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I am a big fan of German steam engines, it seems that a reasonably priced mid size model has finally come into fruition from Piko. However I run all DCS and would like this to do that as well. The 'base' model is DCC ready, I want to take out that and convert it to PS3. Has anyone gotten one of these or opened up other Piko European steam engines that would know if its possible or If there is even enough room in it to do that? https://www.piko-america.com/products/37240-dr-iv-br50-reko-steam-locomotive-g-scale

Wanted to create a post for reference on what the LGB/Piko R1, R2, R3, R5, R7 values actually translate to in ft/mm AND also bring awareness that what LGB calls R3 and R5 is DIFFERENT than Piko. This is important because MTH lists the minimum diameter curves their engines can take in terms of R2, R3, R5 etc based on the LGB meanings, not Piko. The bottom line is you should always do the actual measurement and rely on the actual ft/mm. Always remember that it is a good idea to run your engines on curves a little wider than that stated absolute minimum rating, regardless of who made the locomotive. This will help ensure you avoid problems such as binding when running. Track Curves - LGB: From LGB's web site https://www.lgb.com/fileadmin/media/lgb/produkte/produktinformationen/LGB_Gleissystem-Info.pdf - LGB website - https://www.lgb.com/products/product-information/overview-of-the-track-system/ Direct link: LGB_Curve_Calculations.pdf R1 = 600 mm (Radius) / 1200 mm (Diameter) R2 = 780 mm (Radius) / 1560 mm (Diameter) R3 = 1195 mm (Radius) / 2390 mm (Diameter) R5 = 2320 mm (Radius) / 4640 mm (Diameter) Translated into imperial: R1 = 23.6 inches (Radius) (1.97 ft) / 47.2" (Diameter) (3.93 ft) R2 = 30.7 inches (Radius) (2.56 ft) / 61.4" (Diameter) (5.12 ft) R3 = 47.05 inches (Radius) (3.92 ft) / 94.1" (Diameter) (7.84 ft) R5 = 91.35 inches (Radius) (7.61 ft) / 182.7" (Diameter) (15.23 ft) Track Curves - Piko: Piko website: https://www.piko-america.com/collections/g-scale-g-track (see R curve & MM values listed on each curve) R1 = 600 mm (Radius) / 1200 mm (Diameter) R2 = ??mm R3 = 920 mm (Radius) / 1840 mm (Diameter) R5 = 1240 mm (Radius) / 2480 mm (Diameter) R7 = 1560 mm (Radius) / 3120 mm (Diameter) Translated into imperial: R1 = 23.6 inches (Radius) (1.97 ft) / 47.2 inches (Diameter) (3.93 ft) R2 = ?? R3 = 36.22 inches (Radius) (3.02 ft) / 72.44 inches (Diameter) (6.04 ft) R5 = 48.82 inches (Radius) (4.07 ft) / 97.64 inches (Diameter) (8.14 ft) R7 = 61.42 inches (Radius) (5.12 ft) / 122.84 inches (Diameter) (10.24 ft)

Gaugemaster will be hosting its fourth G Scale show located at the Engine Shed next to Ford railway station. The event will have layouts and dioramas on display showing products from our garden railway suppliers including Piko, LGB, Preiser and Pola. Free parking is available and expert help is on hand throughout the day. The show will be on Saturday 16th July at our HQ located just outside Arundel in West Sussex. http://www.gaugemaster.com/howto.html

I have a brand new Piko 2-6-0 Steam loco (#38213) that I'm helping someone sell. Stock condition $450.00 plus shipping

Guys, I've been quietly watching the Piko G scale offerings improve over the last 2-3 years. Granted, their initial starter sets seemed chinsy and I've not been over excited about their apparent re-issue of old MDC stock. The mogul/switcher with sound and improved wheels was a nod in the right direction, while keeping the price point reasonable. (I view the new Piko 2-6-0 / 0-6-0 as a step up from the LGB 2-4-0s of 10 years ago, but targeting that same demographic). In the past year, however, I have to admit that Piko appears to be serious about G-scale. Their huge Crocodile is just a beastly looking machine. The HSB diesel reminds me of an elephant, but it is reasonably like what I saw at the HSB last September. The TEE is an impressive train, too. Despite all of the above, I've not really been overly excited about Piko. Until I saw this: a video of their newest steam engine: Now, besides the fact that Drew Carey has apparently quit his job as a comedian and has moved to Germany to head up a model train company, this looks like a really nicely made, well detailed, and smooth running steam locomotive. There was another video posted showing this engine running with two coaches and a goods wagon. Watch this: When the locomotive is in the tunnel, you can see that there are lights under the running boards at time 2:40. All I can say is 'wow'. Watching the video to the end, it appears our fellow modeler has some full size switch throws in his operating room, or at least some good video editing skills. I also note that the 3 axle passenger cars look to be well done as well. I wonder if they will utilize this chassis to create a similar locomotive for the north american market. While the Prairie type did not see widespread use, there are specific examples who did, ATSF comes to mind. The valve gear and drive rod detail appears to be very well made. In my opinion, that's what makes or breaks a steam engine model. In any case, the initial offering price from any number of our favorite retailers appears to be less than $600. Not bad, considering that altertnative locomotives like this are either Maerklin or Aster or huge $$$. Anyone else excited to see well made steam returning to G-scale?