company applies the platform and partnership principle familiar from FlixBus to the railway. Flix is particularly responsible for timetable and network planning, sales, dynamic pricing, marketing, customer communication and quality management.
Daily railway operations can be carried out by specialist partner companies. These partners may provide staff, workshop services and operational resources. Locomotives and passenger coaches can also belong to different vehicle owners or leasing companies. As a result, different locomotive and coach types may appear within the green FlixTrain fleet.
The current appearance is mainly characterised by modernised passenger coaches. The vehicles receive new seats, power sockets, Wi-Fi equipment, modernised sanitary facilities and the distinctive green livery. The service provides travellers with an alternative in the German long-distance passenger market.
FlixTrain belongs entirely to Era VI . Privately operated long-distance services, leased locomotives, modernised existing coaches, digital booking and a frequently changing fleet are typical features of the contemporary railway.
FlixTrain does not have a fleet concept that has remained unchanged for decades. Locomotives, coach owners and operating partners can change. This creates several convincing train variations within the same model railway era.
The Vectron is a modern electric multi-system locomotive. Its green sides and large FlixTrain lettering make it an especially recognisable model.
Modernised Bmmz, Bpmmz, Bpmmbz and other Era VI long-distance passenger coaches.
The Siemens ES64U2 is designated Class 182 in Germany. It is suitable for fast passenger trains and has been used by several leasing companies and railway operators.
Taurus models are available in H0, TT and N and provide a good introduction to the FlixTrain theme.
The coaches originate from different vehicle series. Differences in window arrangements, doors and interiors are therefore not necessarily errors and may accurately represent the prototype.
Several suitable running numbers look more convincing than frequent repetitions of the same coach.
Several TT sets containing Halberstadt passenger coaches are available. They represent an earlier or distinctive variation of the green FlixTrain appearance.
German long-distance passenger traffic on an electrified main line during the early years of Era VI.
FlixTrain locomotives can be owned by a vehicle leasing company. The operator lettering and the ownership details do not therefore have to identify the same company.
The locomotive number, vehicle owner, livery and represented operating year should be considered together.
The ordered high-speed trains are based on the Talgo 230 platform and will be hauled by Siemens Vectron locomotives. This will make a more uniform train appearance possible in the future.
Existing Vectron and Taurus formations remain important prototypes from the previous development of FlixTrain.
The order for 65 new high-speed trains represents an important development. The Talgo 230 trains are intended to combine barrier-free boarding, air conditioning, passenger information, Wi-Fi and a maximum speed of up to 230 km/h. For modellers, this will eventually create a distinctive new FlixTrain subject alongside the modernised existing passenger coaches.
| Gauge | Scale | Model Selection | Suitable Layout | Planning Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H0 | 1:87 | Taurus and Vectron locomotives and individual modernised passenger coaches. | Large long-distance main line with long platforms and overhead wiring. | Coaches more than 30 centimetres long look best on generous curves. |
| TT | 1:120 | Taurus and Vectron locomotives and several two- and three-coach passenger sets. | A long passenger train on a medium-sized layout. | TT currently offers an especially varied selection of FlixTrain coaches. |
| N | 1:160 | Vectron and Taurus locomotives, individual coaches, coach sets and a complete train set. | Prototypically long passenger trains and large stations within a limited area. | Do not combine different coach series from Minitrix, Fleischmann and Lemke without checking them first. |
| Z | 1:220 | Vectron locomotive and two- and three-coach express passenger sets. | Long scenic main line, compact station or display layout. | The small vehicle size requires especially accurately laid track. |
| 0, 1 and G | varies | No broad regular FlixTrain range in the checked shop selection. | Individual model, custom display piece or conversion project. | Custom painting and lettering require precise prototype documentation. |
The suitable train length depends on the gauge, station, storage yard and locomotive performance. A model train does not have to reproduce the full prototype length, but it should remain recognisable as a coherent long-distance formation.
A green Taurus or Vectron locomotive with two or three passenger coaches is sufficient to create a clearly recognisable FlixTrain theme.
Larger layouts can accommodate five to eight coaches. Different coach types and running numbers communicate the appearance of a modernised long-distance train.
The different Tillig sets can be combined to form a longer train. The colour, lettering, coach type and running numbers should be checked before assembling the complete formation.
Several current coach families are available in N gauge. A Minitrix Vectron is especially suitable for the corresponding Minitrix coaches. The Fleischmann Taurus can form a second coherent train with the Fleischmann coach sets.
The Vectron locomotive can be combined with the three-coach base set and the two-coach extension set to create a five-coach passenger train.
A modern platform, digital destination displays, overhead wiring, noise barriers and a multi-track main line provide the appropriate setting. A dedicated FlixTrain station is not required.
The product selection includes analogue and digital locomotives, sound-equipped models, centre-contact versions, individual extension coaches and multi-part train sets. The respective product page contains the complete technical information.
H0 offers affordable Taurus models, detailed Vectron locomotives and a suitable Bmz passenger coach.
Analogue two-rail locomotive with a digital interface.
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Centre-contact version for Märklin-compatible layouts.
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Detailed two-rail locomotive with a PluX22 interface.
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Digital centre-contact locomotive without factory-fitted sound.
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Long passenger coach with close-coupling mechanism.
View Product Page →TT offers two different locomotive families and several passenger-coach sets for varied train formations.
Compact locomotive for green TT long-distance trains.
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Modern Vectron locomotive in FlixTrain livery.
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Three-part set containing different passenger coaches.
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Additional running-number variants for a longer train.
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Modern three-part set for Era VI.
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Two-coach extension for longer TT formations.
View Product Page →Minitrix and Fleischmann each offer matching locomotives and coaches. Lemke supplements the selection with a complete sound-equipped set.
Heavy metal-bodied locomotive with extensive functions.
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Three express passenger coaches forming a base train.
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Extension coach for the Minitrix formation.
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Analogue Taurus locomotive with a digital interface.
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Sound-equipped version with digitally controlled lighting.
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Two-coach base set for a modern train.
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Three additional coaches for a longer formation.
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Vectron locomotive and two coaches as a complete three-part set.
View Product Page →The Märklin models make it possible to create a five-coach train with a suitable Vectron locomotive within a very small layout area.
Compact Vectron locomotive with directional LED lighting.
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Three express passenger coaches forming a compact base train.
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Two extension coaches for a five-coach train.
View Product Page →FlixTrain has operated in the German long-distance passenger market since 2018. Its models therefore belong entirely to the modern Era VI.
FlixTrain is a long-distance passenger brand of Flix SE. Flix handles central commercial tasks, while some operational services are provided by railway partners.
Siemens Vectron locomotives of Class 193 and Taurus locomotives of Class 182 are especially common in model form.
The trains contain modernised coaches of different designs and origins. Variations in doors, window arrangements and interiors can therefore be prototypically correct.
TT and N offer an especially large selection of coach and train sets. H0 includes two-rail and centre-contact models, while Z gauge makes a complete train possible within a very small area.
Yes. PIKO offers Taurus and Vectron locomotives as digital centre-contact models. Suitable replacement wheelsets may be required for passenger coaches.
Two or three coaches are sufficient for a small layout. A longer passenger train can contain five to eight coaches. N and Z gauge allow greater train lengths within a smaller area.
The simplest solution is to combine the locomotive with coaches from the same manufacturer or model series. The colour, represented period and couplings are then more likely to match.
Current-carrying overhead wiring is normally unnecessary. Visual catenary, masts and gantries nevertheless improve the appearance of a modern long-distance main line.
FlixTrain has ordered 65 new high-speed trains based on the Talgo 230 platform. The trains will use Siemens Vectron locomotives and are designed for speeds of up to 230 km/h.
Learn more about Era VI, private railway companies, electric locomotives, passenger coaches, gauges, digital technology and prototypical train formations.