I an newcomer to this group but have an HO question. My family and I have just moved to Taiwan. I brought with my and HO set to help get my son started. Unfortunately everything HO I have found here is from Europe (Fleischmann, etc.) and nothing US made. Are these two types of HO compatible? Thanks.
[#welcome]
First problem may be electric service. Is Taiwan 110 or 220?
European models are also available in AC as well as DC and DCC, so shop carefully.
I believe the gage is the same, though others may address that question better.
That said, it’s an Internet and mail order world. You can always order from your old vendors.
Fleischmann produces mainly DC, only for the Marklin market some AC engines.
But European stock has usually NEM wheels, not RP 25. That means you have “pizza cutters”.They gave problems with code 70 and with some code 83 track. And they have usually their own coupler, not Kadee compatible.
Wolfgang
You did not mention if you came from Europe or North America; from the mention of Fleischmann, I assume you are European?? If Taiwan runs 220V power, there should be no problem with a European made 220V power pack. If Taiwan runs 120V, you will need a 120V to 220V voltage converter to run a European power pack; just be sure tha the converter can handle the amperage that the power pack requires.
The power pack will convert the local voltage to low voltage DC to power your locomotives regardless if they are US standard or Eurpoean. I have a Fleischmann locomotive and have been running it off my 120V power pack with no problems except for the deep flange wheels that someone else mentioned. As far as coupler incompatibility, you can run all European trains and all North American trains, just not mixing the rolling stock between the types - this is what happens in real life.