A short review:

Latest purchase of hauling power is a Roco DB type 204 diesel loco (Item no 62812D).

It is not my first meeting with the Roco "Ost-V100", since we have one running in the last 2 years at our exhibition, but it is my first "Ost-V100". It came from a starter set and I have paid approx. 50€ for it including the DCC decoder (as part of a purchase of loco plus 3 freight cars).

Roco has really made a fine piece of machinery here. Inside is the traditional Roco open frame motor, witch ensures sufficient power and very low noise level. As usual by Roco all axles are powered and one axle has traction tyres on both wheels. A weight of 352 grammes ensures sufficient traction power. Sadly the underside of both bogies has two openings where the small cogwheels can be seen and dirt can be picked up. I have plans to close the holes with at small piece of tape. All cogwheels and worm gear is made of plastic, it ensures low noise level and durability. All wheels are used for current pick-up.

It has red and white LEDs, but as it has the 8 pin NEM socket for decoder, the front and rear light is not separated. Drivers cab is fully equipped with control handles.

The body itself is rather simple, but most details are shown. It it a model with a list price of 99€, so do not expect superfine details.

It is equipped the short coupling mechanism and NEM pockets.

My interest is todays/modern railways. So my 204 is in traffic red livery as the loco had in the period 2001-2009.
A light weathering would suit it, as the grills for air inlet and outlet is rather invisible today. As you can see it is rather "fresh" in its colours:
http://www.baneforum.dk/download/file.php?id=3085&mode=view

I order to service the loco or mount a decoder you just lift the "lid" of the both motor halves. Very easy!

The loco is a part of a newer generation Roco locos, that according to rumours is not designed in-house of Roco. It is shown by the body is held by screws and not clipped on, and cogwheels are narrower than the usual Roco ones. The V200.1/BR221 is of the same construction.

My kid and I have been using the 204 for some shunting at out dining table. It is easy to control (using a lokmaus) has smooth running characteristics, and is very silent.

Here is some data and pictures of the "real deal":
http://www.v100-online.de/index.php?nav=1000001&id=38729&action=portrait

Klaus