NEW Roco 7320118 H0 Diesellok BR 217 017-3 DB-AG Ep.V-VI AC-Sound

Roco 7320118 H0 Diesel Locomotive BR 217 017-3 DB AG – Era V–VI, AC-Digital with Sound

Are you looking for an exceptional diesel locomotive for your Märklin-compatible H0 AC layout that will delight you with authentic sound, numerous digital lighting functions, and a fascinating railway history? Then the Roco 7320118 BR 217 017-3 diesel locomotive in the AC Sound version is exactly the right model for you. This traffic-red diesel locomotive from Deutsche Bahn AG combines the characteristic appearance of the legendary V-160 family with modern digital technology and an exceptionally detailed model design.

As an elaborately designed variant featuring a Voith cooling system, the locomotive impresses with its prototypical front end—without a 1,000-volt heating cable—numerous separately attached details, and delicate components, some of which were manufactured using high-quality etching techniques.

A special highlight is the pre-installed digital sound system with a PluX22 decoder. Together with the switchable headlight and tail light, as well as the cab and engine room lighting, it ensures a varied and realistic driving experience on your H0 model railroad layout.

The Class 217 – A Rare Diesel Locomotive of the Deutsche Bundesbahn

The Class 217 is one of the most interesting and rarest members of the well-known V-160 locomotive family. While other locomotives in this family were produced in larger numbers, only 15 Class 217 locomotives were built.

The locomotives were designed for versatile use in both passenger and freight service and featured special technical equipment that distinguished them from other members of the V-160 family.

Special Technology with an Additional Diesel Heating Engine

A distinctive feature of the Class 217 was its original configuration with a separate diesel heating engine.

In addition to the main traction diesel engine, the locomotives were equipped with an additional diesel engine to supply electrical power to passenger cars.

This allowed the locomotives to be used in both passenger and freight service, offering the Deutsche Bundesbahn a high degree of operational flexibility.

This unique design made the Class 217 a technically distinct variant within the successful V-160 family.

The History of 217 017-3

The 217 017 diesel locomotive was built by Krupp in 1968 and delivered to the Deutsche Bundesbahn.

For many years, the locomotive was based in Regensburg and performed various tasks in both passenger and freight service.

In 2000, the locomotive was transferred to the Mühldorf depot. There, it was operating in the characteristic traffic-red paint scheme of Deutsche Bahn AG and was primarily used for freight service.

In 2008, the locomotive underwent another simplified general inspection. During this process, the diesel heating engine—which was no longer needed—was removed and replaced with ballast.

This adapted the locomotive for its remaining duties in freight service.

The last operational BR 217 of Deutsche Bahn

The 217 017-3 held a special place within its small class.

It remained in service with DB Schenker Rail until the end of 2011, making it the last operational Class 217 locomotive at Deutsche Bahn.

In February 2014, it was finally taken out of service and sold to the Pfalzbahn.

This remarkable operational history makes the locomotive a particularly interesting model for collectors and enthusiasts of German diesel locomotives.

Roco BR 217 017-3 – Highly Detailed Variant in Traffic Red

With the Roco 7320118, you’ll receive a carefully crafted replica of the 217 017-3 diesel locomotive as it appeared during Epochs V and VI.

The characteristic traffic-red paint scheme, the distinctive roof design, and the prototypical attachments give the model an authentic appearance.

In particular, the special version with the Voith cooling system distinguishes this variant from other models in the V-160 family.

Prototype-accurate Voith cooling system

A key feature of this version is the detailed reproduction of the Voith cooling system.

It defines the locomotive’s exterior design and plays a key role in accurately depicting the operational condition shown.

This variant is particularly interesting for model railroaders who value different construction states and technical details.

Front without 1,000-volt heating cable

The front of the Roco BR 217 017-3 was designed without a 1,000-volt heating cable, in keeping with the prototype.

This feature reflects the locomotive’s later service, during which the original electric train heater was no longer required.

This modified front design results in a particularly authentic reproduction of the locomotive during its later years of service.

Separately attached details and high-quality etching

Roco has equipped the model with numerous separately attached parts.

Some of these components were manufactured using fine photo-etching, which allows for particularly delicate structures and a representation faithful to the prototype.

This meticulous detailing ensures a convincing overall impression, whether the model is in operation on a layout or on display in a showcase.

Authentic diesel sound for a realistic driving experience

A special highlight of the Roco 7320118 AC-Sound is its built-in digital sound system.

The factory-installed PluX22 sound decoder provides an acoustic accompaniment to the locomotive’s operation and creates a lively atmosphere on your model railroad layout.

The character of a classic diesel locomotive comes across particularly impressively when starting, accelerating, and operating in front of freight trains.

PluX22 sound decoder for digital AC operation

The locomotive comes equipped with a PluX22 digital decoder with sound right from the factory.

This makes it suitable for operation on appropriately equipped digital H0 AC layouts.

Using a compatible digital command station, you can control the running functions, sound functions, and various lighting settings.

The combination of digital driving control and sound makes the BR 217 017-3 a versatile model for sophisticated model railroad operations.

Digitally controllable lighting for authentic operating scenes

The Roco BR 217 017-3 features various digital lighting functions that make model railroad operation particularly realistic.

The model features LED lighting with three white headlights and two red tail lights. The lights change depending on the direction of travel.

Additionally, other lighting functions can be controlled digitally.

Switchable Headlights and Tail Lights

The head and tail lights can be controlled in digital mode.

This allows for the realistic depiction of various operating situations, such as when leading freight trains or shunting the locomotive in the station area.

The LED technology ensures clear and even illumination.

Digitally controllable cab lighting

The integrated cab lighting allows for an atmospheric depiction of the locomotive engineer’s workstation.

This feature really comes into its own, especially at dusk or in the dark.

An illuminated cab lends the locomotive added realism and makes it an attractive focal point, even in nighttime operating scenes.

Switchable engine room lighting

Another highlight is the digitally controllable engine room lighting.

This feature allows you to illuminate the engine room selectively and showcase the diesel locomotive’s technical design particularly effectively.

Especially for a locomotive with such an interesting technical history, this additional lighting feature is an attractive addition.

Powerful drive for freight transport in Eras V and VI

The Roco BR 217 017-3 also impresses technically with its reliable drive design.

The locomotive features a flywheel-equipped drive system that ensures smooth running characteristics.

Three axles are driven. Two axles are equipped with traction tires to improve power transfer to the rails.

This makes the model ideal for use with a variety of freight trains.

AC Version for H0 Center-Conductor Systems

The Roco 7320118 was developed specifically for digital AC operation.

This makes the model suitable for appropriately equipped H0 center-conductor layouts, such as those with Märklin track systems.

The integrated digital technology allows for convenient control of the locomotive and its numerous functions.

The NEM 362 coupler mount with close-coupling kinematics makes it easy to couple with compatible freight cars.

Versatile applications on your H0 model railroad layout

The Class 217 was originally used for both passenger and freight service. In its later years of service, its duties increasingly focused on freight service.

The locomotives were particularly active in southern Germany, around Mühldorf.

With the Roco BR 217 017-3, you can recreate numerous typical freight transport scenes from Deutsche Bahn AG.

Matching freight cars for the BR 217

Numerous freight cars from Eras V and VI are suitable for creating a realistic train formation.

Tank cars, sliding-wall cars, open freight cars, covered freight cars, and flat cars are an excellent fit for the later operational environment of this diesel locomotive.

Mixed freight trains and transfer trains can also be convincingly depicted with the BR 217.

This makes the model particularly interesting for layouts based on southern Germany, non-electrified main lines, and varied freight traffic.

Contents of the Roco 7320118 Diesel Locomotive Set

You’ll receive the Deutsche Bahn AG BR 217 017-3 diesel locomotive in traffic red livery and in the design of eras V and VI.

The model comes factory-equipped with a PluX22 digital sound decoder and is designed for digital AC operation.

Features include the prototypical Voith cooling system, the front end without a 1,000-volt heating cable, and numerous separately attached details.

The digitally controllable cab and engine room lighting, as well as the controllable headlight and tail light, are already integrated.

A special model for collectors and digital model railroaders

The Roco 7320118 is an excellent choice for model railroading enthusiasts who are passionate about the history of German diesel locomotives.

With only 15 prototype locomotives built, the Class 217 is one of the rarest members of the V-160 family.

The 217 017-3 holds a special place due to its long service history and its status as the last operational DB locomotive of its class.

Technically, the model also impresses with its elaborate body design, integrated sound decoder, and numerous digitally controllable lighting functions.

This makes the locomotive suitable for both regular layout operation and as an attractive collector’s item.

Roco 7320118 – Experience the legendary BR 217 with AC Sound

With the Roco 7320118 H0 BR 217 017-3 AC Sound diesel locomotive, you can add an exceptional representative of the legendary V-160 family to your model railroad layout.

The traffic-red paint scheme, the prototypical Voith cooling system, and the distinctive front design make this variant a real eye-catcher.

The integrated sound decoder, digitally controllable cab and engine room lighting, and switchable headlight and tail light ensure a varied driving experience.

The separately attached details, the powerful drive, and the AC configuration round out the complete package.

Bring a fascinating piece of German diesel locomotive history to your H0 layout! Order the Roco BR 217 017-3 with AC sound from our model railroad shop and experience the time-honored V-160 technology with modern digital features.

Features:

• Manufacturer: Roco
• Item Number: 7320118
• Model: BR 217 017-3 diesel locomotive
• Locomotive family: V 160
• Railroad company: Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG)
• Gauge: H0
• Scale: 1:87
• Era: V–VI
• Version: Variant
• Color scheme: Traffic red
• Prototype-accurate Voith cooling system
• Front without 1,000-volt heating cable
• Separately attached plug-in parts
• Delicate details, some using etching techniques
• Drive with flywheel
• Number of powered axles: 3
• Number of axles with traction tires: 2
• Power system: AC Digital (alternating current)
• For compatible H0 center-track layouts
• Digital interface: PluX22
• Digital decoder: PluX22
• Sound: Yes, factory-installed
• LED headlight: Yes
• Headlights: 3 white headlights
• Taillights: 2 red taillights
• Direction-dependent light switching
• Headlights and taillights digitally switchable
• Cab lighting: LED, digitally switchable
• Engine room lighting: Digitally controllable
• Additional digital lighting functions
• Coupler: NEM 362 with close-coupling kinematics
• Minimum curve radius: 358 mm
• Length over buffers: 189 mm
• Suitable for freight trains and transfer traffic
• Ideal for H0 model railroad layouts of eras V and VI
• Of particular interest to collectors of the V-160 locomotive family

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