German ICE DB models- which manufacturer?

[DiveController]

During a recent visit to Germany I was impressed with DBs ICE trains. Initially the ICE 1&2 were locomotive hauled, replaced now decades later by Siemens Velaro EMUs. As a fringe interest (hopefully not to develop into a mainstream hobby interest ), I planned to get myself a decent quality prototypical ICE with 7-9 units. As a newbie to manufacturers of Euro trains would appreciate any recommendations of Roco vs. Trix , Fleischmann, Marklin products etc. 

[DJ Dangerous]

45 minutes ago, DiveController said:

During a recent visit to Germany I was impressed with DBs ICE trains. Initially the ICE 1&2 were locomotive hauled, replaced now decades later by Siemens Velaro EMUs. As a fringe interest (hopefully not to develop into a mainstream hobby interest ), I planned to get myself a decent quality prototypical ICE with 7-9 units. As a newbie to manufacturers of Euro trains would appreciate any recommendations of Roco vs. Trix , Fleischmann, Marklin products etc. 

I have a few of Roco’s 319 Retales, the Spanish GM locos, and they are fabulous.

If their ICE is similar, happy days:

 

 

[Galteemore]

Marklin are a separate system working off 3-rail, so their products are generally incompatible with other marques. Historically, German manufactured model trains were significantly better than their UK counterparts- and correspondingly expensive! As a one time collector I always felt Fleischmann and Trix were a little bit above Roco and Liliput in quality, but that’s probably changed ! 

Edited November 30, 2025 by Galteemore