I received an email from Eyro (www.eyro.ch) which mentions that the Roco Re 4/4II models should be available at the end of the year. The email also includes photos of the prototype models being developed by Roco.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find these photos on their website, so I cannot provide a link and I have no permission to post the photos here.
I will email them asking for permission to use the photos and will upload them if I get approval.

In the meantime, I can assure you that the models appear very detailed. Unlike the Maerklin and Hag models, the model has actual rear mirrors. The model has raised lettering and very fine roof detailing. I presume that Roco will once again use the precision pantographs that they have used for their Re 6/6 models. Unlike an earlier photo of a mold that could be seen at Nuremberg, the current photos show the lettering in the position for the red and green variants.

One big difference in the models (and in prototype) is the design of the roof vents. The Roco model shows the original design vents, as can be seen here:
http://www.railfaneurope...e4_4_II/TEE/re442tee.jpg (Photo John Lovda)

Most, if not all, were later converted to the more recent design, as shown here:
http://www.railfaneurope...__20-05-2006_Brig-01.jpg

The Hag models have all had their vents similar to the original design. The Maerklin models have had the more recent design. The photo of the Roco prototype, which also is equipped with air conditioning panels, has the original design, which corresponds to the TEE model and should not be on the current versions of this loktype.

Here is a photo of the Hag model: http://www.roundhouse.ch...ot-11272-100steKlima.jpg
Here is a photo of the Maerklin model: http://cdn02.trixum.de/u...2qO132207680025P1141.jpg

You can see the difference in the design. I am looking forward to the Roco model and am willing to overlook the vent design if the rest of the model is as nice as the preproduction photos suggest.

Here is the link to the models with product number as featured on the Eyro site:
http://eyro.ch/onlinesho...roco+784&x=0&y=0

Only very basic information was provided in the 2012 New Items Flyer. Some people had assumed that these models were an advance notification and not a scheduled model for the current year, but it looks like they are on the way.

Regards

Mike C

Hello,

Roco posted some news on their website, some days ago. But Roco deleted the news just a few minutes later. However, a member of the HAG-Forum has been lucky to watch the website at the right time and found the pictures later in the browsers cache: link to the HAG-Forum.

Best,

Tim

Dear Mike,

in one of the pictures, the left head light looks a little bit like the new LED-style head light of the LION Re 420. Could you see this detail better on your pictures? Do you think Roco is going to make a LION Re 420 with the LED-head-lights?

Thanks for your opinion and best regards,

Tim

The DC models are listed at $248 at TEE USA, DC Digital Sound $320, AC Digital $288, AC Digital Sound $320. Even without shipping, this is cheaper than the EUR 279 that John mentioned. With VAT reduction, the price is very close EUR 271 including shipping.

For the moment, Roco has only announced the following models (DC, DC Digital Sound, AC Digital, AC Digital Sound): Re 4/4II TEE (11158-11161), Re 4/4II Red with Air-conditioning panels) and Re 421 Cargo.
The TEE mold cannot be used for other variants because the positioning of the lettering and Swiss crest is different than on the regular green and later red models with round headlights.
The mold for the red model with rectangular headlights and air conditioning panels could be used to produce a model (Re 4/4II or Re 4/4III) in the original green livery or a model of the Re 420 or Re 430 in the Cargo livery. For the Cargo version, the raised lettering would have to be replaced by painted on inscriptions.
The mold for the Cargo Re 421 can only be used for that model, as the handrails under the front windshields and the pantograph mounts may be different from the regular models.

The headlights in the photo are reproductions of the halogen headlights in use since 1983/84. The model does not have the new design of the LION LED light panels.

It is possible that Roco could eventually produce a model of the LION version. It is interesting to note that Fleischmann has discontinued the 282mm SBB S-Bahn coaches that would have completed such a LION consist. This will leave Sachsenmodelle/Tillig as the only producer of these coaches.

Hag is planning to produce motorized and dummy models of the LION Re 420. These models are still expected this year, but production is not guaranteed to be "Made in Switzerland" unless the parts have already been produced and are awaiting assembly.

Regards

Mike C

Here are some photos of the TEE version of the new Roco model:

http://imageshack.us/a/img22/2073/mhs2012148.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img72/2413/mhs2012145.jpg

and a link with photos of the Maerklin/Trix model: http://www.modellbahn.co...2148wMarklinDigital.html

Regards

Mike C

New images from various dealers:
http://www.trenietreni.i...rticoli/72440-1fianc.jpg
http://www.trenietreni.i...rticoli/72400-1sbieg.jpg
http://www.bahnorama.ch/...images/roc_tee_re442.jpg

Bahnorama reports the AC sound version as "in stock"

Regards

Mike C

Today, Memoba posted a photo of the new model of the Re 421. All of the new models of the Re 4/4II are now available and should be arriving at your dealers in the near future.
http://www.memoba.at/bilder/roco_ro72404.htm

I have also seen all of the models, mainly the DC versions on eBay.de. One seller listed the red one in AC or AC Sound.

This looks very promising. I am looking forward to getting most of these models in the near future.

Regards

Mike C

Here's a demo video of the digital sound model:

MC