Piko 21007 H0 - BR 184.0 Electric Locomotive, DB, Era IV

Model of the four-system class 184.0 electric locomotive in Deutsche Bahn livery

Class 184.0 belonged to a small group of locomotives able to take a train across a national border without an engine change. This H0 scale model portrays such a machine in Deutsche Bahn colours of era IV, the period when these locomotives handled cross-border services towards France, Belgium and Luxembourg. The nickname Europa-Lok, which stuck to the class, sums up their role in the growth of international rail traffic.

The model belongs to the PIKO Expert range. Its roof area stands out with finely articulated metal pantographs mounted without visible screws, while the body sides are accentuated by delicate grilles and engravings. Through the cab door the detailed engine room replica can be seen, and the bogies carry numerous separately applied parts. Precise paintwork and sharp printing complete the impression. Cab lighting is digitally switchable once a PluX22 decoder is fitted, and the white and red lights change with the direction of travel. The locomotive is powered, runs on DC track and uses two traction tyres for reliable haulage.

Model specifications:

• scale: H0 (1:87)
• item number: PIKO 21007
• manufacturer and range: PIKO, PIKO Expert
• length over buffers: 195 mm
• railway administration and era: DB, era IV
• power supply: DC
• decoder interface: NEM 658 PluX22 (supplied without decoder)
• drive: powered model with DC motor
• traction tyres: 2
• coupling: NEM 362 coupler pocket with close coupling mechanism
• minimum radius: 358 mm
• lighting: directional white and red head and tail lights
• digital functions: digitally switchable cab lighting (with a PluX22 decoder installed)
• sound: PIKO sound decoder no. 56644 available separately
• ready to run, factory painted and printed
• age recommendation: 14 years and up

Please note: a power pack and powered track are required to run this model.

This model is not a starter set and includes neither track nor a controller. As delivered it runs on conventional analogue track supplied with direct current, controlled by a standard power pack. The NEM 658 PluX22 interface allows a DCC decoder to be fitted at any time, and the manufacturer lists PIKO sound decoder no. 56644 as the matching item. Once a decoder is installed, digital functions become available, including switchable cab lighting and independent control of the locomotive on shared track.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

In analogue operation, speed and direction follow directly from the voltage applied to the rails, so every vehicle on the same section reacts in the same way. DCC works differently: the track carries a constant digital signal and each vehicle has its own decoder with an individual address, so several locomotives can be driven independently on one circuit and extra functions such as lighting or sound can be triggered. This model leaves the factory in analogue form, prepared for DC operation, and the PluX22 interface makes the step to digital control a simple matter of fitting a decoder.

About the class 184 (E 410) locomotive:

The story of the class began in the mid 1960s, when the Deutsche Bundesbahn was looking for a locomotive able to work through the borders of western Europe without a change of traction. Five machines were built, originally designated E 410, with mechanical parts by Krupp and electrical equipment supplied by AEG for E 410 001-003 and by BBC for the remaining two. When computer numbering was introduced in 1968, the AEG-equipped machines became class 184.0 and the others class 184.1.

These Bo'Bo' locomotives were equipped for the four power systems used in the region: 15 kV 16.7 Hz and 25 kV 50 Hz alternating current, plus 1.5 kV and 3 kV direct current. Four traction motors provided 3000 kW of continuous output, and a top speed of 150 km/h suited them to express work as well as heavier trains. With a service weight of 84 t and a length just under 17 m, they were remarkably compact for such elaborate electrical equipment.

Regular service began in 1969 on the route from Cologne to Liege, but in September 1971 the class was withdrawn from the Belgian network because of interference with signalling equipment. From 1979 Saarbruecken became their home depot, from where they worked cross-border services towards Luxembourg and France. Withdrawals ran from the early 1980s through to 2002. Locomotive 184 003 is preserved in the museum collection at Koblenz, while 184 112 went to Bahnpark Augsburg.

Prototype specifications (DB class 184.0, formerly E 410):

• builder: Krupp (mechanical part), AEG (electrical equipment of class 184.0)
• year built and quantity: 1965, five E 410 locomotives in total (E 410 001-003 later forming class 184.0)
• wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
• length over buffers: 16,950 mm
• service weight: 84 t
• continuous output: 3000 kW (one-hour rating 3200 kW)
• traction motors: 4
• starting tractive effort: 274.6 kN
• power systems: 15 kV 16.7 Hz, 25 kV 50 Hz, 1.5 kV DC, 3 kV DC
• maximum speed: 150 km/h
• duties: cross-border traffic between Germany and France, Belgium and Luxembourg

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German model railway manufacturer with more than seventy years of tradition, based since 1949 in Sonneberg in Thuringia. The brand is one of the best known in Europe and its catalogue covers scales H0, TT, N and garden scale G. The range is divided into lines with different levels of detail, and the PIKO Expert series combines high detail with modern digital technology and preparation for DCC decoders. PIKO is also a leading producer of models of Polish rolling stock, including PKP, PKP Intercity and PKP Cargo vehicles. The company develops its own digital control system alongside a wide programme of track and accessories, which makes its models easy to integrate into an existing layout.