Piko 37471 G - Dual-mode locomotive BR 248, northrail, WFL, Era VI, DCC with sound

Digital model of the Siemens Vectron Dual Mode dual-power locomotive (class 248) in northrail livery

A digital model of the modern Siemens Vectron Dual Mode dual-power locomotive (class 248) in G garden scale, reproduced in northrail livery and operated by the WFL operator, in Era VI. PIKO presents the heavy variant of class 248, richly equipped with digital functions.

The model is factory-equipped with a decoder and sound. The pantograph can be raised and lowered digitally, and the driver's cab and engine-room lighting is switchable. A motor-driven fan and a steam generator are fitted at the factory, and a new, digitally controllable coupling has been added. The details include opening doors, fitted windscreen wipers, a GPS antenna and fine fan grilles; brake hoses and coupling hooks are included. The lighting changes with the direction of travel (white / red).

Model technical data:

• Scale: G (garden railway)
• Item number: 37471
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Railway: northrail / WFL (private)
• Era: VI (from 2006)
• Model length: 717 mm
• Decoder: factory-fitted decoder with sound
• Pantograph that can be raised and lowered digitally
• Switchable driver's cab and engine-room lighting
• Factory-fitted motor-driven fan and steam generator
• New, digitally controllable coupling
• Opening doors, fitted wipers, GPS antenna, fine fan grilles
• Brake hoses and coupling hooks included
• Directional lighting: white / red
• Minimum radius: 600 mm
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Note: a DCC digital command station and a powered track are required to run the model.

The model is not a starter set and does not include track or a controller. To use all the digital functions – sound, lighting control and the remaining effects – a DCC command station (e.g. PIKO SmartControl or any other DCC-compatible controller) connected to a powered track is required. The model can also be run on a conventional analogue layout powered by direct current (DC), but only provided that the decoder has its alternative power source function (analogue operation – governed by bit 2 of register CV29 in the DCC standard) switched on. It is active by default, but if it has previously been disabled, supplying the track with DC may damage the decoder. In analogue mode only basic running is available – without sound or digital functions.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

The DCC digital control system allows several vehicles to run independently on the same track. Each vehicle receives individual commands at a constant track voltage, enabling a realistic representation of movement and separate control of the lights and sound effects of each model. In an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit are controlled simultaneously by changing the supply voltage. The PIKO 37471 model has a factory-fitted DCC decoder with sound and is intended primarily for digital control.

About the Siemens Vectron Dual Mode locomotive (class 248):

The Siemens Vectron Dual Mode (designated class 248 in Germany) is a modern dual-power locomotive that combines two worlds: running from the overhead line and diesel propulsion. It was developed from the diesel Vectron DE variant, which lets it cross seamlessly between electrified and non-electrified sections – flexibly, with high power and a lower environmental impact. On the roof the locomotive carries full high-voltage equipment: a pantograph, main switch and surge arresters, allowing it to draw energy directly from the 15 kV 16.7 Hz catenary.

For running away from the wires it uses a 16-cylinder MTU 16V 4000 R84 diesel engine rated at 2,400 kW, with diesel-electric transmission delivering the drive to the wheels (about 2,000 kW at the wheel rim). The Bo'Bo' locomotive reaches up to 160 km/h, weighs around 90 t with a 22.5 t axle load, and its maximum tractive effort is 300 kN. Class 248 entered service from 2019; alongside it a lighter variant was created – class 249 (Vectron Dual Mode light) – with a reduced axle load and lower diesel power, intended for sidings with lighter track.

Original technical data (Vectron Dual Mode, class 248):

• Manufacturer: Siemens Mobility
• In service: since 2019
• Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo' (four driving axles)
• Length over buffers: 19,975 mm
• Weight: approx. 90 t
• Axle load: 22.5 t
• Line supply: 15 kV 16.7 Hz (alternating current)
• Diesel engine: MTU 16V 4000 R84, 2,400 kW (about 2,000 kW at the wheel)
• Maximum speed: 160 km/h
• Maximum tractive effort: 300 kN
• Purpose: heavy freight traffic on partly electrified routes

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German model railway manufacturer with over seventy years of tradition, founded in 1949 in Sonneberg, Thuringia. Alongside its H0 range, PIKO develops an extensive line of garden railway models in G scale, built for outdoor running and distinguished by their robust, weather-resistant construction. These models combine large, eye-catching dimensions with rich digital equipment, lighting and sound. PIKO products are valued by modellers and collectors worldwide for their fidelity, functionality and modern digital technology.