Roco 7500164 H0 - Electric locomotive 141 152-9, DB, Era IV-V

Model of the electric locomotive 141 152 in the „orientrot” livery of the German Federal Railway

A model of the electric locomotive 141 152 of the German Federal Railway (DB), in the „orientrot” livery with the apron (Latz). It is a standardised locomotive of class E 41 (designated class 141 from 1968), reproduced in H0 scale for Eras IV–V.

The model is fitted with etched walkways and windscreen wipers, and the switchable head and tail lights are set with a DIP switch.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 7500164
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Vehicle: electric locomotive 141 152
• Model length: 180 mm
• Era: IV–V
• Operator: German Federal Railway (DB)
• Motor: 5-pole; flywheel
• Power system: direct current DC (analogue version)
• Decoder socket: PluX22
• Lighting: 3 head / 2 tail lights (LED), direction-dependent, additional light function; switchable (DIP)
• Number of driven axles: 4; axles with traction tyres: 1
• Features: „orientrot” livery with the apron (Latz), etched walkways and windscreen wipers
• 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 141 locomotive (E 41):

The class E 41 locomotives (designated class 141 from 1968) were first delivered to the German Federal Railway (DB) in 1956, intended for light and mixed service on main lines. They reached a maximum speed of 120 km/h and a continuous output of 2,310 kW. They belonged to the programme of standardised locomotives (Einheitslok).

As the only class in that programme, they received a tap changer on the low-voltage side of the transformer. The working tap changer produced a characteristic noise which – together with the marked steps in tractive effort – gave the locomotives the nickname „Knallfrosch” („banger”). The reproduced example – 141 152 – was repainted in the „orientrot” colours soon after their introduction, in November 1987, and kept this livery until its withdrawal at the end of 2002.

Original technical data (class 141 / E 41):

• Type: electric locomotive, Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement
• Programme: standardised locomotive (Einheitslok)
• Deliveries: from 1956 (class 141 designation from 1968)
• Continuous output: 2,310 kW; maximum speed: 120 km/h
• Feature: tap changer on the low-voltage side of the transformer
• Nickname: „Knallfrosch”
• Example: 141 152 in the „orientrot” livery (from November 1987 to the end of 2002)
• Operator: German Federal Railway (DB)

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.