Roco 74012 4-tlg. Set: TEE 20 „Saphir“, DB, Ep. IV

Roco 74012 4-tlg. Set: TEE 20 „Saphir“, DB, Ep. IV Product Details

Description

Roco 74012 4-Piece Set: TEE 20 "Saphir", DB, Era IV – A Unique Piece of Railway History

The 74012 TEE 20 "Saphir" Set from the Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) is a historically accurate, four-car set that captures the charm and character of this legendary train. Designed to replicate the original train configuration, this set includes two 1st class compartment cars (Avümz 111), one 1st class open seating car (Apümz 121), and a unique dining car (WRümh 132). The set is notable for its authentic reproduction of the only dining car to receive the iconic "Pop color" scheme introduced by the DB in 1970, finished in an eye-catching combination of pebble grey and purple red. This single WRümh 132 car was a distinctive addition to the TEE fleet until its unfortunate end in 1974 following a yard accident in Brussels.

A Slice of History: The TEE "Saphir" and DB’s Pop Colors

In 1970, the Deutsche Bundesbahn introduced a new "Pop color" scheme that modernized the appearance of their rail cars. As part of this initiative, a single WRümh 132 dining car was painted in the striking pebble grey and purple red livery, making it unique among DB’s rolling stock. This rare car first served on blue F-trains before being reassigned to prestigious TEE and IC routes, including the TEE "Saphir" to Brussels. This historically significant set recreates the TEE 20 "Saphir" and its final journey on January 10, 1974, when the unique dining car met its end after an accident in Brussels.

Detailed Construction and Authentic Features

The 74012 TEE 20 "Saphir" Set showcases intricate details that make it a valuable piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Each car is modeled with exceptional precision, capturing the distinct look of DB’s Era IV passenger coaches. Key details include finely detailed bogies, NEM 362 coupling pockets with close coupling kinematics, and fully modeled interiors that can be enhanced with optional interior lighting (article number: 40420). Each car also includes features true to the original design, such as compartment cars with shield frames and a unique dining car with historically accurate window arrangement and lettering.

Notable Car Features

This set includes:

• Two 1st class compartment cars (Avümz 111) with two shield frames per side and one car equipped with a radio antenna for train postal communication.
• One 1st class open seating car (Apümz 121) featuring two wardrobe windows and two shield frames on each side.
• The unique WRümh 132 dining car in the "Pop color" scheme, accurately rendered with correct window arrangement and markings, marking its final appearance in the TEE "Saphir."

Perfect for H0 Enthusiasts and Collectors

Designed for 2-rail DC systems, the 74012 TEE 20 "Saphir" Set fits seamlessly into H0 scale layouts. Its minimum radius requirement and durable NEM 362 couplings with close coupling kinematics make it suitable for both display and active use. The set is easily customizable, allowing for the addition of interior lighting to bring each car to life, enhancing the realism of this historical train set on any layout.

Conclusion: An Iconic and Rarely Seen Set for History Buffs

The 74012 TEE 20 "Saphir" Set is a must-have for collectors and model railway enthusiasts who appreciate the historical significance and rare design elements of this unique train. With its detailed construction, accurate livery, and faithful representation of the TEE 20 "Saphir" on its final journey, this set embodies a remarkable chapter in DB’s history. From its distinctive "Pop color" dining car to the carefully modeled interiors, this set brings the charm of the 1970s German railways to your model railway.

Features:

• Scale: H0
• Era: IV
• Railway Operator: Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB)
• Length over Buffers: 1225 mm
• Power System: 2-rail DC
• Finely detailed bogies
• Fully equipped with interior fittings
• Interior lighting can be added (Article: 40420)
• AC wheelset available (Article: 40196)
• Coupling: NEM 362 socket with close coupling kinematics
• First class open seating car (Apümz 121) with two wardrobe windows and two shield frames per side
• First class compartment cars (Avümz 111) with two shield frames per side; one car equipped with radio antenna for train postal communication
• Unique WRümh 132 dining car in "Pop color" scheme, accurately depicted with correct window arrangement and markings
• Historical representation of the last journey of the WRümh "Pop" car in TEE 20 "Saphir" on January 10, 1974, from Nuremberg to Brussels