PIKO G 2012

While I applaud Piko's dedication in flooding the market with new product, I really think that they should go back to basics and fix their inhouse quality control issues.
There are many Piko items that have me wanting to reach into my wallet, but honestly, until I hear that they have improved, then no more Piko for me.

I used to purchase the excellent East German made Piko 'h.o.' range and enjoyed their 'DR' prototypes. They were well priced and ran as good as other brands then available (1980's).
 
I've got a couple of the 218's and am very pleased with the way they run, so no problems there.

However, I was intending to get one of the 194 electrics, but have been discouraged by the comments concerning problems with them, particularly when they retail for the best part of £400.
If I was to spend that amount on something, I would it expect there to be no "issues" with it.

May end up waiting for a secondhand one, or a cheaper one if they end up being "remaindered" like some of the Taurus locos, particularly as I fancy repainting one in wartime grey livery.....
 
Got to agree am very hesitant in purchasing a 914 due to faults on them its ok if your electrical minded small faults easy fix if i take items to bits always have some screw missing or still not works,
but may wait and see what next batch is like have mrs p bye me one for birthday in march or may just buy lgb second hand croc
 
Miamigo259 said:
I've got a couple of the 218's and am very pleased with the way they run, so no problems there.

However, I was intending to get one of the 194 electrics, but have been discouraged by the comments concerning problems with them, particularly when they retail for the best part of £400.
If I was to spend that amount on something, I would it expect there to be no "issues" with it.

May end up waiting for a secondhand one, or a cheaper one if they end up being "remaindered" like some of the Taurus locos, particularly as I fancy repainting one in wartime grey livery.....
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There's a Piko E194 at the Model Junction in BSE if you want to have a closer inspection Steve.... :thumbup:
 
As I have no idea where I could go to see a 194 in the flesh on this side of the pond, I would really like to see pictures of one next to some LGB stock. I have a feeling that the standard vs. narrow gauge perspective will douse my interest; I am already intimidated by its 28" length. I agree with Tim that there are too many reports of basic quality flaws, and one certainly would not want to have to send a beast like that back for repairs.
However, at least Piko seem to be supporting their products, unlike Marklin which, according to their U.S. distributor, "is focusing only on LGB wearable parts for current production items only." This was in response to a request (per referral by Maerklin.de) for a replacement plastic drive rod for a Crocodile, a model that I know has been in recent production. Thus I will not be investing in any new LGB until their support situation improves--drastically.
 
I have always loved the look of the TEE unit, but it would not look right ambling through my narrow guage world.
 
Class 601. Nice, but Piko seem to be taking G scale away from its roots. It will appeal to those who like to run the LGB ICE trains and wished they were more detailed.
I like it but I don't think I'd buy one. It will be too big for most people's layouts.
013_vt601_tee.jpg
 
vasim said:
Class 601. Nice, but Piko seem to be taking G scale away from its roots. It will appeal to those who like to run the LGB ICE trains and wished they were more detailed.
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Presumably Piko believe that these models address what the market wants. Either they're right and the kit sells, or they're wrong and get a headache. If the "roots" products demand is still there, then other manufacturers will doubtless address that need.
 
whatlep said:
vasim said:
Class 601. Nice, but Piko seem to be taking G scale away from its roots. It will appeal to those who like to run the LGB ICE trains and wished they were more detailed.
Click to expand...
Presumably Piko believe that these models address what the market wants. Either they're right and the kit sells, or they're wrong and get a headache. If the "roots" products demand is still there, then other manufacturers will doubtless address that need.
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It appears to me that Piko are doing what the American manufacturers have done and introduced a range of models that are marketed as being G scale even though they do not conform to 1/22.5 scale as originally conceived by Lehmann Bros. Their only link is that they run on 45mm gauge track.

While this can make things confusing to those new to the hobby, as Peter says, it is the customers who will decide if this is something for which there is a demand.
 
LVT said:
As I have no idea where I could go to see a 194 in the flesh on this side of the pond, I would really like to see pictures of one next to some LGB stock. I have a feeling that the standard vs. narrow gauge perspective will douse my interest; I am already intimidated by its 28" length. I agree with Tim that there are too many reports of basic quality flaws, and one certainly would not want to have to send a beast like that back for repairs.
However, at least Piko seem to be supporting their products, unlike Marklin which, according to their U.S. distributor, "is focusing only on LGB wearable parts for current production items only." This was in response to a request (per referral by Maerklin.de) for a replacement plastic drive rod for a Crocodile, a model that I know has been in recent production. Thus I will not be investing in any new LGB until their support situation improves--drastically.
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Very well put, Arthur, this is also my position on LGB - sadly, I have to add :impatient:

But the TEE set - my favourite loco ever :love: I was not expecting this to come out (for a reasonable price) in G-Scale any time soon. The set going around the layout, playing 'Trans Europe Express' from Kraftwerk :love:
 
The original TEE consisted of 7 units (or 10). To get this 7-unit prototype on your lay-out, the PIKO model will measure 4.52m. The original was about 130m long, which leads to the PIKO model being around 1:29 length scale.

That's gonna be a long train :bigsmile:
 
Deutsche Reichsbahn said:
The original TEE consisted of 7 units (or 10). To get this 7-unit prototype on your lay-out, the PIKO model will measure 4.52m. The original was about 130m long, which leads to the PIKO model being around 1:29 length scale.

That's gonna be a long train :bigsmile:
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Mmmmm - like the look of that. I'd have to see one in the flesh, but it's got my interest. Think Piko could be onto a winner with it. In the core Central European market it's one of the all-time iconic trains.
 
Deutsche Reichsbahn said:
The original TEE consisted of 7 units (or 10). To get this 7-unit prototype on your lay-out, the PIKO model will measure 4.52m. The original was about 130m long, which leads to the PIKO model being around 1:29 length scale.

That's gonna be a long train :bigsmile:
Click to expand...
.....good job I extended my track this year - the TEE has got some mountains to climb when it appears next year:thumbup::party::party:

Another raid on pension fund will be needed.......
 
Looks good to me and 4.52 metres sounds like an easy fit for my 18 foot passing loops. Only trouble is everything else I have is American.
 
I guess these Standard Gauge models will appeal to the German (and possibly Swiss/Austrian/Dutch/Belgian) market.

Looking at the Piko E194 on display at my local model shop though, I realise that these models would look odd on my R1 curves and really need a minimum R3.

I'll have to stick with my NG V51/52 and Whizzy BoBo and 4 wheeled wagons for the time being....
 
I run a 10 coach TEE BR601 set in N gauge from time to time - very nice. Don't think I'd be happy unless I had a full length set from Piko but then again my line's not big enough!
 
Deutsche Reichsbahn said:
PIKO "Toytrain"?

http://gscalenews.com/piko#27122011B

Just a thought that came across my mind... Considering the different product numbers, and the basic look of the cars, I think it is a Toy-like range of products.
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Oh, wouldn't that be nice, so long as they can get the price point right! Top marks to Piko for market awareness in straightened times if it is the case.
 
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