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This year Austrian train model manufacturer Roco is celebrating its 60th Anniversary. And there is really no better way to do it than with a unique livery design. And why not an H0 model too?
Six decades ago, Roco – now a well-known model railway company – began recreating the European railway world as precision scale models, giving railway fans the unique opportunity to treasure their favorite locomotives and trains, always within their hand’s reach.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199-60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_0294.jpg?media=1720610533)
And while Roco does not really need an introduction, the design collaboration between the model manufacturer, Gudrun Geiblinger, and ÖBB has materialized in a unique Taurus livery that was revealed earlier this week. One could refer to it as white:
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199-60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_2201.jpg?media=1720610533)
But there is also orange on its other side:
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199-60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_0603.jpg?media=1720610533)
A (hi)story to tell
With white, orange, and blue as base colors this design reflects Roco’s evolution throughout the years, blending both its legacy and modernity in a single concept. It has it all – a classic ÖBB 4010 “Transalpin” EMU, combined with futuristic matrix-like visuals – part of the modern, already digital, world of train models.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199-60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_0503.jpg?media=1720610533)
There are various circular elements that feel like time portals, letting us have a peek in these different eras – all the way from the SGP-built EMU to the contemporary electric locomotive that is actually wearing the livery – Siemens’ EuroSprinter ‘ES 64 U2’ – commonly known as the Taurus.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199_60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_5932.jpg?media=1720610533)
With gears, electric circuits, and even a RailJet trainset, it is all in motion – much like the everyday life of a modern European electric. But there is also that tiny “wink” to childhood, a children’s toy shovel, and a bucket, symbolizing how railway passion begins developing in our early years (see the side images above for reference).
The “60 years of Roco” model
But back to Roco’s roots – train model manufacturing. A model was present, exactly 87 times smaller than the original 1116 199, nonetheless together, here is a closer view:
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199-60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_3011.jpg?media=1720610533)
Referred to as numbers 70485 (DC) / 70486 (DC+Sound) / 78486 (AC+Sound) in Roco’s catalog, the model is already available for preorders.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199-60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_2687.jpg?media=1720610533)
It features the elaborate design by Gudrun Geiblinger, a Z21 driver’s cab, as well as a switchable high beam and individually switchable head or tail light. And its pre-production preview is depicted above.
About the real 1116 199
Of course at Railcolor News, we mainly focus on 1:1 scale locomotives. Here is what we know about 1116 199 (the real one):
- Top speed: 230 km/h;
- Year built: 2004;
- Works number: 20920;
- Country package: A+D;
- REV date: 22.09.2018, Lz (Linz).
- NVR-Number: 91 81 1116 199-1 A-ÖBB.
But hey, instead of enjoying these nice pictures, why not grab a camera and chase the locomotive in action? After all, it is already driving trains:
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/railcolornews.com/wp-content/uploads/Siemens-ES64U2-OEBB-Taurus-1116-199-60-years-of-Roco-annivarsary_Railcolor-News_C-Auerweck_9486.jpg?media=1720610533)
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to submit your best pictures or news tips to Railcolor News.