DBAG BR218 Diesel Passenger Train Set VI (DCC-Fitted)

DBAG BR218 Diesel Passenger Train Set VI (DCC-Fitted)

The DB Class 218 is one of the most successful and versatile diesel-hydraulic locomotives ever operated by Deutsche Bundesbahn and later Deutsche Bahn AG. Introduced in the 1970s as a modern successor to earlier members of the V 160 locomotive family, the Class 218 was designed for reliable performance on non-electrified main lines and secondary routes, handling mixed-traffic duties ranging from passenger expresses to heavy freight.

Constructed between 1971 and 1979, a total of 410 locomotives were built by a consortium of German manufacturers including Krupp, Henschel, MaK, and KHD. The locomotive features a B'B' wheel arrangement, a powerful diesel engine paired with hydraulic transmission, and train heating systems suitable for passenger service. Its design emphasised flexibility, with enough power and speed to manage both scheduled regional expresses and slower freight workings without compromise.

The Class 218 quickly became ubiquitous on unelectrified sections of the German network, replacing steam traction and older diesels while offering smooth acceleration and dependable operation. Many locomotives were fitted for push-pull service with driving trailers, enhancing their usefulness on commuter and regional routes. Into the 1990s and 2000s, the Class 218 remained a mainstay of mixed-traffic operations even as electrification progressed.

Z21 START NewGen

Features:

• Controls up to 9,999 DCC locomotive decoders
• Controls up to 2,048 DCC turnout decoders
• RailCom receiver

Connections:

• X-BUS
• USB-C

Technical Details:

• Input voltage: 12–24 V
• Output voltage corresponds to 1 V below input voltage
• Output current: max. 3 A
• Analog locomotives: Not controllable
• Maximum number of trains: 100 vehicles simultaneously
• DCC locomotive decoders
• 14/28/128 speed steps
• F0 to F31
• POM read & write
• Main track and programming track are on one output with the Z21 START newGen, as known from z21start.

Features/Contents

• 1 x BR218 Locomotive
• 2 x Passenger Coaches
• Roco Z21 (Base and App) Controller with UK Power Pack
• 1:87 Scale Model
• DCC Fitted
• Track Included
• Best suited for Epoch VI model railways