PIKO BR218

[duncan1_9_8_4]

Two things,

Are the models detailed and realistic, or are they one big lump of moulded plastic?

On dragon G scale they now sell for two prices, are the higher priced ones better detailed, what is the difference between lower and higher? or is it simply inflation?

 

[stockers]

For the money they are very well detailed. The price difference seems to be that the original colours are now cheaper but the newer releases are commanding a slightly higher price.

 

[Zman]

I've got one here if you want to see one close up

 

[duncan1_9_8_4]

didn't think you had a layout yet zman?

 

[Zman]

didn't think you had a layout yet zman?

Oval of track in the loft - slap some track down on the patio when the weather is fine

 

[steinman]

They look ok to me, not as detailed as LGB but worth the price. IMO

 

[duncan1_9_8_4]

hmmmmmmm, they look top heavy to me, but i think they are a squat loco in real life?

 

[dunnyrail]

I have never put the ruler to one of these, but in my view they look much better with the Narrow gauge Centre buffer on. This then suggests that you need to go away from the Standard gauge mode of the beastie. There have been a few threads along this line with my own loco featuring in one or two of them.

This link will take you to one of those threads showing my conversion:-

http://www.gscalecentral.net/tm?m=50089&high=piko+218 < Link To http://www.gscalecentral....0089&high=piko+218

JonD

 

[whatlep]

(snip)
I've been told that the motors are a cheaper design than used by LGB but I've not noticed any difference in running to my LGB locos.

The Piko motors are 5-pole rather than 7-pole and as a consequence draw noticeably more current, but I agree that in terms of performance there's no discernible difference. Indeed, my Piko railcar is one of the strongest haulers I have. Definitely good value for money, in my opinion.

 

[Topogardenmike]

All this talk about top heavy here is a picture of the real thing. You decide..........

 

[pugwash]

They go better in pairs

 

[dunnyrail]

They go better in pairs

Am I right is assuming that your two pictures were taken in Mainz Hbf? I stayed there on a few occasions during my time on Y2K (1998-1999) and well remember the 218's on regular services up the line towards Alzey. Pity that all the German Train Services are rapidly going over to Bog Carts of varying descriptions.

I also remember a very fine Model Shop in town where I bought a few items including a set of LGB Disconects. There is also a super home brew pub near to Maiz Zud Station. They sell beer in Yard High sort of dispensers. Great to share (or not).
JonD

 

[KentKeith]

Think the livery also determines how you see the loco - I think the TEE livery makes the loco look much better than the DB-AG red.

For what you pay a great model....but add a sound decoder and lighting unit you double the cost:thinking:

 

[minimans]

How are the prices on these? I used to run a Tee train in n scale way back when and it would look great in "G" scale!! are these close in scale to the LGB DB standard gauge carriges?

 

[pugwash]

Am I right is assuming that your two pictures were taken in Mainz Hbf?
JonD

Nope, Hamburg Hbf. As was this DB flyswatter

can the driver really see through that windscreen?

 

[duncan1_9_8_4]

i love the big exhausts on the br218s does the model come with these to fit?

 

[WillemD]

i love the big exhausts on the br218s does the model come with these to fit?

They aren't included. They're sold separately from a small manufacturer (dont know which one atm) for ten pounds.

 

[duncan1_9_8_4]

hmmmm interesting....... il have to investigate

 

[casey jones snr]

The Piko 218's are great locomotives. We have a fleet of eight on the CFR. Seven are fitted with sound and a number have had all the lights adapted for proper directional running.
Only one locomotive has given cause for concern and as had to have two replacement motor blocks. It is now back in service. We shall keep an eye on it.

 

[George]

Ive got two of the locos, they run great, not detailed but they still look good