The much-anticipated PIKO America HO Krauss-Maffei ML-4000 diesel-hydraulic locomotive recently toured our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a brief history of the prototype, points out the various details on the model, and demonstrates some of the sound and light functions. He wraps up the video by running a train with the six-axle locomotive.
The ML-4000 is available decorated for Southern Pacific in the road’s as-delivered scarlet-and-gray paint scheme in three road numbers. The model is based on the 1961-version of the diesel-hydraulic, which featured a turret-style cab, German-style trucks, and a 3,200-gallon fuel tank.
Features on the PIKO America HO Krauss-Maffei ML-4000 include an injection-molded plastic body, die-cast metal chassis, and can motor with dual flywheels. In addition, the diesel-hydraulic has separate, factory-applied wire grab irons; flush-fitting window glazing; etched-metal grills; and a freestanding air horn. The model also has a detailed and illuminated engine compartment and cab interior with working control stand lights. Among the light-emitting-diode lighting features are dual white headlights, dual white Gyralites, a red emergency Gryalite, a single backup light, illuminated number boxes, and three-color classification lights.
Direct-current models with a PluX22 decoder interface retail for $279.99. Models with a PIKO SmartDecoder XP 5.1 and sound are priced at $399.99. Three-rail locomotives with a PIKO SmartDecoder XP 5.1 and sound list for $409.99. The PIKO SmartDecoder XP 5.1 is compatible with NCE and other American Digital Command Control systems.
Read a review of the PIKO America HO scale Krauss-Maffei ML-4000 on Trains.com.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cgrivno@kalmbach.com for more information.
No mention of wheel contour. RP-25 or a larger European style that will have problems with smaller rail sizes? Seemed OK on the M R & T code 83 rail.
Nice slow start in the rolling test.