Roco 70321 H0 - Electric locomotive 193 718 Vectron, MRCE, Era VI (analogue)

Model of the electric locomotive 193 718 Vectron in the livery of Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE)

A model of the modern Siemens Vectron electric locomotive 193 718 in the livery of the leasing company Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE). The H0 model reproduces the Era VI condition in the analogue (direct-current) version.

The locomotive stands out for its finely detailed roof and cab interior – a multi-coloured driver's desk and cab rear wall. The switchable head and tail lights are set with a DIP switch. It is a locomotive typical of cross-border freight traffic.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 70321
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Vehicle: Siemens Vectron electric locomotive 193 718
• Model length: 218 mm
• Era: VI
• Operation: Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE)
• Power system: direct current DC (analogue version)
• Decoder socket: PluX22
• Number of driven axles: 4; axles with traction tyres: 1; flywheel
• Lighting: 3 head / 2 tail lights (LED), direction-dependent, switchable (DIP)
• Minimum curve radius: 358 mm
• Coupler: NEM 362 standard with close-coupling kinematics
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Note: controlling and powering the model.

The model is produced in the analogue DC version. An ordinary direct-current controller is enough to run it – no digital command station is required. The locomotive has a factory-fitted decoder socket (PluX22), which makes it possible to equip it with a decoder later and switch to digital DCC control. The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller.

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 supplied in the analogue version (for direct current DC), with a decoder socket allowing later conversion to digital DCC control.

About the Siemens Vectron locomotive (class 193):

The Vectron is a family of modern electric locomotives built by Siemens, introduced in the second decade of the 21st century. The Bo'Bo' locomotives are produced in multi-system versions adapted to work under different overhead supply voltages, which makes them ideally suited to cross-border traffic across Europe. The most powerful variants reach an output of around 6.4 MW and a speed of up to 200 km/h, while freight versions usually work at a lower maximum speed.

Vectrons are widely used both by state and private operators and by leasing companies. Locomotive 193 718 belonged to the fleet of Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE) – a leasing company that hires locomotives out to railway operators. The reproduced example represents the Era VI condition in typical use in cross-border freight traffic.

Original technical data (Siemens Vectron, class 193):

• Type: electric locomotive, Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement
• Manufacturer: Siemens
• Power: most powerful variants around 6.4 MW
• Maximum speed: up to 200 km/h (freight versions usually lower)
• Features: multi-system locomotive adapted to cross-border traffic
• Operation: fleet of Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE)
• Era: VI

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.