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Piko Narrow Gauge Train Sets  

 Train Sets in General  

 

Complete ‘Ready-to-Run’ Train Sets have always been a popular starting point for entering the world of model railways for over half a century. They come neatly boxed in a variety of scales and gauges, include everything you need to get started, are easy to set up and can become a hobby that the entire family can share and enjoy for a lifetime despite their gender association as a “boys toy”.

Whilst the range of Starter Train Sets in the larger scales are not necessarily quite as prolific as in the smaller scales there is still a large enough selection to fulfill most requirements even if occasional supply problems cause shortages. This is particularly acute before Christmas so don’t leave your purchase too late as you may find the shelves empty.

One major advantage of purchasing a complete starter set is that the manufacture will have put together carefully matched items and almost invariably at a price that is less than acquiring those same items individually.

As you might expect his is not altogether for altruistic reasons and by appealing to the younger fraternity they increase the chances of future growth (or at least avoid a decline in sales). Here is little doubt that in recent years ‘playing with trains’ has been largely overtaken by other hobbies and pursuits, especially pastimes revolving around more advanced consumer electronics. Children are more likely to be given an X-Box or Mobile Phone than a train set. This must be a concern to any model train manufacturer but especially those making larger-scale model trains and have a lower customer base to start with.

Just lately there does seem to have been a noticeable reduction in the range of starter sets available and it can only be hoped that this is a temporary phase and that the market will eventually be rejuvenated but nothing is for certain.

History of Piko's involvement in Large-Scale Train Sets 

The long-established German firm of Piko ( pronounced "peek-oh), or PIKO Spielwaren GmbH to give them their proper title, have been manufacturing model trains in various scales since as long ago as 1949. Their product range now numbers in excess of 1500 lines in TT, N, HO, and G Scales and they currently supply the European Market whilst also exporting to the USA and various other parts of the world. 

 

Although smaller scales are now manufactured in China their G-Scale product line is still made in Sonneberg and comprises a wide range of locomotives (steam, diesel and electric), starter sets, passenger and freight cars, plastic building kits, control equipment, track and accessories in both European and American outline.

The company has its own online mail order facility but much of the distribution is achieved via local distributors and retail outlets including PIKO America in San Diego, California.

In recent years their G-Scale product range has expanded at quite a prodigious rate possibly even eclipsing LGB but they show little sign of slowing down and as one of the foremost model railway companies in the world, continue to introduce new products and changing liveries.

To my mind their Starter Sets are particularly good value for money as they include a circle of high quality Code 332 brass track and many locomotives now come with factory-fitted Digital Sound feature as well as directional lights and smoke.

PIKO G products are both robust and "weatherproof" and thus suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are also compatible with most other G scale model railways such as LGB, Aristo-craft, USA Trains, Bachmann, Hartford, Thiel, Trainline, Piko, Pola Buildings and Preiser G scale Figures.

In recent times the company appear to have embarked on a major push into the North American marketplace by introducing large-scale models of American prototypes albeit in more generic form rather than based on specific example (which they tend to do in Europe). They appear to have established a reasonably strong presence by offering a significant number of products based on US railroad prototypes although perhaps not quite the volumes they were hoping for. It is a difficult market to penetrate and only time will tell.

The only gripe I have is that many of their products look to be under scale and fall somewhere between 1:22.5 and 1:29 (possibly 1:27 according to a source in Piko HQ). In fact, in common with many other manufacturers supplying the large-scale marketplace you will find it hard to discover exactly what scale they actually manufacture to. This may be due to historical reasons (e.g. acquiring MDC production moulds in Piko's case) but whilst a degree of ‘selective compression’ is to be expected it would help if they could

standardise on a nominal ratio or at the very least reveal the nominal scale they are modelling to.

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Starter Sets 

As one might expect the PIKO G-scale Starter-Sets affords a stress-free entry level and include everything you need to enter in the exciting world of PIKO G-scale railroading. 


It normally includes:

  • A detailed and powerful locomotive

  • Matching Cars (Passenger Coaches or Wagons)

  • Full circle of brass track

  • Power hook-ups

  • A safety approved electronic transformer and throttle


To assemble the set you don’t need any tools or extra parts. Just open the package and let the fun begin! 

PIKO G trains and accessories are built of incredibly tough weather-resistant materials for years of enjoyment indoors or outdoors.

First a word on the numbering scheme by way of explaining the two different product codes. These sets are designed to operate with mains voltages of 230v/240v in Europe and the UK. In order to operate safely in the USA and certain other Countries, where the mains voltages are around 110/120 Volts, a more suitable transformer is included. Sets are differentiated with a second digit of ‘7’ for UK/European versions and ‘8’ for USA sets. Hope this is clear as you might search for Piko products and end up on their American (or European) website in error.

Piko DB III BR80 Steam Freight Starter Set with Analogue Sound & Smoke                       37120 / 38120   

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This introductory PIKO freight train starter set is equipped with everything you need to start in the world of G scale. It contains an attractive Dampflok Class BR80 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive in Deutsche Bahn (DB) livery, two matching wagons, brass track, CE approved transformer; controller and connecting cables.

The powerful steam locomotive features ball bearings and chromed wheel sets, direction-dependent changes of light and is already equipped with realistic, analogue sound and switchable steam function which can be enhanced by placing the two solenoids on the track.

 

 

The set also contains a Hand Uncoupler (Cat. No. 36039) for easier manual uncoupling of the vehicles.

PIKO G products are robust and "weatherproof" and thus ideally suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Also compatible with most G scale model railways such as LGB, Aristo-craft, USA Trains, Bachmann, Brawa, Hartford, Piko / Pola Buildings and Preiser G scale Figures.


The brass track circle included in the set covers an area of 140 x 140 cm and can be easily extended using PIKO's expanding range of brass track. PIKO unique track geometry makes even complex track plans simple to build with only a few types of track sections and with the rails made from pure virgin solid brass will ensure decades of use.  

Contents:

1 x Steam Locomotive BR 80
1 x Boxcar
1 x High-sided Wagon
12 x 35211 R1 (R1 Curves 600 mm)
1 x 35270 Terminal
1 x 35285 Connecting Terminal Clips (14 pieces)
1 x Throttle
1 x Power Supply (230 V) 20 V / 32 VA DC / AC
2 x 35268 Solenoids
1 x 36039 Uncoupling Wand                                                                                         

1 x Smoke Fluid (10 ml)

 

Track Dimensions: 120 x 120 cm
Minimum building area: 140 x 140 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Piko G Scale DB BR80 Freight Train Starter Set with 2 OreCars                                                                    37100 / 38100                                              

SOUND SAMPLE
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This PIKO starter set is equipped with everything you need to start in the world of G scale. Containing a detailed Dampflok Class BR80 Steam Locomotive in Deutsche Bahn (DB) livery, two bulk hopper cars (with different running numbers), track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.

 

The powerful 0-6-0 tank locomotive has directional lighting and can be retro-fitted with Digital and sound decoders and also a smoke generator.

 

Contents: 

 

 

1    x  Deutsche Bahn BR 80 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive

2    x  Ore Hopper Wagons (DB Brown)

12  x  35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections

14  x  35285 Track Clips

1    x  35270 Power Connection Clamps

1    x  Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20v / 28VA AC1)

1    x  Speed Controller / Regulator 

 

Piko Cat.No. 37100 /38100

Piko European Passenger Starter Set with Analogue Sound &  Smoke         

 37130 / 38130

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This powerful 0-6-0 tank locomotive in green livery features directional lighting and can be retro-fitted with Digital and Sound decoders and also a smoke generator. The set also includes two attractive two-axle short passenger cars in red/cream and blue/cream livery together with track and all necessary control equipment to get you off to a flying start.

 

Contents: 

 

1    x  Deutsche Bahn BR 80 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive in Green livery

2    x  2 axle Passenger Cars in two-tone liveries (see picture)

12  x  35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections

14  x  35285 Track Clips

1    x  35270 Power Connection Clamps

1    x  Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20 v / 28 VA AC1)

1    x  Speed Controller / Regulator 

 

Piko Cat.No. 37130 / 38130

Piko European BR80 Epoch III Steam Passenger Starter Set with Analogue Sound &    Smoke                                                                                                       37125 / 38125 

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This older boxed PIKO Deutsche Bahn passenger train starter set is a great entry point to experience the exciting world of G scale. Containing an attractive Dampflok Class BR80 Steam Locomotive in Deutsche Bahn (DB) livery, two matching DR coaches in dark green livery, brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.

The powerful 0-6-0 steam locomotive has a direction-dependent changes of light and is already factory equipped with realistic, analogue sound and switchable steam function.

The sound function can be controlled by two enclosed solenoids which are placed in the track (Cat.No. 35268). In addition, the locomotive has ball bearings and chromed wheel sets.

The set also contains a Hand Wand Uncoupler (Cat.No. 36039) for simple manual uncoupling of the vehicles.

 

Track Dimensions: 120 x 120 cm                                                 Minimum building area: 140 x 140 cm
 

Contents

                                                           Piko Cat. No. 37125 / 38125

1 x Steam Locomotive BR 80
2 x Matching DR Passenger Cars (Green)
12 x 35211 R1 (R1 Curves 600 mm)
1 x 35270 Terminal
1 x 35285 Connecting Terminal Clips (14 pieces)
1 x Throttle
1 x Power Supply (230 V) 20 V / 32 VA DC / AC                                                                            

2 x 35268 Solenoids                                                                                                           

1 x Uncoupling Wand                                                                                                              

1 x Smoke Fluid                          

PIKO USA D&RGW Passenger Starter Set with Sound                            37111/38111                                                                                                                                                   

38111 -  37111 D&RGW Starter Set cropped

An excellent PIKO starter set containing a detailed Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) Railroad Steam Locomotive with two matching Passenger Cars in authentic livery, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables. Locomotive comes factory fitted with a steam generator and realistic sound module.  

This powerful loco is built from tough, weather resistant  materials for durability inside and outside.

Contents:  

1    x  Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-6-0 Mogul Steam Locomotive & Tender             

1    x  Denver & Rio Grande Western Passenger Car with Clerestory roof                      

1    x  Denver & Rio Grande Western Passenger Combine Car with  Clerestory roof

12  x  35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections                                       

14  x  35285 Track Clips                                                                                            

1    x  35270 Power Connection Clamps                                                                                      

1    x  Safety approved Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20 v / 28 VA AC1)

1    x   Analogue Speed Controller Regulator                                                                                                           2   x    35268 track magnets to trigger steam whistle, bell and steam functions

1   x    Hand Uncoupler Coupler                                                                         

1   x   10 ml Vial of Smoke Fluid 

 

This video gives you some idea of the train in action but unfortunately the sound quality is none to good and has been drowned out by background noise.

G SCALE ONLINE
G Scale Online

G SCALE ONLINE

PIKO USA Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Train                                                                    37103 / 38103  

 

This starter set features a detailed Pennsylvania Railroad Steam Locomotive with matching Reefer and 8-Wheel Caboose, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.

 

Contents: 

 

1    x  Pennsylvania 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive

1    x  Pennsy Reefer Car

1    x  Pennsy 8-wheel Caboose

12  x  35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections

14  x  35285 Track Clips

1    x  35270 Power Connection Clamps

1    x  Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20 v / 28 VA AC1)

1    x  Speed Controller / Regulator/ Throttle

 

Piko Cat.No. 37103 / 38103

The introductory video courtesy of  Trainworld TV shows the train in action - pity about the overpowering background track.                                                                                             

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PIKO USA Santa Fe Railroad Freight Train                                                                                                         

37104/38104

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This American starter set comes in Santa Fe livery and features a detailed Santa Fe Railroad Steam Locomotive with matching Hopper and 8-Wheel Caboose, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.

 

Contents: 

 

1    x  Santa Fe 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive

1    x  Santa Fe Hopper Car

1    x  Santa Fe 8-wheel Caboose

12  x  35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections

14  x  35285 Track Clips

1    x  35270 Power Connection Clamps

1    x  Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20v / 28VA AC1)

1    x  Speed Controller / Regulator / Throttle

 

Piko Cat.No. PK37104 / PK38104

PIKO USA White Pass & Yukon Railroad Freight Train with Analogue Sound & Smoke                                     

37106/38106

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Yet another starter set in US White Pass & Yukon Railroad livery featuring a detailed 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive with matching Box Car and 8-Wheel Caboose, a circle of brass track, UK transformer, controller and connecting cables.

 

Contents: 

 

1    x  White Pass & Yukon (WP&Y) 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive

1    x  White Pass & Yukon Box Car (with sliding door) 

1    x  White Pass & Yukon 8-wheel Caboose

12  x  35211 Radius 1 (600 mm) Brass Curved Track Sections

14  x  35285 Track Clips

1    x  35270 Power Connection Clamps

1    x  Transformer (Input: 230v AC; Output 20v / 28VA AC1)

1    x  Speed Controller / Regulator / Throttle 

2   x   35268 Solenoids to trigger steam whistle, bell and steam functions

1   x    Hand Coupler

1   x   10 ml Vial of Smoke Oil

 

Piko Cat.No. 37106 / 38106

Piko American B&O Digital Steam Freight Starter Set with Sound, Smoke and Directional  Lights                    38141       

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This is a set already released in the USA but not in Europe. It is a great way of making the transition into (or even start off in) Digital Train Operation or DCC. 

Contents :

 

  • Baltimore and Ohio Steam Engine

  • Baltimore and Ohio Box Car

  • Baltimore and Ohio Caboose 

  • 12 Pieces (Full circle) of curved brass track (R1 curve = 3.93ft circle)

  • Transformer

  • Track Power Cables

  • Track Clips

  • Digital Central Station

  • Navigator Remote + Cable (for programming and controlling the train)

  • Uncoupling Wand

Piko GE 25 Ton Mighty Hauler Starter Train Set                                                                           37150/38250

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This set contains everything you need to get started in the world of G Gauge model railways. This set includes a brand new design locomotive based on a small industrial diesel. It also includes two open wagons which can be filled with gravel or other goods for transportation. The track in this set forms a circle and can be extended with either Single Pieces of Piko track or by Track Extension Packs to form set layout designs.

Contents:
  • 1 x 0-4-0 Diesel Locomotive

  • 2 x Open Wagons

  • 12 x Radius 1 Curves (35211)

  • 1 x Set of Track feed Clips

  • 1 x Analogue Controller

  • 1 x UK Power Supply

Measurements:
  • Area Required: 130 x 130 cm

  • Minimum Space Required: 150 x 150 cm

Piko European V20 Diesel DR Passenger Starter Set with Analogue Sound                                       37126      

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Description:

V20 Passenger Starter Set with Analog Sound of the DR, Era III

Contents:
- 1 x V20 Diesel Loco with Analog Sound
- 2 x Passenger Cars
- 12 x 35211 R1 (Curve Track R1 600 mm / 23.6’’)
- 1 x 35270 Track Power Clamp
- 14 x 35285 Track Clips 
- 1 x Analog Throttle
- 1 x Safety-Approved 120 V Transformer 24 V DC / 45 VA
- 2 x 35268 Track Magnets
- 1 x 36039 Uncoupling Wand

Piko European V20 Diesel DR Goods Starter Set with Analogue Sound                                                37121  

Another train set based around the DR V20 diesel locomotive (dark green) but this time in a goods version with the two passenger cars being replaced by two freights cars: a short flat wagon with Trabant model car load and a 2-axle gondola.

 The powerful diesel locomotive has a direction-dependent light change and is already equipped with realistic, analogue sound. The sound function can be controlled by two enclosed solenoids (track magnets # 35268) reproducing a Horn or Bell sound on the locomotive  In addition, the locomotive has ball-bearing and chrome wheelsets. There is also a Hand Coupling/ Uncoupling Wand # 36039.

 

This starter set also includes the customary 12 x Radius 1 Curve Sections (35211) of 45mm brass track, 1 x Connector Clip (35270) 1 x Throttle, 1 x Power Adapter (230V) 20V / 32 VA DC / AC so you can just unpack the box, set up the track and play trains!

 

This excellent video shows the set in far more detail:

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PIKO GE 25-Ton Industrial Starter Set                                                                                                        37151

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This starter set comes with a loco and two cars, analogue throttle (22V / 1.6A + 16V DC), power clamps, a full circle of outdoor/indoor track (R1 radius 600mm / 23.6"), track clips, and a safety-approved transformer (230v, 24V DC, 45 VA).

Features

  • GE 25-Ton Diesel Electric locomotive with directional lights

  • Locomotive with powerful 5-pole precision can-type motor with reliable gear drive on the front and rear axles.

  • Numerous molded-on and factory-applied details on locomotive and cars

  • Digital DCC decoder and sound ready

  • Detailed cab interior

  • Locomotive with metal wheels, plus sliding pickup shoes for reliable electrical contact

  • Cars with heavy-duty hard plastic wheels for long-term use, indoors or out.

  • Hook and loop type couplers

  • Crisp and clean lettering and logo designs

  • Created with incredibly tough weather-resistant materials

  • Minimum recommended radius: 600mm / 23.6”

  • Made in Germany

 

The GE 25-Ton diesel locomotives are small, two-axle industrial diesel switching locomotives. They were procured by many railroads and shortlines in North America, starting before the Second World War, as American railroads began converting from steam to diesel power. General Electric started in 1938 with the construction of small diesel-electric locomotives.  

From this point on, these compact locomotives were used on both standard and narrow-gauge lines for local switching service and operation in industrial plants. All GE-built 25-Ton locomotives had a Cummins 150 hp diesel engine turning a generator, which powered a traction motor on a single axle. The other axle was connected via chain-drive. 

The locos were known for their excellent pulling power compared to their size and were popular with operating crews. The locomotives had a maximum speed of about 20 mph. Production lasted for decades with relatively little change, finally ending in 1974.

They were the best-selling small diesel locomotives in America, and many were exported to other markets. Over time, GE made various production modifications, and numerous further changes were made by railroad shops crews.Many are still in use today. 

Piko Christmas Freight Starter Set with Analogue Sound & Smoke                                 37122 / 38122  

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This seasonal starter set comes with a locomotive and tender and three freight cars, analogue throttle (22V / 1.6A + 16V DC), power clamps, a full circle of outdoor/indoor brass track (R1 radius 600mm / 23.6"), track clips, track magnets for sound activation, smoke fluid, uncoupling wand, and a safety-approved transformer (230v, 24V DC, 45 VA).

Features 

                               

  • 2-6-0 "Mini-Mogul" steam locomotive and tender with directional lights

  • Locomotive with powerful 5-pole precision can-type motor with reliable gear drive on the front and rear axles

  • Locomotive with great-working 5-volt smoke system and analog steam sound

  • Two track magnets for activation of bell and whistle sounds

  • Numerous moulded-on and factory-applied details on locomotive and cars

  • Locomotive with metal wheels, plus sliding pickup shoes for reliable electrical contact

  • Cars with heavy-duty hard plastic wheels for long-term use, indoors or out.

  • Hook and loop type couplers

  • Crisp and clean lettering and logo designs

  • Created with incredibly tough weather-resistant materials

  • To add digital sound use a PIKO #36220 Digital Steam Sound Kit

  • Minimum recommended radius: 600mm / 23.6”

  • Made in Germany

Piko Christmas F