Piko 21839 H0 - BR 248 Diesel-Electric Locomotive, SETG, Era VI

Siemens Vectron Dual Mode Class 248 locomotive model in SETG colours

A model of the Siemens Vectron Dual Mode — a machine that works as an electric locomotive under the wires and uses its own diesel engine on non-electrified lines. In Germany it carries the designation Class 248. The version reproduced by PIKO represents the colours of the Austrian operator SETG in an era VI setting.

The finish includes finely engraved fan grilles, a freely rotating roof fan, detailed bogies, separately fitted windscreen wipers and handrails, and one metal pantograph. The modelled engine room is visible through the side windows. Once a PluX22 decoder is fitted, digitally switchable engine room lighting becomes available; the cab also has an illuminated driver’s desk.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 21839
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 230 mm
• Era: VI
• Power supply: DC
• Decoder socket: NEM 658 – PluX22
• Decoder: not included; the model is prepared for retrofitting the PIKO sound decoder no. 56631 (available separately)
• Traction tyres: 2
• Coupling: NEM 362 coupler pocket with close coupling kinematics
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• Lighting: lights changing with the direction of travel: white and red
• Digitally switchable engine room lighting (with a PluX22 decoder fitted)
• Illuminated driver’s desk
• One metal pantograph
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Please note: powered track and a controller are required to operate this model.

The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller. As supplied, without a decoder, the locomotive runs on a conventional analogue DC layout — a power supply with variable voltage is all that is needed. Once a decoder is fitted in the prepared socket, the model works in the digital DCC system and requires a command station, for example the PIKO SmartControl or another DCC-compatible controller. The decoder and speaker are not included and are available separately.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

The digital DCC control system allows several locomotives to run independently on the same track. Each vehicle receives individual commands while the rail voltage stays constant, which makes realistic operation possible and allows the lights and sound effects of every locomotive to be controlled separately. In an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit are controlled at once by varying the supply voltage. PIKO model 21839 is supplied without a decoder and in this form works in analogue operation; the prepared socket allows a switch to digital control at any time.

About the Siemens Vectron Dual Mode (Class 248):

The Vectron Dual Mode made its debut at InnoTrans in September 2018, with the first unit presented publicly in March 2019. It replaced the less popular purely diesel variant in the Siemens range. The idea is simple: under 15 kV 50 Hz catenary the locomotive works as an electric, and once it leaves the wires it continues on its MTU 16V 4000 R84 diesel engine — no locomotive change, no stop at the changeover station. Power at the wheel rim is around 2,000 kW in both modes.

The market received the design very well. In September 2020 DB Cargo signed a framework contract for 400 machines and DB Fernverkehr ordered 21 units. The range is completed by the lighter Vectron Dual Mode Light, designated Class 249 in Germany — with a Cummins QST 30-L engine, 750 kW in diesel mode and 2.21 MW under catenary, intended for light freight and shunting duties.

Among private operators of the Class 248, the Austrian SETG — Salzburger Eisenbahn TransportLogistik GmbH — stands out. This Salzburg-based company specialises in block trains carrying timber, petroleum products and chemicals, and operates machines leased from the Vienna-based lessor ELL. The logic is obvious: timber trains are loaded on sidings and branch lines without catenary and then run on main lines under the wires — which previously called for two locomotives or a diesel for the whole journey.

Prototype specifications (Siemens Vectron Dual Mode, Class 248):

• Manufacturer: Siemens Mobility, Munich-Allach
• Presented in 2018, first unit 2019, still in production
• Orders: DB Cargo framework contract for 400 units, 21 units for DB Fernverkehr
• Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo'
• Length: approx. 20 m
• Axle load: up to 22.5 t
• Power: approx. 2,000 kW at the wheel rim in both modes
• Diesel engine: MTU 16V 4000 R84
• Electric supply: 15 kV 16.7 Hz
• Top speed: 160 km/h
• Role: freight and passenger trains on partly electrified routes

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German manufacturer of model railways with more than seventy years of tradition, founded in 1949 in Sonneberg. Today it is one of the most popular model railway brands in Europe and a leading producer of Polish prototype models, including locomotives and coaches in PKP, PKP Intercity and PKP Cargo colours. The range covers H0, TT, N and G scales, from individual wagons to comprehensive starter sets and digital control systems. The PIKO Expert range combines a high level of detail with modern digital technology — with factory-fitted DCC and sound decoders in selected models. PIKO products are valued by modellers and collectors worldwide.