Piko 21825 H0 - Electric multiple unit BR 442 837, Rostock, DB AG, Era VI, DCC with sound

Model of the electric multiple unit BR 442 „Talent 2” of the Rostock S-Bahn

A model of the five-car electric multiple unit BR 442 837 of the Rostock S-Bahn in Era VI – a 2026 novelty. The prototype – the BR 442 „Talent 2” – has been in service since 2011 in regional traffic with DB AG and with private operators throughout Germany.

In 1:87 scale, the distinctive front ends, bogie covers, body and elaborately shaped roof section are faithfully reproduced. The drive is arranged to give an almost unobstructed view through the body while retaining good running characteristics. A special coupling for multiple traction is included.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 21825
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Vehicle: five-car electric multiple unit BR 442 837 („Talent 2”), Rostock S-Bahn
• Model length: 1002 mm
• Era: VI
• Operator: Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG)
• Power system: direct current (digital version, DC Digital)
• Decoder socket: NEM 652; 8-pin PSD sound decoder (factory-fitted); sound: yes
• Number of axles with traction tyres: 4
• Features: faithfully reproduced front ends, bogie covers, body and elaborately shaped roof section; the drive is arranged to give an almost unobstructed view through the body while ensuring good running characteristics; not factory-prepared for interior lighting; a special coupling for multiple traction is included
• Lighting: direction-dependent white/red light change
• Minimum curve radius: 358 mm
• Coupler: NEM socket with close-coupling mechanism
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Note: controlling and powering the model.

The model is produced in the digital (DC Digital) version with a factory-fitted sound decoder (PSD, 8-pin). To make full use of the running, sound and lighting functions, a digital DCC command station is required. If you also intend to run the model on analogue (direct-current) power, make sure that analogue mode is enabled in the decoder (bit 2 in CV29) – running the model on DC voltage with analogue mode switched off may damage the decoder. The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

A digital DCC system lets you control several locomotives independently on the same track at a constant rail voltage, whereas in an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit respond simultaneously to changes in the supply voltage. The model described here is supplied in the digital version, with a factory-fitted decoder and sound, ready for operation on a DCC system.

About the class 442 electric multiple unit („Talent 2”):

Class 442, known as the „Talent 2”, is a family of electric multiple units built by Bombardier, in service since 2011 in regional traffic with DB Regio (DB AG) as well as with private operators throughout Germany. The units are built with various numbers of cars, adapted to transport needs.

The reproduced five-car unit 442 837 represents the Rostock S-Bahn in Era VI. The distinctive front ends, bogie covers, body and elaborately shaped roof section are faithfully reproduced in 1:87 scale.

Original technical data (class 442 / „Talent 2”):

• Type: electric multiple unit
• Manufacturer: Bombardier
• Operation: since 2011, regional traffic with DB Regio (DB AG) and private operators
• Example: five-car 442 837, Rostock S-Bahn
• Operator: Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG)
• Era: VI

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German model railway manufacturer based in Sonneberg in Thuringia, with a tradition going back to 1949. Today it is one of the largest model railway manufacturers in Europe and offers models in many scales, including H0. Models from the PIKO Expert line stand out for their high level of detail – separately fitted parts, precise printing and metal pantographs – and thanks to standard decoder sockets they are prepared for digital conversion. PIKO is valued by modellers for combining build quality with an affordable price.