I am new to the whole Marklin world and am trying to build a "co-herent" set. However, I am shocked by theorise of Marklin coaches so I have been looking at Roco as I got a great deal at my LHS in Ipswich - Scograil - on a box of 8 freight cars.

I can see this - on Modelbahn Lippe - Roco 74127 Gauge H0 3 piece set “Scharnow Reisen” of the German Federal Railways. Epoch III at €133.90. I am trying to keep to Epoch III so these seem a fit but not sure. Any Ideas?

I have a mix of many different brands in my collection. I have a classic 24cm consist or two, many 1/100 (264mm) models, a number of the new 282mm models and a larger collection of exact scale 1/87.
I don't mix them in consists and the shorter material was mainly for use when my niece and nephew were younger.
The exact scale coaches get to run when I set up the teppichbahn on the floor.

I love the exact scale coaches. Those manufacturers tend to make a wider selection of models, so the consist includes the baggage, first class, second class, restaurant and other coaches you would normally find in a consist, while in the shorter scale lengths, you might find a first class, a second class and a diner only.

For example, for my SBB EWIV trains, I have three variants:

1) Re 460 with AS Service coach, 1st class coach, 3 2nd class coaches and pilot coach
2) RE 460 with ex-SNCF baggage car, 2 1st class coaches, restaurant car, 3 2nd class coaches and pilot coach
3) Re 4/4II with EWII baggage car, 1st class coach, panorama coach, restaurant car, 3-4 2nd class coaches

I can also combine these consists with SBB EC Eurocity coaches (1/2) or with other coach types (UIC-Z Bpm, RIC B, etc) (Train 3)

For other trains, I have my CityNightLines in blue and white and red, my assorted Treno Notte, Thello, SNCF and other trains that you simply just can't model with Maerklin.
I would love to see Maerklin release more models to complement existing types to make the consists more complete.

Regards

Mike C

Shorter Coaches will look much better on your smaller layout David. Have a look at Brawa for great detail but more expensive.
You don't need to buy all at the one time if too costly but add to the collection every few months.