Rokal TT Gauge Trains - Overview & Credits

     The Rokal line was manufactured in the Rhineland of West Germany from about 1947 until about 1969. It is a robust line, made mostly of diecast metal with heavy duty plastic. Like many other brands of trains manufactured in Germany, the Rokal line was a complete range, including everything necessary to produce a complete layout. Although most of the trains were of European prototypes, Rokal also manufactured some United States prototype trains. The Rokal company produced track, signals, and other components for their line of trains, also. Because of space limitations, these pages are simply an overview of the Rokal model train line.

A Last Word - Sources & Advice

     These pages are the result of years of collecting and studying Rokal model trains. In part, this study has involved corresponding with different individuals who are familiar with the Rokal line. In particular, I thank Herr Andreas Stark for his support of my Rokal interest, and I thank Herr Leo Winkler for information which he provided to me years ago about the Rokal company.

     The production dates of the equipment listed in these pages were derived from the Handbuch für MODELLBAHN-SAMMLER - Rokal TT, published by Mikado Verlag. This company is no longer in business. The images used in these pages are derived from my personal collection and from Rokal catalogs & ephemera dating between 1952 and 1968.

     Attempts to reach the Rokal company and several possible successors have thus far been unsuccessful. The Rokal model train tooling was sold to Röwa of Nerdlen-Kradenbach, which produced the line for, perhaps, two years. This company went bankrupt in the early 1970's, and the tooling was then apparently sold to Roco of Austria. Correspondence with Roco about this matter have been incomplete. Much of the Rokal tooling would have needed to be upgraded to meet the standards present in today's model train market. So, it is presumed that the Rokal items present now in the market are the final extent of production. Late in Rokal's production, some items were manufactured as a joint venture with Zeuke & Wegwerth, a firm located in the eastern sector of Germany. They differ from the Rokal items slightly and were continued in production into the 1990's.

What are they worth?

     Those who are interested in collecting Rokal will find it to be an interesting pastime. The fact of the matter is, however, that Rokal is an obscure line of trains in the North American market, and many people, including train dealers, are unfamiliar with it. It does appear, from time to time, at on-line auctions.  If you are interested in their value, following the eBay auctions is the best way to get an idea as to their possible value. The German eBay market is much more active for Rokal items, but if you are trying to buy, you may find the language barrier a problem, and many German sellers do not want to ship overseas.

     It is unfortunate that Rokal is not familiar to model train enthusiasts, since the Rokal line is an elegant one with many interesting items. These web pages can only begin to describe the hope that was Rokal. In the end, the introduction of even smaller lines of trains in both N-Scale and Z-Scale combined with the passing of Robert Karmann served to close out an interesting chapter in model railroading. I wish you the best in your collecting. Enjoy.