Back again after 3 years….. Piko, LGB, or Bachman?

Hi

3 years ago I asked a question about running a train in my annual charity Christmas display…. I never got around to it . However, after building more mechanical displays, I have not built anything new this year, and have decided to add a set to run around the Tree we put up in the middle of the display.
It will only run on a circle of track, and will run continuously for 2 hours per night, for a max 14 nights. To keep costs down it will be a standard ‘Christmas set’.
I have a choice G scale sets, of Piko at £285, LGB £350, or I can get almost new Bachman set for £275.

Really would appreciate which is likely to be the better option, bearing in mind it will be used outside, although not in really bad weather as we do not open if it is raining due to all the motors in our displays.

Since I last posted in 2023, our display in Southend has got bigger and bigger, and this is a you tube video of our 2025 display. You may notice a circle of crazy paving in the lawn, and that is where the track will go (hopefully)


Thank you.

If the budget will stretch to it, then I would say definitely LGB... you'll be getting a much better engineered product that will last for many, many years - there are LGB Stainz locos in things like shop window displays that have been running literally for decades.

Jon.

Piko or Lgb, also consider the options of adding lights to the coaches,

The factory options aren’t the cheapest,
(Ball bearing wheels and light unit)

You could use the Lgb loco accessary socket and some leds for a fair bit cheaper

Dan

Zerogee said:

If the budget will stretch to it, then I would say definitely LGB... you'll be getting a much better engineered product that will last for many, many years - there are LGB Stainz locos in things like shop window displays that have been running literally for decades.

Jon.

Click to expand...

Agree with ZG here.

The Model shop in St Edmundsbury has had a Stainz shuttling around in the window for eons....

I would certainly opt for LGB but as new second hand will be much cheeper and likely last longer, as is well known in the forum I am not a fan of the current LGB offerings.

Very cute video.

My 2 centavos…..

Lgb. Built to run for a very long time. Very little maintenance. Im still running locos and cars i bought in 1986! They run like new.
Metal wheels may reduce drag, and lower the center of gravity on a car but, imho, aren’t critical. They will increase noise and track wear. On level track, i think the standard wheels are great.

If you go the short 2 axel cars, which are very reliable, typically in the xmas sets, and a stainz route (so to speak), you may be able to use R1 curves, which are plentiful and cheap, used. To enlarge a r1 (starter set curve size) circle, you can alternate curve and straight sections.

As there are a variety of variables with used stuff, (motors, brushes, overall wear, potential iffy loco quartering, tight rail joiners and correct alignment, no overly worn inside rails which can create awful joint bumps when meeting less worn track. Otoh, i buy used often. I try to buy shiny clean stuff with boxes. Probably not an indicator, but i think boxes indicate that the owner cared enough about the trains to store them and not throw them in a pile.


A tell tale of use, on a loco are the bottom of the wheels. They should be all chrome, and relatively shiny. Pick up shoes should have modest wear, not deep grooves. However, as these items can be easily replaced, its not always a reliable source. Broken and missing parts can also show care and handling, not to mention simple dirt. I suggest new only if you dont have the eye, experience and expertise to judge used items.

While i have new marklin made lgb, and its great, i tend to agree that the older stuff was better. The balance being that its not overly worn or broken. Otoh, i regularly peruse ebay, and prices can be simply irrational. Thus check normal stores and compare prices for new. Retail stores often charge a lot for used as well, i think to encourage sales of new items. In any event, familiarize yourself with the prices.

As i understand this is to be a commercial use layout, ie running for hours, i suggest new, if you can afford it, in order to increase reliability. To further add to your expenses, assuming 1-2 one motor locos and coach lights, which i think would add greatly to the night time impact, youll need at least a 5 amp power unit to allow for continuous use without overheating/overload. I would suggest you use couplers on each end of every car for reliable coupling. On level track, this may not be necessary.

Fwiw R2, while a bit more $, will enlarge your circle to a 5ft diameter, is a bit better looking in terms of a gentler curve, and reduce wear, on the trains and rail. Might be a consideration over several years..not that youll wear anything out if you use R1.

You might also consider a trolley set. Already lighted.

Lgb will run in the rain, no problem. Will take knocks , derails, being stepped on, and sometimes careless handling. Parts, while expensive, are typically easy to get. Nfi.

Should be a wonderful addition.

Hi Y-duck,

What you are planning to build has been done by my friend and co-author of my book, Rainer Kleinsteuber.
He had a LGB Steinz running around for many years above the entrance of his Toys and Model Trains shop.
I suggest you ask him what is the best to do.
He knows everything about wheels and electricity pick up systems.
He can also deliver you improved parts for this purpose.

His email is: rainer.kleinsteuber@gmail.com
You may mention my name.

Gerard van der Schrieck

A separate issue to think about is audience?
If you expecting lots of families with young children the Thomas question comes to mind.
I don’t think you can understate the interest/ impact a Thomas character can have holding the attention and generating dialogue with this demographic!.
Yes LGB kit is streets ahead on reliability and gadgetry but they don’t have the faces with the moving eyes etc etc .

Flying15 said:

A separate issue to think about is audience?
If you expecting lots of families with young children the Thomas question comes to mind.
I don’t think you can understate the interest/ impact a Thomas character can have holding the attention and generating dialogue with this demographic!.
Yes LGB kit is streets ahead on reliability and gadgetry but they don’t have the faces with the moving eyes etc etc .

Click to expand...

Sadly this is a valid point, but the Bachman Thomas will not have the durability as said of LGB.

While I agree on the recognition factor of Thomas et al, don't underestimate the "cuteness" factor of the classic LGB Stainz and four-wheel coaches - the classic Germanic design and style, plus the special paint scheme and markings of a Christmas set, are perfect for that "Bavarian Christmas Market" feel!

Jon.

The Bachmann 'Thomas' is quite rigid, so does not like iffy track..

The wheels (tyres) are made of a strange 'alloy' which I am sure contains cheese in it? - They get dirty, which affects pickup and reliable running..

I would also recommend the LGB offering. - Though I have less experience of the Piko offerings.

PhilP.

2 hours a night is not that long, I think your going for OVERKILL here with the LGB, piko sets, I have a cheap g scale christmas tree set that's over 18 years old, often used to use it outside and comes out every year and still works so simple and bomb proof, they run off batteries and last ages if not playing music. Buy one second hand like mine below, recycle some plastic rather than landfill, buy sets of good batteries and donate the £150 you will save to the charity as they probably deserve it more.


Ps, you often find these at garden centers this time of year from china

Thinking things through a bit mire, I reckon a Piko set particularly one if the brighter offerings of 6 wheel loco should work well for the limited running once a year for. Few days short running.

Lots of praise for LGB, but Piko locos seem to be reliable too.

Merrivale Model Village run these almost exclusively, and the chap who maintains them is very impressed with their performance....