Piko 50711 H0 - BR 62 Steam Locomotive, DR, Era IV, DCC with sound

Model of the Class 62 steam tank locomotive in Deutsche Reichsbahn livery, H0 scale, with sound and steam generator

A tall boiler, 1750 mm driving wheels and a symmetrical outline with bogies at both ends made the Class 62 one of the most striking German standard tank locomotives. This PIKO H0 model shows the machine in Deutsche Reichsbahn colours of Era IV, the final period of its career in East Germany. At 197 mm over buffers it faithfully renders a prototype more than seventeen metres long.

The model features fine detailing of fittings and frames, crisp printed lettering and a carefully reproduced valve gear. It comes with a factory-installed PluX22 sound decoder and a steam generator, so it offers authentic locomotive sounds and smoke from the chimney straight out of the box. Lighting uses LED technology with a directional white and red light change. Cab lighting and firebox illumination are digitally switchable and add considerable atmosphere to evening running sessions. Two traction tyres support the drive.

Model specifications:

• scale: H0 (1:87)
• item number: PIKO 50711
• manufacturer: PIKO
• length over buffers: 197 mm
• era: IV, operator Deutsche Reichsbahn
• power supply: DC
• decoder interface: NEM 658 PluX22
• decoder: factory-installed PluX22 sound decoder
• steam generator: fitted at the factory
• traction tyres: 2
• coupling: NEM coupler pocket
• minimum radius: 422 mm
• lighting: directional white / red light change
• digital functions: switchable cab lighting and firebox illumination, control of running and sound under DCC
• sound effects: prototype-based steam locomotive sounds
• ready to run, factory painted and lettered
• age recommendation: 14 years and up

Please note: a DCC command station and a powered track are required to operate this model.

This model is not a starter set and includes neither track nor a controller. To use its full range of functions you need a DCC command station - for example PIKO SmartControl or another DCC compatible controller - connected to a powered track. Running on a DC analogue layout is possible only if the decoder has the alternative power source function, that is analogue operation, enabled; under the DCC standard this is governed by bit 2 of configuration variable CV29. The function is active by default, but if it has been switched off previously, applying DC track voltage may damage the decoder. In analogue mode only basic running is available, without sound or digital functions.

Model railways - digital or analogue control?

An analogue layout works in the simplest way: the voltage on the rails determines the speed and direction of every vehicle in the circuit. In a DCC digital system the rails are permanently powered and the command station sends addressed instructions to the decoders in individual vehicles, so each locomotive can be driven independently and its extra functions switched, from lighting to sound and special effects. With its factory sound decoder and steam generator, this model is intended above all for DCC digital operation.

About the Class 62 locomotive:

Work on the Class 62 was carried out by the Reichsbahn central design office as part of the standard locomotive programme covering designs for many types of service. Based on the never-built Class 20, a fast superheated two-cylinder tank locomotive with a 2'C2' wheel arrangement was developed. The order went to Henschel, which delivered fifteen machines in 1928.

The Deutsche Reichsbahn initially accepted only 62 001 and 62 002 and put them to work in the Ruhr area; the remaining thirteen entered service only in 1932. During the 1930s the locomotives worked from depots including Düsseldorf, Sassnitz and Meiningen on passenger duties where fast running in both directions, without turning the locomotive, was an advantage.

After 1945 eight machines ended up with the Deutsche Reichsbahn in East Germany and seven with the Deutsche Bundesbahn. In the west the class was withdrawn by the mid 1950s, while in the east it lasted into the early 1970s - the final locomotive, 62 007, was struck off in 1972. Number 62 015 survives, hauled special trains until 1997 and is now part of a museum collection.

Prototype specifications (Class 62):

• builder: Henschel
• built: 1928, fifteen locomotives delivered (62 001-62 015)
• wheel arrangement: 2'C2' h2t
• length over buffers: 17,140 mm
• service weight: 123.6 t
• adhesive weight: 60.8 t
• driving wheel diameter: 1750 mm
• carrying wheel diameter: 850 mm
• boiler pressure: 14 bar
• indicated power: 1236 kW (1680 hp)
• engine: two-cylinder simple expansion, superheated, cylinders 600 x 660 mm
• water capacity: 14 m3, coal capacity: 4.3 t
• top speed: 100 km/h
• duties: passenger trains, running in both directions without turning

About the manufacturer - PIKO:

PIKO was founded in 1949 in Sonneberg, Thuringia, and has been producing model railways without interruption for more than seventy years, making it one of the most popular brands in Europe. The range covers H0, TT, N and G scales and stretches from starter sets to collector grade models. The PIKO Expert series stands for high detail levels, modern digital technology, factory sound decoders and extensive lighting functions. The company has also built up a broad programme of Polish prototypes, including PKP, PKP Intercity and PKP Cargo vehicles.