NEW Roco 7320117 H0 Diesellok 218 308-5 DB Ep.IV AC-Sound

Roco 7320117 H0 Diesel Locomotive 218 308-5 DB – AC Sound, Era IV

Would you like to run a classic Deutsche Bundesbahn diesel locomotive with an old-red paint scheme, authentic details, and digital sound on your H0 model railroad layout? The Roco 7320117 BR 218 308 combines the characteristic appearance of the Class 218 with modern digital features for AC operation. Different DB logo variations on the locomotive’s front, a precisely reproduced roof design, and numerous separately attached details give this model its distinctive character.

The locomotive depicted belongs to the third production series of the Class 218 and was built by Krupp in Essen. On September 12, 1974, it was inspected and certified at the Bundesbahn repair shop in Bremen. After initially being based at the Regensburg depot, the 218 308 was stationed at the Mühldorf depot from September 24, 1983, to November 4, 2000. This period forms the historical background for the model’s design.

Particularly noteworthy is the long period during which it was in service in the purple-red color scheme based on RAL 3004. The locomotive retained this paint scheme even after the transition to Deutsche Bahn AG in 1994, until December 1998. In addition, until 1994, it bore the old Bundesbahn logo without a border on the front of the cab. With these distinctive features, the Roco 7320117 is an interesting addition for collectors and model railroad enthusiasts who value historical details.

Old Red Livery and Historic DB Logos

The old red paint scheme is one of the most striking features of the Roco 218 308. The purple-red color scheme based on RAL 3004 remained on the prototype for an unusually long time and was even still visible during the Deutsche Bahn AG era until December 1998.

Another distinctive feature is the variety of DB logos on the locomotive’s fronts. Until 1994, the old Bundesbahn logo without a border was still located on the front of cab 2. This design did not disappear until the new red DB-AG logos were introduced.

This combination makes the model particularly interesting for enthusiasts of historic Bundesbahn rolling stock. The paint scheme and lettering details clearly reflect the locomotive’s condition during its active service.

Accurate roof design and finely crafted details

The roof design has been carefully reproduced on this Roco model. Numerous separately attached snap-on parts complement the construction; some details are partially executed using etching techniques.

The fine craftsmanship highlights the characteristic shape of the Class 218 and makes the model appealing even to discerning collectors. The combination of the distinctive paint scheme, the various logos, and the detailed roof design creates a harmonious overall appearance.

Historical Background of the Class 218

The 218 308 shown here belongs to the third production series of the Class 218. It was built by Krupp in Essen. It was accepted and certified on September 12, 1974, at the Bundesbahn repair shop in Bremen.

Initially, the locomotive was based at the Regensburg depot, where it remained in service until September 23, 1983. On September 24, 1983, it was transferred to the Mühldorf depot, where it remained stationed until November 4, 2000.

Its long period of service in the purple-red color scheme and the old Bundesbahn logo, which it retained until 1994, make the 218 308 an interesting model for depicting historical operating conditions.

Voith cooling system with its characteristic sound

A distinctive feature of the prototype is the Voith cooling system with its distinctive sound. This feature complements the locomotive’s historical context and is one of the characteristic details of the depicted 218 308.

The Roco 7320117 is equipped with an integrated digital decoder and a sound function. This allows it to combine the classic appearance of the old red Bundesbahn locomotive with an acoustic experience for digital model railroading.

Digital Sound and Switchable Lighting

The locomotive is designed for digital AC operation. The integrated digital decoder enables control of the intended sound and lighting functions.

The model features a three-light headlight that changes direction with the locomotive’s movement and two tail lights. The headlights are powered by LEDs. Additionally, the cab lighting and engine room lighting can be controlled digitally.

These additional lighting functions expand the possibilities for showcasing the locomotive on the model railroad layout. In particular, the lighting in the cab and the engine room adds further details to the exterior appearance for layout operation.

AC Version with PluX22 Digital Decoder

The Roco 7320117 is designed for AC operation and features an integrated digital decoder compliant with the PluX22 standard. The electrical interface also conforms to the PluX22 format.

This means the model offers digital features including sound and programmable lighting functions. When selecting a locomotive, ensure it is compatible with your existing AC system and the digital control unit you are using.

Close-coupling mechanism for compatible train formations

The locomotive features a NEM 362 coupler housing with close-coupling kinematics. This allows for the use of compatible model railroad couplers.

The standardized coupler mount allows for connection to compatible passenger and freight cars. This enables the Roco 218 308 to be integrated into various Deutsche Bundesbahn train formations.

A Special Class 218 for Collectors and Model Railroaders

The Roco 7320117 is designed for model railroad enthusiasts who collect historic Deutsche Bundesbahn diesel locomotives and wish to display them on their layouts. The old-red paint scheme, the various DB logo variations, and the precise roof design make this model an interesting addition to Era IV.

Added to this are the separately attached details, the integrated digital decoder, and the sound function. The switchable cab and engine room lighting expand the digital features and offer additional possibilities for designing model railroad operations.

Roco 7320117 – The Old Red BR 218 308 with AC Sound

With the Roco 7320117 H0 diesel locomotive 218 308 of the Deutsche Bundesbahn, you’ll be adding a historically interesting variant from the third production series to your model railroad layout. The old-red paint scheme, the various DB logos, and the carefully reproduced roof design give the model a distinctive look.

The integrated digital decoder with sound, as well as the switchable cab and engine room lighting, make the locomotive a versatile addition for digital AC operation. It thus combines historical accuracy with modern model railroad technology.

Expand your H0 collection with the distinctive Class 218! Discover the Roco 7320117 in our model train shop and add the old-red 218 308—with its historic DB logos, digital sound, and versatile lighting functions—to your layout.

Features:

• Manufacturer: Roco
• Item Number: 7320117
• Gauge: H0
• Era: IV
• German Federal Railroad (DB) Class 218 308 Diesel Locomotive
• Class 218, third production series
• Old Red paint scheme
• Locomotive fronts featuring various DB logo variations
• Exact reproduction of the roof design
• Separately attached parts, some made using etching techniques
• Prototype built by Krupp in Essen
• Accepted and certified on September 12, 1974
• Initial home depot: Regensburg Depot
• Based at Mühldorf Depot from 1983 to 2000
• Purple-red color scheme according to RAL 3004 until December 1998
• Old Bundesbahn logo on the driver’s cab from 2 until 1994
• Voith ventilation system with characteristic prototype sound
• Flywheel present
• Three powered axles
• Two axles with traction tires
• Direction-dependent three-light headlight
• Two tail lights
• LED headlight
• Digitally controllable cab lighting
• Digitally controllable engine room lighting
• Power system: AC
• Electrical interface: PluX22
• Digital decoder: PluX22
• Sound: Yes
• Coupler shaft per NEM 362
• With close-coupling mechanism
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• Length over buffers: 189 mm

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CAUTION: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Danger of swallowing! Age recommendation from 14 years.