Dear G-Scale Train Enthusiast:
Thank you for adding this PIKO model
to your collection. It has undergone
intensive testing throughout the
development phase, as well as
numerous inspections in the
production process, to ensure you
smooth operation and many years of
trouble-free enjoyment.
Of course, we welcome reports of
your experience with the model under
“real world” conditions, which even
the most thorough developmental
testing cannot completely duplicate.
You can send us your comments by
several methods:
Via email to: [email protected]
Via fax to: +49 3675 897250
Or via postal mail to:
PIKO Spielwaren GmbH
96515 Sonneberg
GERMANY
Naturally, we like to hear about
positive experiences, but all comments
help us improve this and future
models.
Thank you for your support,
Your PIKO Team
The Prototypes
In the steam era, railroads generally
used locally available fuel for their
locomotives. In some regions of
America, the local coal was a hard,
clean-burning type called anthracite.
Compared to soft bituminous coal,
much more anthracite had to be
burned to make the same amount of
heat. This required a larger firebox -
so large, in fact, that it blocked the
engineer’s view of the tracks ahead.
The creative solution was to place the
cab ahead of the firebox, astride the
boiler. The fireman was left to shovel
coal out in the weather on the rear
deck, with only a small roof for
shelter. The unique appearance of this
type of loco reminded some people of
a camel’s humped back and others of
the hunched back of old Mother
Hubbard from nursery rhyme fame.
But the Camelback nickname was
more common and hundreds were
built in various wheel arrangements
for railroads across America. New
safety regulations banned further
construction in the late 1920s, but
many served until the end of the
steam era in the 1950s.
The Model
This PIKO model combines attention
to detail with sturdy construction and
exceptional pulling power. The use of
special weather-resistant materials
makes this model suitable for both
indoors and outdoors. Additionally,
this model is equipped with a state-
of-the-art high-quality onboard digital
steam sound system developed
exclusively for PIKO by SoundTraxx
®
.
This sound system is actually a sound
decoder, enabling enjoyment of the
model’s numerous sophisticated
features automatically, on either
Analog DC or Digital DCC operation.
Technical Details of the Model
• Powerful 5-pole can-type motor,
protected from moisture
• Two axles gear-driven
• Ball-bearing drive axles
• Two wheels with traction tires
• 6-wheel electrical pickup with
internal contacts
• 2 spring-loaded pickup shoes sliding
directly on the rails
• Metal wheelsets on tender
• Directional LED front and rear
headlights
• Steam sound decoder functions
automatically on either Analog DC
or Digital DCC power
• Volume control and smoke on/off
switch under tender water hatch
• Standard hook-and-loop rear coupler
• 5-Volt smoke generator in smoke-stack
• Quick-connect loco-tender coupling
system
• Length: ca. 570 mm
• weight: approx. 3200 g
Details
• Detailed locomotive and tender with
many separately applied details.
• Separately installed front and side
windows
• Constructed primarily of special
polycarbonate plastic and other
materials designed for outdoor use
• Authentic railroad decorations
Precautions and Recommendations
Minimum Radius
The locomotive can run on track with
a minimum recommended radius of
600 mm (23.62‘’). Naturally, extended
operation on small radius curves leads
to greatly increased wear of the
locomotive and track.
Electronic Components
While the model itself is designed to
be as weather-resistant as practical,
the sophisticated electronic
components inside the model are not
weather-resistant. Take care to avoid
exposing the model to moisture and
extremes of temperature.
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