25 years ROCO is occasion for celebration, for giving thanks and a reason to look ahead. To begin it is appropriate to reflect on the past. In 1960, the dynamic young entrepreneur Heinz Rössler founded, together with his wife, the firm "Ing. Heinz Rössler". Ing. RosslerVery modestly it began with the manufacture of scale models of military vehicles. A variety of plastic toys, including sand buckets, toy automobiles, assembly games and bonus gifts in packets of coffee were produced. The military models which were exported to the USA under the trade name "Minitank" quickly became an export success due to their, for that time unusually high degree of detailing. The first orders for HO model freight cars based on American prototypes cam e from the USA as well in 1963. Following the initial success the production of N-gauge models was started, again for export to America.

New technology and production methods as well as considerable expansion in capacity made a U.S.A. market possible. It reads like a fairy tale to see the order from a business associate of those days who wrote "Deliver as much as you can of anything you like". As many as 500,000 (!) vehicles weekly rolled of the production lines in direction of America. Unnoticed by the European model railway industry an extremely capable producer had established himself within a period of less than 10 years. Aside from a few "insiders", nobody as yet knew of the new model railway manufacturer in Salzburg. It was also not known that the firm Ing. Rössler produced for a large West German model railway manufacturer as well. Many model railway items which were sold with West German label came at that time from Mozart's birth place.

Starting in 1967 the first HO goods wagons based on European prototypes were produced. These reasonably priced models which were considered to be an insider's secret, were so well detailed that they meet even today's quality requirements. These models are still in the ROCO program and are being sold successfully. This shows that ROCO detailing standards were always way ahead of the general quality level. Based on this valuable experience plus modern, efficient production methods, the official introduction into the European model railway market was prepared; with the class 215 diesel locomotive of the DB, a few goods wagons and a track system a new model railway was introduced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair 1973 - "ROCO International".

Even then a page of the catalogue was devoted to close-couplings for HO and N gauge. The beginnings of a revolutionary development were apparent. Another important step in the development of the firm was the acquisition of the tools and dies of the bankrupt firm Röwa. The former Röwa products were offered in partly reworked form and less expensive than before. Once more capabilities served the model railway hobbyist for his advantage. The ROCO close-couplings were patented in 1976 and started their singular road to success. Today the ROCO close-couplings are the most widely used close-coupling system in the world This fact further proves the future oriented creativity of ROCO engineers. The year 1977 brought a serious loss to the firm: the death of its founder and driving force, Ing. Heinz Rössler. Since then, the firm is run by his widow, Mrs. Elfriede Rössler and her brother Mr. Walter Tschinkel, who had contributed to the rise of the firm since 1961.

To establish closer working contacts with our customers and to better serve the West German market, a separate distributing firm was founded in 1978 with location in Freilassing (Upper Bavaria). Due to the increasing demand for model motor vehicles a new line with the name "Miniature Model" was introduced in 1980. Again new standards were set. The line which was originally based on civilian derivatives of suitable military vehicles was so successful that a new model series was developed and today, only 5 years later, a very extensive program with many interesting motor vehicle models and accessories is being offered.

With the introduction of the ROCO ASC 1000 "ultimate train controller" a new mile stone was set for the company history and a forceful impulse for application of modern microelectronics into model railway operation was given. The readiness to combine new technology with known and proven principles and being receptive to the wishes and suggestions of the model railway operators made it possible to develop an advanced train controller The fact that ROCO has done pioneering work for a new model raiIway dimension has been less successful imitations. This project was carried out in cooperation with the well known West German firm VDO. As a result of having a partner with great experience in electronics it was possible to offer this equipment in first class quality at a reasonable price. Encouraged by this success ROCO introduced the first fully electronic signal box for model railways in 1983. The ROCO magnetic accessory control MCS-120 with its track display board represents a prime example of useful application of microprocessor technology. Thanks to the well balanced price/quality relationship, advanced technology which is up-to-date on all modern control techniques and straight forward design without requiring extensive electronic experience from the user, this equipment was considered worthy of the "Model of the Year" award.

Due to the acceptance by the model railway hobby the ASC-1000, the close-couplings, many locomotives, coach and wagon models in addition to the magnetic accessory control system have been voted "Model of the Year" as were other awards. Sometimes it was almost embarassing how ROCO harvested awards despite strongest competition. The following is a quote from an article by the well known business journalist Eberhard Goldmann published in the trade journal "Toy Market (Spielzeugmarkt), vol.11/84" which is being reprinted here representative for many similar articles:

"Following an established tradition, representatives of the model railway industry and trade journals assembled in the Nuremberg traffic museum on the eve of the Toy Fair on February 1st, 1984, in order to witness the selection of the "Models of the Year", this evening again seemed to become a "ROCO evening". The Salzburg people were able to collect first placements in the five most important categories without difficulty. It was a ROCO achievement to be able to accept the certificate "Model of the Year" 5 times within one year for the first time In the history of this award, the presentation having been arranged by the Alba publishers. This confirms the reputation of this young firm being a manufacturer of model railways of highest standards. ROCO has, without doubt, set quality standards without departing from the pricing structure of the general market. In this respect the ROCO Model products company becomes a model in itself. This family enterprise has shown growth which is exemplary for proving how dynamic leadership, responsiveness to the market and productivity can be combined into a great success"

Goldmann, Eberhard: ROCO: Solid Growth. Published in: Spielzeugmarkt, issue 11(1984), page 52.

ROCO, today and tomorrow - a preview for the future

Today, ROCO employs about 500 persons in factories in Salzburg and Gloggnitz (Austria) and produces more than 2500 different articles. Flawless service requires stocking more than 6000 replacement parts. Since more and more new products are wanted by the model railway hobby but the continuously more finely structured demand does not permit the reduction of the program, it is sometimes despite all efforts not possible to have each and every model available for delivery at all times Therefore it should be made clear that there is a relationship between having long delivery times for established models and having production capacity available for new and eagerly awaited locomotives and other rolling stock. Never the less it is considered one of the most important future objectives to increase our production capacity. The introduction of microelectronics will certainly lead to the development of additional and interesting items as will the development of new technology for powering model locomotives. ROCO will continue to strive to strengthen the good reputation of Salzburg as the Mecca of model rail-way hobbyists with excellent locomotive, coach and wagon models.

25 Years ROCO - a thank you! A thank you to all hobby shops, trade journalists and representatives of many railway administrations who have helped us to obtain excellent prototype documentation for our models. Of course a thank you as well to all the model railway hobbyists and customers, who have greatly aided in the creation of ROCO models by contributing voluntarily and without compensation their time, suggestions and advice. Only by having close contact to and frequent discussions with railway fans is it possible to know their wishes and to respond successfully. As a special anniversary surprise ROCO introduces the "sophisticated" coupling device! More information concerning this close-coupling device with delayed uncoupling can be found on pages 68/69. Another special "thank you" is the Prussian passenger train in colourful original livery with the authentic inscriptions for era I.

25 years ROCO - this proud anniversary will be the motivation to give the model railway enthusiasts all the things making this hobby so enjoyable in the future as well.

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