Introduction
The class 215 (Baureihe 215) is a diesel locomotive that was built between 1968 and 1971. It was based on the original V160 but was 40 cm longer. It was planned as a "long V160". It still had the steam heating capability. They were in regular service until 2000. Many were transferred to freight only services and were converted in a special class 225. Some of them as still in service.
Two photo's taken in Cologne (Köln Hbf) where the class 215 was in use for many years. The first photo shows the 215 116-5 on the 6th of August 1994. The second photo shows the 215 037-3 on the 21st of September 1996. Both show different liveries. The first is the ocean blue-beige color and the second the 'orientrot' color scheme (livery).
Models
Roco launched a 215 in 1973 and that model was in the catalog for a long time. A completely new version of the 215 was launched in 2016, first as a Fleischmann unit but later as a Roco model. ESU introduced a complete digital model of the 2015 as well. The 225 version is available as well, Liliput has a model.
The list below shows the 215 that are in my (or have been in my) collection.
| Number: | 215 022-5 |
| Manufacturer: | Roco |
| Catalogus no: | 70760 |
| Era: | 1983/06 - 1988-05 |
| Description: | Roco model of the ocean blue/beige colors. |
| DCC: | This is originally an analog model but I installed an ESU Loksound 5 decoder. |
| Number: | 215 035-7 |
| Manufacturer: | Roco |
| Catalogus no: | 72756 |
| Era: | IV |
| Description: | The new Roco model in the old red color. |
| DCC: | This is originally an analog model but I installed an ESU Loksound 5 decoder. |
| Number: | 215 010-0 |
| Manufacturer: | ESU |
| Catalogus no: | 31020 |
| Era: | IV |
| Description: | ESU model with many digital features. |
| DCC: | Factory installed Loksound 4. |
| Number: | 215 061-3 |
| Manufacturer: | Roco |
| Catalogus no: | 43417 |
| Era: | IV |
| Description: | This is a parts locomotive and not complete. |
| DCC: | N/A |
| Number: | 215 015-9 |
| Manufacturer: | Roco |
| Catalogus no: | 41101 |
| Era: | IV |
| Description: | A model from a startset. |
| DCC: | It had originally a Lenz DCC board that only supported 14 steps. Replaced it with a proper DCC decoder. |
| Number: | 215 031-6 |
| Manufacturer: | Roco |
| Catalogus no: | 4151A |
| Era: | IV |
| Description: | This particular model is special. The shell is from the first series (Roco 4151A), which didn't have flush windows etc. The other parts are from a later release (Roco 43417) which had a broken body shell. |
| DCC: | N/A |
| Number: | 215 033-2 |
| Manufacturer: | Roco |
| Catalogus no: | 4151B |
| Era: | IV |
| Description: | My first Roco 215 model. |
| DCC: | N/A |
| Number: | 215 035-0 |
| Manufacturer: | Fleischmann |
| Catalogus no: | 424005 |
| Era: | V |
| Description: | The new Fleischmann/Roco model. |
| DCC: | Zimo PLUX16 decoder. |
| Number: | 225 032-2 |
| Manufacturer: | Liliput |
| Catalogus no: | L132003 |
| Era: | V |
| Description: | Liliput model of the freight class 225 |
| DCC: | MTC21 connector |