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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
PIKO USA Santa Fe Railroad Freight Train
37104/38104
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