I picked up a 'Rotkamel' as soon as they were released last year.
Just a few words on my thoughts of the loco and, of course, some pictures.

It is a heavy model and the moulding detail is pretty good. The grills are crisp and fairly deeply moulded.
Still not sure on the grey bogies but it is prototypical for these locos a few years ago.
The twin handrails by the steps are fragile - I have lost two so far - the plastic used is not the best

It runs very well - smooth and the electric pick up seems as good as it gets. Despite the fact that the wheels are not chromed like LGB and others. They were however polished clean - unlike earlier Piko models that had blacking on the treads that needed to wear off.

I fitted a Massoth XL decoder as Piko do not recommend running their locos on the Analogue option of digital systems (apparently the motors can over heat). Have to say it was dead easy - the easiest instalation I have done.

But now we are running on a Massoth XLS sound card - its a good recording. The engine start up is brilliant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwvIV65jiQQ

So - overall I am well pleased with it - I wouldn't say its of LGB quality, it isn't, but there again its £230 for a twin motored loco.

and it sure can pull

Interesting comments and observations. If they ever get around to a meter gauge prototype steam loco, I might have to buy one.

I too have one of these huge, very impressive locomotives.



A gift at Christmas that I have yet to try out.

It's only analogue as I don't (know how to) do all this digital stuff.

stockers wrote:

Been a while since I was here. Must be time for an update.

Nice to have you back.