SamThomas

No need to apologise - I was a little abrupt TBH.

If you re-read my comment you will see that I was referring to EU to UK only.

No problem at all - just order from a UK retailer, pay a little more than MSL and relax knowing the importers/manufactires will have already done the admin'.

There are some Fleischmann wagons that have the correct buffer spacing that don't have NEM pockets - IIRC, the wide spacing buffer wagons also tend to have metal chassis.

I have a set of these Roco coaches which already have factory fitted lights (with bulbs). Running DCC some of the bulbs have failed so I need to replace them - while the coaches are apart I'll retrofit LED strips & "stay alives", also, I may as well fit some passengers. The problem is getting into them - I've tried springing the coach sides out but don't want to use too much force - does anyone know for certain how to gain access please ?

K suffex denotes close coupling & NEM pockets. The wide buffer spacing was typical of models produced at the time. Some locomotives also "sat" higher too.

"Old" Flesichmann (with the 3-pole motor) will run forever with no more attention required than an occasional oil/clean & carbon brushes. "Old" Roco - either a good one or a bad one, running wise. "Old" Piko - avoid locomotives - some rolling stock good but it depended on what factory made it (East German was a sort of co-operative). New Piko is generally good - however, IMHO the differences between Hobby, Expert & such do not always make sense. Brawa is nice but delicate, not very good on replacements parts. Hornby Rivarossi/Jouef/Lima is good - some of the last products from this group before Hornby are also good. Spares for Fleischmann/Roco & Piko are pretty good for models under 10 years old. Some of the smaller manufactures produce some nice (& sometimes rare) models, such as LS Models, Acme, Hobbytrade. Comments based on my own experience.

The FLM 4460's are very, very different - I have both versions. The early one (as shown in the box) is, AFAIK a model of the experimental unit & was available with extra coaches. The later one tilts & the bogie design totally different. The ICE-2 bogies may be a closer fit. Hope this helps.

I've been a lifetime railway modeller from the "oval of track on the living room carpet" days to the present. Currently running HO European Fleischmann, Roco, Trix, Piko (post Unification) & some Liliput (Bachmann). All DCC using a Roco Z21 Black) with a couple of Lenz Boosters. Decoders are mostly Lenz (my "go to", with a few ESU & a couple of Zimo. Hope to learn a lot more and possibly contribute any experience I have. Sam.