Hi guys,
I have Marklin stuff but someone recommended looking at Roco. It seems like the prices are comparable I would appreciate if you help me understand the advantages and disadvantages of each brand and your recommendation. I have always known Marklin (since I was a kid) but have no experience with Roco.


Thanks!

I discovered Roco (coaches) in the early 1980s. My first lok was one of the (then) new SBB Re 4/4IV models in AC. It still runs flawlessly today. I loved the Roco 1/87 coaches and I have been hooked on exact scale ever since. I am not saying that Maerklin or Roco are better than the other. They are different. Each model has it positive and negative points. Roco AC models will work on Maerklin layouts. Most current AC models are delivered with digital decoders.
For many models, I have the Maerklin, Roco and Hag models of the same lok class. Each one has a special place in my collection.
What you decide to do is up to you and your personal taste.
My most recent acquisitions (other than Maerklin) include the Liliput SBB NPZ "Domino" trainset and the Piko GTW 2/6 of the BLS.
Both are nice. The Piko is a little better quality than the Liliput, which is nice, but I am not sure it will be as durable as the others.
Roco models in my opinion are as reliable as Maerklin.
Some exact scale models will perform better on R3-R5, but most can be used on R2.

Regards

Mike C