Roco 7310068 DB BR217 003-3 Diesel Locomotive IV (DCC-Sound) HO Gauge

DB BR217 003-3 Diesel Locomotive IV (DCC-Sound) 1:87 scale model produced by Roco. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection. Features: DCC Sound Model Best suited to Epoch IV Model Railways This model mainly operates in Germany Decorated in DB company markings Best suited to 358mm radius curves All changes accurately reproduced in the model Extra-applied plug-in parts, some executed using etching techniques Model features prototypical low wheel flanges Details The DB Class V 162, later renumbered DB Class 217, is a distinctive German diesel-hydraulic locomotive developed as part of the legendary V 160 family for the Deutsche Bundesbahn in the 1960s. Unlike its siblings, the Class V 162 featured a separate auxiliary diesel engine to supply electrical train heating — replacing the steam generator used on earlier V 160 types — making it especially suited for hauling passenger and mixed freight trains on non-electrified routes. A total of only 15 locomotives were built by Krupp and partners between 1965 and 1968, numbered originally V 162 001–003 and later 217 001–003 and 217 011–022 under the post-1968 DB classification. With a Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement, a top speed of up to 140 km/h after later upgrades, and a prime mover producing around 1,427 kW, the Class 217 combined robust performance with the versatility to handle both regional passenger trains and freight duties. Although eclipsed by the more popular Class 218 in later years, the Class 217 remained in service into the early 21st century, with the last units withdrawn by 2011; one example (217 014-0) is preserved at the DB Museum Koblenz. For model railway enthusiasts, the DB Class 217 is a compelling prototype for HO scale German diesel layouts, representing the transition era of diesel traction on secondary routes and mixed-traffic operations.