Rokal
German TT scale model railway manufacturer from 1947 to 1969.
Rokal was a German manufacturer of metal castings that produced a line of model railway equipment in TT scale from 1947 to 1969. The company was based in Lobberich, 80 km north of Cologne, Germany, near the Dutch border. Its name is an acronym for RObert KAhrmann Lobberich.
- Founded
- 1947
- Ceased production
- 1969
- Headquarters
- Lobberich, Germany
- Scale
- TT scale
- Product type
- Model railway equipment
- Founder
- Robert KAhrmann
- Successor
- Röwa (Willy Ade)
Lore & Background
Rokal's product line was sold to Willy Ade of Röwa, who issued at least one catalog that included items from the Rokal line. However, Röwa apparently only sold existing inventory from the purchase rather than manufacturing these items. Ade later sold his company to Roco of Salzburg, Austria, and the Rokal TT line was not issued again. The Rokal product line had slightly different proportions from other TT scale lines. In later years of production, Rokal worked in joint venture with firms located in the former country of East Germany. The products of these companies were offered by Rokal with the Rokal style coupler and also offered in their own product line with their proprietary coupler. These companies apparently used the same set of manufacturing tooling, marketing these items under names such as Zeuke, Zeuke & Wegworth, Berliner TT-Bahnen (now Tillig) and possibly others.
Reader's Guide
Rokal holds significance as an early TT scale manufacturer in Germany, operating from 1947 to 1969. Its products were notable for having slightly different proportions from other TT scale lines, which distinguishes them among collectors. The company's business history includes a sale to Willy Ade of Röwa, who only sold existing inventory rather than continuing production, and the line was never reissued after Ade sold to Roco. Rokal's later joint ventures with East German firms led to shared manufacturing tooling, resulting in products marketed under multiple brand names including Zeuke, Zeuke & Wegworth, and Berliner TT-Bahnen (now Tillig). This cross-branding created a complex legacy where the same tooling appeared under different labels with different couplers. The Rokal name remains of interest to TT scale enthusiasts, with dedicated websites and a friends' group in Lobberich preserving its history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rokal?
Rokal was a German company that manufactured model railway equipment in TT scale, operating from 1947 until it ceased production in 1969.
Where was Rokal based?
The company was headquartered in Lobberich, a town in Germany situated about 80 km north of Cologne and close to the Dutch border.
What does the name Rokal stand for?
It is an acronym built from the founder's name and the company's location: RObert KAhrmann Lobberich.
How long did Rokal produce model railway products?
The company made its TT scale equipment for a span of 22 years, beginning in 1947 and ending in 1969.
Who founded Rokal?
The company was established in 1947 by Robert Kahrmann in Lobberich, Germany.
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