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Offline mike c  
#1 Posted : 31 May 2017 06:08:13(UTC)
mike c

Canada   
Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC)
Posts: 7,880
Location: Montreal, QC
Hello,

today, I received my 43612 RAlpin ROLA couchette coaches to go with my 47416/47417 ROLA.
https://images.ricardost...-begleitwagen-bcm-ralpin
(I will add my own photo when I get the chance)

The coach is nicely painted, but have a few details that do not correspond to the prototype.
http://www.railfaneurope..._85_59-00_116-8_fru1.jpg

The air-conditioning unit is missing on the Maerklin model and the rubber gangway tube, which was removed on the prototype is still present. This is problematic, because the Maerklin model uses this part to keep the shell mounted to the chassis of the coach.

I am waiting for the exact scale ACME model. I decided to opt for the Maerklin model because it will be easier to equip with lighting and I plan to run the train with one or two BLS Cargo loks and a pair of the couchette coaches and trailing ROLA cars with trucks. I will probably use the ACME coach during "daytime" operation.
I was also thinking about putting in tail lights on one of the coaches. Has anybody installed digital Maerklin lights and taillights and does Maerklin have a function decoder for lighting?

Regards

Mike C
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by mike c
Offline gwolski  
#2 Posted : 13 June 2017 23:27:11(UTC)
gwolski

United States   
Joined: 17/12/2001(UTC)
Posts: 171
Location: Central Virginia
The coach looks very nice despite the differences from the prototype. From the photos, It looks like a roof AC unit could be scratch built and attached with poster tack or something similarly non-permanent. As for the gangway tube, I'd probably just live with it since it keeps the car together as you mentioned. You could paint it - bleh, or remove it and find a way to hold the car together - seems problematic. Has anyone done something similar?

A couple of notes:

1. Marklin lighting unit - even better, install an ESU lighting board with integral function decoder. The board even has the tail lights pre-wired for installation.
2. Compare to the ACME 52418 Ralpin coach - probably like you, my guess it will correct the deficiencies mentioned above, but will probably have a larger operational radius. It would be great to see a side by side comparison of the two when you get it!

Thanks for sharing!

Cheers!
Gene Wolski
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