Piko large scale 0-6-0 steam locomotive

Manufacturer
PIKO America LLC
4610 Alvarado Canyon Rd., Ste. 5
San Diego, CA 92120
Piko-america.com

Road names: New York Central and Union Pacific

Comments: Smoke and sound are the standout features of this large scale 0-6-0 steam locomotive from Piko America. The model includes a dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder that works on DC and DCC layouts.

Much of the tooling and mechanism for the model is from the firm’s 2-6-0 Mogul that I reviewed in the July 2012 issue. (A smoke and sound equipped version of that model is also available.) Like that locomotive, the 0-6-0 is a freelanced model that doesn’t depict a specific prototype.

The model’s dual-mode DCC decoder is located inside the plastic tender, as is the speaker.

I tested the model with a DC power pack as well as a DCC system. On a DC test track the sounds started after I applied 7 volts to the track. These automatic effects include the dynamo and the air pump. There are four exhaust chuffs per wheel revolution.

The included track magnets trigger either the whistle or bell, depending upon the orientation of the magnet.

There are more user-triggered functions available when the model is run with a DCC system, including the bell, whistle, and steam release.

A downloadable user manual lists the decoder’s programmable configuration variables (CVs). I changed the locomotive’s address and switched whistle sounds using CV115.

The switcher generated a plume of white smoke in both DC and DCC tests.

This is a solid-performing large scale steamer, and the smoke and sound system make it even better.