ICE H0 Models
The ICE (InterCityExpress) has been the flagship of Deutsche Bahn high-speed services since 1991. In H0 scale the entire family from ICE 1 (Class 401) through ICE 2, ICE 3 (Class 403/406/407), ICE T (Class 411/415, tilting) to the modern ICE 4 (Class 412) is produced primarily by Märklin/Trix, Fleischmann, Roco and Piko — as multiple units, power-car-coach formations and individual extension cars.
The ICE family of DB AG
The InterCityExpress (ICE) entered service with the 1991 summer timetable (Hamburg–Munich via Hanover) and revolutionised German express services along the lines of the French TGV — albeit with a German design principle: power-car formations (ICE 1, ICE 2) instead of distributed-traction multiple units. Only with the ICE 3 did DB switch to distributed traction.
ICE generations
- ICE 1 (Class 401) — the classic first generation with two power cars and up to 14 intermediate coaches, in service from 1991, characterised by the red waistband. Models: Märklin, Fleischmann, Trix.
- ICE 2 (Class 402) — from 1996, half-train with single power car and driving trailer, designed for splitting in Hanover/Hamm.
- ICE 3 (Class 403/406) — from 2000, DB's first distributed-traction trainset, capable of 330 km/h. Class 406 as multi-system variant for the Netherlands and Belgium.
- ICE T (Class 411 / 415) — tilting trainset from 1999, built by Bombardier/Alstom, for sinuous lines (Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria).
- ICE TD (Class 605) — diesel variant with tilting technology, from 2001, retired from regular service (last loaned to Denmark).
- ICE 3 Velaro D (Class 407) — from 2013, Siemens Velaro platform, multi-system for France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- ICE 4 (Class 412) — from 2017, Siemens/Bombardier modular trainset, 7- to 13-car configurable, standard for InterCityExpress 2030.
H0 models and manufacturers
- Märklin / Trix — the most extensive ICE range, all generations in AC and DC.
- Fleischmann — specialist for ICE 1 and ICE T with highly detailed intermediate coaches.
- Piko — modern ICE 3 and ICE 4 in sound versions, often with factory decoder.
- Roco — ICE 3, ICE T and Velaro D in DC.
- Brawa — complementary ICE coach ranges.
Related topics
The ICE is part of Germany's railway identity — see the overview of all H0 models from Germany and the DB AG collection for complementary ICE coaches, locomotives and formations. In an international high-speed context the ICE sits alongside the French TGV. ICE generations span Eras V and VI.