Roco 7500172 H0 - Electric locomotive Re 465 008-1, BLS, Era V-VI

Model of the electric locomotive Re 465 008 in the „Goldenpass” livery of the BLS

A model of the electric locomotive Re 465 008 of the Swiss Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon Railway (BLS). The H0 model reproduces the Era V–VI condition in the analogue (direct-current) version, in the richly printed „Goldenpass” livery.

The model is fitted with separately mounted windscreen wipers and finely reproduced front grab rails. The switchable tail light is set with a DIP switch.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 7500172
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Vehicle: electric locomotive Re 465 008
• Model length: 212 mm
• Era: V–VI
• Operator: Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon Railway (BLS)
• Motor: 5-pole; flywheel
• Power system: direct current DC (analogue version)
• Decoder socket: PluX22
• Number of driven axles: 4; axles with traction tyres: 1
• Lighting: Swiss light change (LED), additional light function; switchable tail light (DIP)
• Features: „Goldenpass” livery, separately fitted windscreen wipers, fine front grab rails
• Minimum curve radius: 358 mm
• Coupler: NEM 362 standard (without 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 BLS Re 465 locomotive:

The Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon Railway (BLS) ordered from the Swiss companies SLM Winterthur and ABB Zurich a further-developed universal locomotive designated class 465, based on the SBB Re 460 design. Unlike the Re 460, these locomotives have not one converter per bogie but one converter per axle, which allows the tractive effort to be transferred optimally to the rail.

BLS operates 18 of these locomotives mainly in freight traffic, but also ahead of push-pull trains. The reproduced example – Re 465 008 – is produced in the striking „Goldenpass” livery.

Original technical data (BLS Re 465):

• Type: universal electric locomotive, Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement
• Manufacturer: SLM Winterthur and ABB Zurich
• Design: development of the SBB Re 460; one converter per axle
• Number built: 18
• Use: mainly freight traffic, also push-pull trains
• Operator: Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon Railway (BLS)
• Era: V–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.