Roco 7300085 H0 - Diesel locomotive 118 158, DR, Era IV (analogue)

Model of the four-axle diesel locomotive 118 158 in the livery of the German Railways

A model of the four-axle diesel locomotive 118 158 (class V 180) of the East German German Railways (DR). The locomotive, nicknamed the „Babelsbergerin” after its place of origin, is reproduced in the double-stripe (Doppelbauchbinde) livery and allocated to the Berlin division, Bw Ostbahnhof.

The model stands out for its rectangular door cut-out and the combination of ventilators and hinged windows in the engine room. The switchable head and tail lights are set with a DIP switch. The model reproduces the Era IV condition.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 7300085
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Vehicle: four-axle diesel locomotive 118 158 (class V 180)
• Model length: 224 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 / 2 tail lights (LED), direction-dependent, additional light function, switchable (DIP)
• Features: double-stripe livery, rectangular door cut-out, Berlin division, Bw Ostbahnhof
• 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 118 diesel locomotive (V 180):

The diesel locomotive nicknamed the „Babelsbergerin” after its place of origin was built in series from 1962 by the „Karl Marx” locomotive works in Babelsberg. The new B'B'-coupled class V 180 took its designation from the installed power: 2 × 900 hp.

With versatile use in mind, including hauling passenger trains, the machines were equipped with a centrally mounted heating boiler. The maximum speed was 120 km/h, which was entirely sufficient on the main lines of the GDR. Locomotives of class V 180, designated class 118 from 1970, worked throughout the territory of the GDR. The reproduced example – the four-axle 118 158 in the double-stripe (Doppelbauchbinde) livery, allocated to the Berlin division, Bw Ostbahnhof – corresponds to the Era IV condition.

Original technical data (class 118 / V 180 diesel locomotive):

• Type: diesel locomotive, B'B' wheel arrangement
• Manufacturer: „Karl Marx” locomotive works, Babelsberg (from 1962)
• Power: 2 × 900 hp
• Maximum speed: 120 km/h
• Equipment: centrally mounted heating boiler (for passenger service)
• Example: 118 158, double-stripe livery, Berlin division, Bw Ostbahnhof
• 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.