Roco 7100032 H0 - Steam locomotive 86 1563, DR, Era IV (analogue)

Model of the tank locomotive 86 1563 in the livery of the German Railways

A model of the tank locomotive 86 1563 of the East German German Railways (DR). It is a form variant reproduced for the first time with the characteristic large smoke deflectors, intended for traffic on the island of Usedom. The locomotive was allocated to Bw Heringsdorf (Greifswald division).

The model stands out for its long-cut water tanks and fine metal wheelsets. It reproduces the Era IV condition.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 7100032
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Vehicle: tank locomotive 86 1563 (form variant with large smoke deflectors, Usedom island service)
• Model length: 160 mm
• Era: IV
• Operator: German Railways (DR)
• Power system: direct current DC (analogue version)
• Decoder socket: PluX22
• Motor: 5-pole; flywheel
• Number of driven axles: 4; axles with traction tyres: 1
• Lighting: 3 head lights (LED) at both ends, changing with the direction of travel
• Features: long-cut water tanks, fine metal wheelsets; allocation Bw Heringsdorf
• 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 class 86 steam locomotive:

Class 86 is a family of German tank locomotives with a 1'D1' wheel arrangement, belonging to the programme of standardised locomotives (Einheitslok). About 776 of them were built between 1928 and 1943. The machines, with an output of around 1,000 hp and a maximum speed of about 70–80 km/h, were intended to haul passenger and freight trains on secondary and mountain lines.

The reproduced example – locomotive 86 1563 of the East German German Railways (DR) – is a variant adapted to traffic on the island of Usedom, distinguished by its characteristic large smoke deflectors and long-cut water tanks. The locomotive was allocated to Bw Heringsdorf (Greifswald division). The model reproduces the Era IV condition.

Original technical data (class 86 steam locomotive):

• Type: tank locomotive, 1'D1' wheel arrangement
• Programme: standardised locomotive (Einheitslok)
• Years of construction: 1928–1943; about 776 built
• Power: approx. 1,000 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 70–80 km/h
• Example: 86 1563, variant with large smoke deflectors (Usedom island service), Bw Heringsdorf
• Operator: German Railways (DR)
• Era: IV

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.