PIKO, the Other German G Gauge Brand

I also have a nice PIKO American steel type boxcar with B&O livery. The scale appears to be a little larger than 1:32. The graphics are great, the doors open and lock, and there is some under body brake detail.

From my experience, I would heartily recommend their products!

Their German goods wagens are also well done. I have three Kuhl wagens (reefers), each with a different German beer livery:

Art, don't be shy, tell us what you really think.  I love PIKO too, use this to pull my LGB Orient Express cars.

Chris S.

I got my feet wet in G gauge last fall with a used LGB Christmas set.  My wife really loves it.  We don't have much room as my O gauge layout is confined to an 11x11 room.  Before acquiring the room from one of our now married daughters, I did put up shelves for a small ceiling level train to run in the 12x12 family room.  I have had thoughts of converting that to G gauge.  Thank you for mentioning PIKO, Art.  I'll keep an eye open for them as well.

Chris S: NICE German croc!

Mark: Sounds like a plan! :-)

I agree, PIKO quality is very good and pricing is reasonable. and I can say that in the events I needed parts or service, the San Diego office has been very helpful. Mark, you might consider taking your LGB set outside. It will add several facets to the hobby like engineering the grades, ballasting the track, plantings and water features, it's cool. I do bring the engines in at night while the track has remained outdoors year round for 15 years without problem.

@CMac posted:

I agree, PIKO quality is very good and pricing is reasonable. and I can say that in the events I needed parts or service, the San Diego office has been very helpful. Mark, you might consider taking your LGB set outside. It will add several facets to the hobby like engineering the grades, ballasting the track, plantings and water features, it's cool. I do bring the engines in at night while the track has remained outdoors year round for 15 years without problem.

My mom told me years ago to go out and play, I took her command to heart and run run my trains outside still and leave my stainless track out all the time, same as CMac.  Something almost majestic seeing the trains run on such wide curves and up real stone grades and over big bridges.  I do not have miniature plantings, instead I worked the layout into my whole yard.  It is nice to look at everyday, even if I don't run everyday.  Try it, it's fun.

Chris S.

CMac and Chris, your comments are well taken!!  My mum also told us to go out and play whether it was warm and sunny or cold and snowy; unless she wanted weeds pulled or grass mowed.  😉

My wife had mentioned more than once about me running trains outside.  I’m recovering from back fusion surgery right now, so any construction activity will wait until next year.  That’s plenty of time to consider and plan something new.  Thank you.

Wishing you speedy recovery Mark, I had some health issues early this year which sidelined me for a bit so I know what you mean.  Hope you can play outside soon.

Chris S.

Thank you, Chris!

Get well, Mark! I have a small Piko layout out front, and love to run at night with the headlight and caboose markers. I’m waiting for an S4 from Charles Ro to see how that does, and to mix it up with my Piko 0-6-0.

Artie, thank you very much!   The 0-6-0 makes a nice run.  Thank you for posting.  

You’re welcome, Mark. The kids in my family love it! (Along with my basement layouts!).

Another PIKO innovation is their battery powered track "Clean Machine" available with or without RC. This engine is a nice model of a GE 25 ton industrial diesel. The unique ribbed cleaning pads (shown below) are very effective in removing track grime after only a few minutes of operation.

The Clean Machine looks like a great idea.

Mine is the original yellow "Clean Machine" offered without RC, and it does a great job.

PIKO products have reasonable price points considering their level of quality and German production.

Here is my track cleaner,  All I need out here in the wild west with stainless track.

Chris S.

Check out the July 2021 new Piko items on their YouTube channel.  The tuscan red Pennsylvania hopper car is fantastic.  Beautiful prototype style graphics really sets this model apart from others that Piko has released thus far.

Indeed, nice price dependable high quality large scale trains that makes converting to G from other scales affordable and fun, which operate indoors, as well as outdoors in the garden.

I purchased a G scale Kiss Durango & Silverton K-36 last year. I run the engine on Piko track and it purrs like a swiss watch. A very impressive engine and very limited with only 25 built world wide. I wanted to purchase a K-36 to remind me of all the wonderful memories I have from Durango Colorado. I run the engine on my indoor layout now but am considering taking it to the great outdoors in the future.

KISS locomotives are primo! Photo please! :-)