Piko 27747 H0 - Set of 2 covered freight cars of the Saurer, SBB, era V

Set of two covered freight cars of the Swiss Federal Railways in a Saurer advertising livery

A set of two covered freight cars representing the modern freight rolling stock of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) in Era V. The H0 scale model is made by PIKO as part of the "Strong Brands" (Starke Marken) series, in which covered freight cars receive advertising liveries of recognisable brands.

Both cars carry a Saurer advertising livery and feature sharp, detailed printing and smooth running on the track. The cars are fitted with an NEM coupler pocket and close-coupling kinematics (Kurzkupplungskulisse), which lets the cars sit close together on straight track and move apart on curves.

Specifications (model):

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 27747
• Manufacturer: PIKO ("Strong Brands" series)
• Contents: 2 covered freight cars
• Length over buffers (set): 320 mm
• Era: V (1990–2006)
• Operator: SBB (Swiss Federal Railways)
• Saurer advertising livery
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• Power system: DC — two-rail layout version
• Coupling: NEM pocket with close-coupling kinematics (Kurzkupplungskulisse)
• The cars are painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 and over

Note: the cars are unpowered and require a locomotive and a powered track.

This is a set of passive freight rolling stock — the cars have no motor or electronics and do not form a starter set (no track, locomotive or controller is included). A locomotive and a powered H0 track are needed to run them. The version shown here is intended for two-rail layouts supplied with direct current (DC).

Model railways – DC (two-rail) or AC (three-rail) track?

Two track-power systems are used in H0 model railways: two-rail direct current (DC), where the voltage is fed through both rails, and three-rail alternating current (AC), drawn additionally from centre studs in the track. Wagons differ between these systems only in the construction of their wheelsets. This set is the DC version. Because the cars themselves have no decoder, whether the train is controlled in analogue or digital DCC mode depends solely on the locomotive hauling it.

About covered freight cars and the "Strong Brands" series:

Covered freight cars are used to carry loads that need protection from the weather — general cargo, packaged goods and moisture-sensitive materials. The closed body with sliding doors makes loading and unloading easier while keeping the goods protected.

This set belongs to the PIKO "Strong Brands" (Starke Marken) series, in which SBB covered freight cars receive advertising liveries of well-known brands. Both cars carry the colours of Saurer — a Swiss vehicle manufacturer (trucks and buses, among others) from Arbon and one of Switzerland's recognisable industrial brands. The livery fits the setting of modern Era V freight traffic (1990–2006).

Specifications (prototype – covered freight car):

• Type: covered freight car
• Purpose: carriage of general cargo and goods needing protection from moisture and the weather
• Design feature: closed body with sliding doors
• Operator of the prototype: SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), Era V

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German model railway manufacturer with a long tradition, founded in 1949 in Sonneberg. Today it is one of the most popular model railway brands in Europe, offering models in H0, TT, N and G scales. Its range includes rolling stock of many railway administrations, including locomotives and wagons in German, Polish and Swiss liveries. The "Strong Brands" series comprises covered freight cars in attractive advertising liveries of recognisable brands.