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5HorizonsRR		#1 Posted : 17 March 2005 04:41:58(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,997 Location: CA, USA		Hi All! I am contemplating buying a ROCO AC digital steam locomotive, a Swiss C 5/6 #69320. I would appreciate anyones input on this model or similar ones. I am very familiar with Roco's quality but this is the first AC beast I've really encountered. For $200, I want to make sure their AC digital units really work! Thanks in advance, John
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McLae		#2 Posted : 17 March 2005 06:37:13(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/07/2002(UTC) Posts: 1,575 Location: DeSoto (Dallas area), TX		I have not seen this particular model, but all the Roco AC Loks I have work just fine. (about 4) I can not find this model in my catalogs, but the thing to check on Non-marklin steam loks is the minimum radius. As Marklin has a patent on putting a hinge between wheels, large steam Loks from other makers have problems with R1 curves. If you have only R2 or larger, go for it!
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Olav		#3 Posted : 17 March 2005 08:05:37(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 20/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 111 Location: ,		I have several Roco loco's including two steamers. The only thing I have really found as a problem is that Märklin Loco's are very tolerant in layout errors, sort of speak. Roco loco's are less tolerant, so it could be possible that on those errors in the lay-out you could have deraillments from the Roco's. For the rest I'm very pleased with the Roco's. I would certainly recommend them. Olav
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efel		#4 Posted : 17 March 2005 19:28:56(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 23/02/2005(UTC) Posts: 801		Hi, There may be a problem if you have only M* Systems (i.e. Mobile Station), and no other CU. In fact, I don't know if it is possible to change the loco adress with MS. I wrote to Roco (2 times) about that, but never got any answer [:(!]!!! Anybody may help??? Fred
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H0		#5 Posted : 17 March 2005 19:29:06(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,467 Location: DE-NW		I have 2 Roco steamers (German BR44 and BR50) and both have a minimum radius of 358 mm (no problem with R1). They have a larger minimum radius if you mount the "Kolbenschutzrohre" (whatever that is in English: rods mounted at the cylinder block pointing forwards). Speed characteristics are OK (14 speed steps), but I prefer the 6090x decoders (27 speed steps). Roco steamers normally lose ladders and other small parts when they derail.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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H0		#6 Posted : 17 March 2005 19:31:47(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,467 Location: DE-NW		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by efel <br />There may be a problem if you have only M* Systems (i.e. Mobile Station), and no other CU. I think the trouble starts with your second Roco loco (coz all Roco locos have a default address of 3).
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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frankv		#7 Posted : 17 March 2005 20:10:46(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 137 Location: , Florida		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by efel <br />Hi, There may be a problem if you have only M* Systems (i.e. Mobile Station), and no other CU. In fact, I don't know if it is possible to change the loco adress with MS. I wrote to Roco (2 times) about that, but never got any answer [:(!]!!! Anybody may help??? I have 3 Roco loks, and have never been able to change the addresses with the MS. I always end up reconnecting my 6021 and changing them on a test track. Regards, Frank
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john black		#8 Posted : 17 March 2005 21:06:21(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC) Posts: 12,139 Location: New York, NY		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by efel <br />... wrote to Roco (2 times) about that, but never got any answer [:(!]!!! Forget it, Fred - M, too, never answered my mails. My revenge is simple - I just buy as many starter sets as possible and as few solo items as necessary [}:)][}:)][}:)] And no trouble at all with the leftovers as track, cars or controllers - they go to my grandson or my nephews. That way they, too, never need any solo buys [}:)][}:)][}:)] John
		I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators. AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only. CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ... Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide
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RDRBerry		#9 Posted : 18 March 2005 01:54:28(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 13/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 382 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire		I have 5 Roco Locos, the drive is ususally a worm gear and flywheel, often in the tender, ok if you have good track and contact but you dont get the 'coating' feel but with good decoder all is ok. Now beware I have had problems with the cardan shaft bearings leading to a loss of transmission, and had to get replacements. The ladders and bits is true, delicate is a true description. But you get fine detail smooth motors and a model not otherwise available.Valve ear is dlicate and traction tyres are pricey and hard to get.
		Ralph HO digital ,Intellibox and 6021
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David Dewar		#10 Posted : 19 March 2005 00:23:32(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,467 Location: Scotland		Roco detail is very good although small parts break easily and can get lost. Drive is in the tender which is not a great idea and has been said can cause problems on turnouts etc. If I buy Roco I usually go for a model of a diesel which has fewer small parts to break and have found they run well but do not have the M quality. The body has to be pulled off to service and the drive shafts can break after a lot of use. If you are a careful owner I would try a Roco steamer and see if you like them. David
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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HueyCE		#11 Posted : 19 March 2005 03:34:41(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,528 Location: Groton, Connecticut		A "Kolbenstangenschutzrohr(en)" is(are) protective liner(s) for piston rod(s). Ira
		Building German Era I-II layout(Mk IIIc).
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5HorizonsRR		#12 Posted : 19 March 2005 04:36:24(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,997 Location: CA, USA		Well, I ordered it. I've wanted one badly since I saw a DC one in 2001 and have been telling myself to hold off because Marklin will announce one the day after I buy the Roco. If it doesn't like my C track layout with minimum R2 curves and only the wide radius switches (which better not be a problem!) it can look pretty in my display case with all those little detail parts and if Marklin does release one next week, it'll get the [8] and go on ebay! mThanks for the advice guys!
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jaques		#13 Posted : 19 March 2005 11:46:52(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 24/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 66 Location: Turnhout, Antwerp, Belgium,		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:[i] Speed characteristics are OK (14 speed steps), but I prefer the 6090x decoders (27 speed steps). 6090x decoders have 14 speedsteps... The Roco decoders are the same as the ESU locpilots, and have 14 speedsteps for Motorola, and 27 for DCC. Jonas
		Modespoor en Modelbouw (Dutch) http://users.telenet.be/herman.lauvrys/MMhome.html
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Olav		#14 Posted : 19 March 2005 14:17:33(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 20/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 111 Location: ,		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by jaques <br /> Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:[i] Speed characteristics are OK (14 speed steps), but I prefer the 6090x decoders (27 speed steps). 6090x decoders have 14 speedsteps... The Roco decoders are the same as the ESU locpilots, and have 14 speedsteps for Motorola, and 27 for DCC. Jonas And DCC 28 and DCC 128. At least a lot of them (DCC 128). But there are motorola decoders dat only have 14 steps, also in Roco locomotives. I have two loco's with decoders that only "understand" motorola Olav
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laalves		#15 Posted : 19 March 2005 20:37:59(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 10/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,162 Location: Portugal		My experiences with Roco AC loks are not very good. I ended up selling my beautiful and inexpensive ebay-originated E18, E16 and E91. I just couldn't put up with changing cardans, realigning wormgears and such. Off they went to ebay again. With the E16, E18 and E91 proceeds I got one Märklin E19 beautiful full metal 3769 and never looked back. Meanwhile, I fell in love with Roco's BR 16 020 and it's awesome, powerful and very, very quiet. Best slider I've seen so far. For an almost 600 euro lok, I would have expected it to stay in the rails more often, as well as not shedding so many parts around, but that's Roco. It's a very beautiful and highly desireable lok. Luis
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Mikael		#16 Posted : 19 March 2005 22:58:34(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 10/09/2004(UTC) Posts: 959 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by jaques 6090x decoders have 14 speedsteps... Well, all of mine have 27. There are only 14 steps on the controller, but the decoder has two different speeds for each step, depending on wether you increased or decreased the speed to get there.
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5HorizonsRR		#17 Posted : 28 March 2005 07:02:55(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,997 Location: CA, USA		Hi All, I got it today and was very pleased- until I ran it. I am on C track and the engine dies every few feet, particularly in switches. I rooted the problem to the pickup shoe not always contacting. What should I do? Anyone have experience like this? Should I try a Marklin ski? Thanks in advance.
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john black		#18 Posted : 29 March 2005 11:09:31(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC) Posts: 12,139 Location: New York, NY		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by 5HorizonsRR <br />got it today and was very pleased - until I ran it ... the engine dies every few feet ... what should I do ? There'll be more trouble in the future - such is "Roco quality". Good as a showpiece only [xx(][xx(][xx(] For the sake of your hard earned cash I'd send it back immediately and buy a nice Marklin instead Best Regards John
		I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators. AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only. CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ... Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide
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Munich 1860		#19 Posted : 29 March 2005 13:08:00(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 1,062 Location: Neu-Ulm, Bavaria		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by john black <br />There'll be more trouble in the future - such is "Roco quality". Good as a showpiece only [xx(][xx(][xx(] For the sake of your hard earned cash I'd send it back immediately and buy a nice Marklin instead Best Regards John True words from a true Märklinist !! I have one nice looking Fleischmann BR 50, but running this one on a layout makes me run too, to every single turnout where it has again derailed that is !!!![V][V]
		I like M-track and my things that run on it were built between 1959 and 1972.
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David Dewar		#20 Posted : 29 March 2005 16:35:50(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,467 Location: Scotland		Never mind John (Canton) You are experiencing life with a Roco steamer. When various parts start to fall off you will decide never again to buy Roco. One thing though their diesels are quite good providing the cardan shaft keeps gpoing. David
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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steventrain		#21 Posted : 29 March 2005 19:02:31(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 31,707 Location: United Kingdom		LUCKY I NEVER BUYING ROCO AC DIGITAL.[^]
		Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
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verheyen		#22 Posted : 29 March 2005 19:11:17(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 25/01/2004(UTC) Posts: 639 Location: ,		It's funny. I have 4 Roco engines, two electrics and one each diesel and steam soon to be joined by another steam. I have had none of the problems you describe and I run these engines continually. No dropping off parts (did lose one of the air hoses on my M* BR10 though) and other problems. All are AC digital, run in analog mode. Also have some Roco passenger cars. No shedding there either. I gotta ask. How are those with problems handling their trains? Other fathers have attractive daughters, too. p. Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by steventrain <br />LUCKY I NEVER BUYING ROCO AC DIGITAL.[^]
		Peter D. Verheyen http://www.philobiblon.com/eisenbahn http://papphausen.blogspot.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/papphausen2
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Munich 1860		#23 Posted : 30 March 2005 23:35:22(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 1,062 Location: Neu-Ulm, Bavaria		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by verheyen <br />I gotta ask. How are those with problems handling their trains? I do not know about the others. I have 69 Märklin locos and one Fleischmann. Two of the Märklin locos are new/digital, about 5 are from the 70ies,about 20 are from the 80ies/90ies, so around 40 are from the fifties/sixties. Bad runners from Märklin are the TEE 3070 and BR 85, 3309. Also the old E 18 in green and blue must be driven carefully. The only one to get me running to every single turnout is the Fleischmann[V]. Sorry, that's what I was saying. But maybe I could really learn a lot from you how to handle my trains....[8)][8)] Advice is truely welcome. Johann
		I like M-track and my things that run on it were built between 1959 and 1972.
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john black		#24 Posted : 30 March 2005 23:57:10(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC) Posts: 12,139 Location: New York, NY		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Munich 1860 <br />how to handle trains ... Excellent question. You put her on track and pull the trigger - oops, I mean work the throttle. If she's a Marklin - she keeps running [}:)] John
		I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators. AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only. CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ... Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide
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rschaffr		#25 Posted : 31 March 2005 00:16:48(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,193 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA		Sort of like the Energizer bunny, huh?
		-Ron Digital, Epoch IV-V(K-track/CS3/6021Connect/60216051), Epoch III(C-track/6021/6036/6051) http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/trains.html
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john black		#26 Posted : 31 March 2005 00:32:56(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC) Posts: 12,139 Location: New York, NY
		I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators. AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only. CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ... Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide
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steventrain		#27 Posted : 31 March 2005 21:22:51(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 31,707 Location: United Kingdom		Quite Funny!
		Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
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