Hi, received my Piko loco today and so far the packaging is concerned its ok, there is a small envelope where all the instructions etc. stored in the envelope tucks into the bottom of the carton.

to open the loco, there are 4 screws 2 on each end just beside the bogies, the problem is 2 of the holes are so close to the bogie you only can unscrew the screws with a long small head phillips screwdriver.
the 4 pantographs are again flimsy and there is no power contact (which seems to be the norm lately with other manufacturers as well.
the loco has 4 driven axles with 2 rubber tyres which I will change to 4
again the high beam led hasn't been fitted so tgis is another job I have to do.
one would think with an expert model these functions or light fittings would be standard.
the loco has a small digital decoder which has 2 Aux functions.
I'm sure I've ordered a DC model but received an AC model.
underneath the loco's bogies the cogwheels are exposed and I will cover them up so no dirt can enter
a nice addition is underneath the loco as well the box in the middle is plastic but when unscrewing this part its filled with a metal block to add more weight to the loco, most the time this spot is just covered with a plastic box.
it has 2 large flywheels which should add to the running characteristics.
over all a nice model and the lettering is perfect.
the headlights and marker lights are strong enough to be noticed in daylight.
it does take a Plus 16 or Plus 22 decoder, there is provision for a speaker and I think a power interruption supply
you don't have to mount any parts onto the loco, e.g. handrails or window wipers
there doesn't seem to be an exchange cowcatcher when using it without a coupling (?) will inquire.
no instructions how to take the bogies outer assembly off

Edited by user 02 December 2018 15:08:10(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi, finally got the high beam going, traced the contacts on the small circuit board, yesterday I had it totally wrong connected + the polarity., it has got a basic decoder in the loco so know I have to order a Plus22 sound decoder. the Roco BLS Vectron works fine with its sound, interior lights, hoigh beam and marker lights. the pantographs ain't to bad and I've got 4 rubber tyres on 2 axles.

I will reconsider whether or not I'll buy any more Piko locos, changing to many things for my liking, haven't had an answer from Piko yet how to undo the bogies plastic outerframe, I hope I don't have to take the whole loco apart to get to the bogie and than take the bogie apart to get to the wheels.

John

Did you ever replace traction tyres on a Märklin TRAXX loco?
You have to take the truckframe off. Take care when doing this, otherwise the bogie will fall out of place, the plastic toothpick falls out of place too. When putting the wheelset back in place you have to take care of the wheel sliders left and right.

I cannot see that Piko is more complicated than Märklin ...

Hi, another small achievement, I was able to connect 21 container cars (mainly Mehano) with an improved weight (added a metal plate) to make sure the cars aren't falling over. the Piko ÖBB Rh 1092 "Vectron had no trouble hauling the long container train although I've made some improvement to the loco: added 2 rubber tyres, a new pantograph and a stronger coupling spring.

I was surprised by getting through the S-curve on the incline and also the loco didn't seem to struggle.

I'm quite happy with the Piko loco although I've already broken 2 steps on the side of the loco so I have to superglue them back on again., had a few incidents with the pantograph but this was sorted out as well, until I get a Plus 22 sound decoder and program the current decoder to a slower starting speed, accidents with the pantograph shouldn't happen again.

here is a short video of the container train

I also have to remind myself to run the trains slower.

Thanks,
having long trains isn't an easy job to put together especially at the S-curve and its an incline as well, I had cars uncoupling, derailing and eventually after I've changed some of the coupling the problem was solved. had 1 car derailing at the end of the train so I put it further to the front = problem solved.

John