Roco 6600251 H0 - Set of 2 roll-roof goods wagons type Ts, SNCF, Era IV-V

Model of a set of two two-axle roll-roof goods wagons in the livery of the French Railways

A set of two two-axle roll-roof goods wagons of class Ts of the French Railways (SNCF). The H0 models reproduce the Era IV–V condition. These wagons belong to the family of opening-roof wagons (the UIC class denoted by the letter T), intended for loads that require top loading while also being protected from the weather.

The prototype’s key feature is the roll roof, which can be slid open to expose the entire load space for loading from above (e.g. by crane) – without protruding beyond the loading gauge of the adjacent track. The models are faithfully painted and lettered in line with the prototype.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 6600251
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Set composition: two two-axle roll-roof wagons (class Ts)
• Set length: 240 mm
• Era: IV–V
• Operator: French Railways (SNCF)
• Power system: direct current DC (two-rail)
• Coupler: NEM 362 standard with close-coupling kinematics
• Models ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Note: this model consists of hauled wagons – a locomotive and a powered track are needed to run it.

The set is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller. The wagons are hauled by a locomotive. The model is produced in the DC version; for operation on a three-rail AC (Märklin) system the manufacturer offers replacement AC wheelsets cat. no. 40183.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

A digital DCC system lets you control several locomotives independently on the same track at a constant rail voltage, whereas in an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit respond simultaneously to changes in the supply voltage. The model described here is a hauled vehicle – it has no drive or decoder of its own, so it runs equally well on digitally (DCC) controlled and analogue layouts, since the control method applies only to the locomotive. The model is produced in the DC (two-rail) version.

About roll-roof goods wagons:

Opening-roof wagons were created with loads in mind that need to be loaded from above while at the same time being protected from rain and snow. The earliest designs had hinged flaps in the roof, followed later by sliding and swivelling roofs. Plastic roll roofs, which became widespread from 1973, made it possible to open the wagon’s entire length from above without fouling the loading gauge of the adjacent track.

The two-axle wagons of class Ts are a light, versatile variant of this family. The reproduced examples were operated by the French Railways (SNCF) in Eras IV–V.

Original technical data (roll-roof wagon, class Ts):

• Type: two-axle roll-roof wagon (UIC class T family)
• Characteristic feature: a roll roof allowing top loading without fouling the loading gauge of the adjacent track
• Roof material: plastic (roll roofs became widespread from 1973)
• Operator: French Railways (SNCF)
• Era: IV–V

About the manufacturer – Roco:

Roco is an Austrian model railway manufacturer that has been operating since 1960, founded in Salzburg and today based in Bergheim near Salzburg as part of the Modelleisenbahn GmbH group (alongside the Fleischmann brand). It released its first locomotives in 1976 and earned its reputation early on through precision and fidelity to the prototype. The brand introduced a number of innovations to the industry, among them unshortened, true-to-length coaches, track with a lower rail profile, and snag-free close couplers. Roco's contemporary H0 models stand out for their rich detail, while the digital range is rounded out by the Z21 control system. Roco models are valued by modellers and collectors throughout Europe.