Piko 24565 H0 - Refrigerated beer transport wagon, ex FS, MÁV, Era III

Model of a refrigerated beer transport wagon in the livery of the Hungarian State Railways (ex FS)

A ready-to-run model of an insulated refrigerated wagon for beer transport, in the livery of the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV), originally operated by the Italian State Railways (FS), in Era III. In H0 scale PIKO has reproduced the characteristic refrigerated rolling stock used to carry beer and other temperature-sensitive loads.

The model stands out with fine, precise body engravings and very good running characteristics. It is built as a direct-current (DC) version, with an NEM coupler pocket and a close-coupling mechanism that lets the wagons run close together on curves.

Model technical data:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Item number: 24565
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Railway: MÁV (originally FS)
• Era: III (1945–1970)
• Model length: 109 mm
• Power system: direct current (DC)
• Fine engravings, insulated body
• Coupling: NEM pocket with close-coupling mechanism
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

About the refrigerated beer transport wagon:

Refrigerated (insulated) wagons had a thermally insulated body that kept the load cool, making them suitable for carrying perishable goods – including beer, which had to reach its destination fresh and chilled. The cooling was usually achieved with ice loaded into bunkers inside the wagon body together with thick wall insulation.

This particular wagon has an interesting biography: originally built for the Italian State Railways (FS), it later passed to the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV), where it served in that railway's livery in Era III. Such migrations of rolling stock between railway administrations were common in post-war Europe and give the model extra character on the layout.

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German model railway manufacturer with over seventy years of tradition, founded in 1949 in Sonneberg, Thuringia. Today it is one of the most popular model railway brands in Europe and a notable producer of European rolling stock, including Polish prototypes in PKP, PKP Intercity and PKP Cargo liveries. Its range covers locomotives, wagons and complete trains from N up to G scale, with selected models equipped at the factory with DCC and sound decoders. PIKO products are valued by modellers and collectors worldwide for their fidelity, functionality and modern digital technology.