LGB vs Piko - Buffers

[JimmyB]

I understand the argument about gauge scale, and a number of models not being true to prototype, however there is one issue I can't quite get my head around:
Most G Scale is based on narrow gauge, and LGB along with most 16 mm NG have a single centre buffer, so why do Piko have two buffers like standard gauge rolling stock, or are they based on standard gauge!!

 

[penylanpip]

or are they based on standard gauge

Yup.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Piko varies from 1:29 to 1:32, which makes it closer to standard gauge on 45mm track, LGB varies more widely, but 1:22 to 1:26 about covers it, which would make it closer to narrow gauge on 45mm track.

 

[ntpntpntp]

Many of the Piko models are based on standard gauge models (though sometimes "puffed up" a bit to look better alongside LGB) and come with pairs of buffers, but some locos also come with alternative single centre buffers for a more narrow-gauge look.

For example the BR218 is most definitely a standard gauge loco

 

[ebay mike]

Many of the Piko models are based on standard gauge models (though sometimes "puffed up" a bit to look better alongside LGB) and come with pairs of buffers, but some locos also come with alternative single centre buffers for a more narrow-gauge look.

For example the BR218 is most definitely a standard gauge loco

How'd you get them hazard lights working on you loco? Mine only work intermittently when it goes onto dirty or badly (electrically) connected track.

But to get back to the subject - I've got a few LGB coaches with twin buffers and also the SNCF Mikado. I was led to believe these err towards Gauge 1 in size/scale.

 

[playmofire]

For example the BR218 is most definitely a standard gauge loco

And a very fine looking one.

 

[ntpntpntp]

And a very fine looking one.

Indeed, I have several in N gauge. Have to say the G model looks just plain wrong with the centre buffer fitted.

 

[ColinK]

How'd you get them hazard lights working on you loco? Mine only work intermittently when it goes onto dirty or badly (electrically) connected track..

I had lots of problems with my 218, taking it apart revealed that many of the electrical connections were loose. Tightened them up and no problems since.

 

[Gizzy]

I brought a couple of these Standard Gauge PIKO Shimmns TU wagons recently at Llanfair. Something I just happened to like the look of, and in the same DB livery as my V51/52 locos.



They were already fitted with single buffers. They are slightly longer than the similar Type Sggrs LGB container flats that I own, but look fine in a mixed consist.

In my mind, my railway is mainline metre gauge (3'6" ish), similar to RhB or NZ gauge, so I'm happy to run these with the single buffers with LGB stock....

 

[Gizzy]

Have to say the G model looks just plain wrong with the centre buffer fitted.

Prototype for everything. This is a similar machine ex FEVE now on the Brohltalbahn.



They also have a Standard Gauge machine numbered 218 396....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eM3SixCngE

 

[65 1057]

Gizzy was 1 min faster!

Yes - Piko BR 218 is definitively standard gauge, scale ca. 1:27.
Some german modelers covert it into a 1.000mm NG Brohltal D5 (built by HENSCHEL, Type DHG 1200 BB - re-imported from Spain / FEVE), and it fits!

The original (just data):
Brohltalbahn = Vulkan-Expreß - Diesellokomotive D5

The model in action:

The original in action:

Andreas

 

[ebay mike]

Love the videos - the difference in size between the loco and coaches reminds me of my N gauge Lima class 31s and mark 1s when I still had good enough eyesight to cope with the small stuff.

 

[65 1057]

...when I still had good enough eyesight to cope with the small stuff.

Mike - sooner or later it hits us all...


Andreas

 

[Gizzy]

I've got a few LGB coaches with twin buffers and also the SNCF Mikado. I was led to believe these err towards Gauge 1 in size/scale.

Yes, some of (M)LGB's products are of SG prototypes. They have made at least 2 DB electric locos, an older type and a more modern version LGB 20310, as well as a DB coach LGB 34310. The clue is that they have 2 buffers, whereas NG stock will have only one.

Also most of LGB US models are of SG prototypes, except for the WP&Y models which are 3 ft gauge. US stock has buckeye couplers, so it's more difficult to determine whether it's SG or NG unless it is a particular line....

 

[Gizzy]

Of course, there will always be an 'oddity'.

This Brohtalbahn loco has both a single buffer and offset double buffers for shunting SG wagons on dual gauge track.



And the 'Harz Kamels' retain their double buffers from when they were SG machines....

 

[Zerogee]

Going into Full Pedant Mode, Gizzy (quickly dons snot-green anorak and NHS specs with sticky tape on the corners....) - that isn't a Harzkamel, it's a DR-liveried standard gauge one, hence the 4-wheel bogies and the double buffers..... the Harz metre-gauge conversions plonked the standard-gauge loco bodies on new 6-wheel metre gauge bogies (to better spread the weight on the lighter trackwork, I think) and fitted single buffers. Piko make both types, with the standard-gauge one in various liveries including several post-reunification DB guises.

Pedant Mode off (about time, that anorak was getting sweaty.....)

Jon.

 

[PhilP]

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... ????????????

Woz there not a Kamel-diesely-thing with both buffers? - The standard gauge ones could be flipped-up vertically, I believe??

Or was this just a modellers 'flight of fancy'?

 

[dunnyrail]

Indeed, I have several in N gauge. Have to say the G model looks just plain wrong with the centre buffer fitted.

Well it may look wrong however there are a few prototypes that were built for Narrow Gauge like it or not!

In West Germany the Brohlbahn has both SG and NG versions, the NG one is closest in this picture. A little different I admit but clearly showing similar lines.

Also in Bulgaria there are these on the Septemvri NG line, this time 750 or 760 mm Gauge.
So perhaps with a repaint and centre buffers 218 can look just fine, I have modified mine to look a little like the Bulgarian one.

 

[dunnyrail]

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... ????????????

Woz there not a Kamel-diesely-thing with both buffers? - The standard gauge ones could be flipped-up vertically, I believe??

Or was this just a modellers 'flight of fancy'?

Yes a few of the Harz Kamels do indeed have Drop Down Double Buffers to use with Rollblocks.

 

[Zerogee]

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... ????????????

Woz there not a Kamel-diesely-thing with both buffers? - The standard gauge ones could be flipped-up vertically, I believe??

Or was this just a modellers 'flight of fancy'?

Yes, those do exist - but the giveaway between the standard and metre gauge Kamels is the four or six wheel bogies respectively.

Jon.