Roco 7500185 H0 - Electric locomotive 7193 101-1, Alpha Trains / Rheincargo, Era VI

Model of the electric locomotive Vectron 7193 101-1 in Alpha Trains / RheinCargo colours

A model of the electric locomotive Vectron 7193 101-1 of the leasing company Alpha Trains, hired to the operator RheinCargo. The H0 model reproduces the Era VI condition in the analogue (direct-current) version, in the commemorative livery for the 25th anniversary of the two companies' partnership.

The model is produced with a track clearer and bogie covers corresponding to the XLoad machines – all the changes are correctly reproduced. The cab interior has a multi-coloured driver's desk and rear wall, and the roof is richly detailed. The switchable head and tail lights are set with a DIP switch. The model was produced in cooperation with Loc & More.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 7500185
• Manufacturer: Roco
• Vehicle: electric locomotive Vectron 7193 101-1
• Model length: 218 mm
• Era: VI
• Operation: Alpha Trains / RheinCargo
• 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)
• Features: track clearer and bogie covers as on XLoad machines, multi-coloured desk, richly detailed roof
• 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 and the Alpha Trains–RheinCargo partnership:

The Vectron is a family of modern Siemens electric locomotives, with a Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement, produced in multi-system versions for international freight traffic across Europe.

The Alpha Trains Group and RheinCargo GmbH & Co. KG are celebrating a quarter-century of successful partnership. To mark the occasion, one of four Vectron locomotives was given a special wrap commemorating this partnership. Alpha Trains is a leasing company that hires out rolling stock, while RheinCargo is a railway operator. The reproduced example is produced with a track clearer and bogie covers corresponding to the XLoad machines.

Original technical data (Siemens Vectron, class 193):

• Type: electric locomotive, Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement
• Manufacturer: Siemens
• Use: international freight traffic
• Operation: Alpha Trains (leasing), hired to RheinCargo
• Livery: commemorative, for 25 years of the Alpha Trains–RheinCargo partnership
• 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.