Piko 51455 H0 - Electric multiple unit EN57-1079 PKP DCC with sound

Model of electric traction unit EN57 in the paint of PKP - Polskie Koleje Państwowe.

Made of plastic and metal parts, the model for electric railroads in H0 scale, i.e. 1/87. It is a miniature of the EN57 electric traction unit with its own number 1079. The painting depicts a vehicle used by PKP - Polskie Koleje Państwowe (Polish State Railways) during epoch V falling between 1990 and 2007.

• part number - 51455
• Locomotive depot - Krakow Prokocim
• power supply - direct current DC
• lighting - front and rear, white and red variable
• length - 747 mm
• turning radius - 358 mm
• short coupling kinematics - yes
• series - Piko Expert

Model prepared for use in digital control.

The model has a Plux 22 digital decoder socket and a factory-installed Piko digital decoder with sound function. It can be used in DCC-compliant digital control of any manufacturer.

Electric railroads - digital or analog control?

A definite advantage of digital systems is the ability to run multiple locomotives independently on a single track. With an analog control system, two locomotives placed on the same track will run at the same time. This is because analog control is based on increasing and decreasing track current voltage. Separate running of two or more electric railroads requires connecting several independently powered tracks, which is complicated and requires good planning and a lot of space. In digital sets, the voltage of current in the rails is constant, and locomotives are controlled by sending the appropriate signals to them from the controller.

The EN57 traction units were produced between 1961 and 1993 by the PAFAWAG factory in Wroclaw.

A total of 1412 units were produced. They were used mainly in regional and agglomeration traffic. A complete unit consists of three connected sections, two shunting sections and the engine section inside. It is possible to combine three EN57 units for driving. The interior of each segment is divided into three compartments for passengers. The first production series were characterized by fluted side walls and three windows on the front of the unit.

Piko is one of Europe's leading and highly respected manufacturers of model railroads.

It owes its established position to the high quality of the collector models it produces, which it distributes through professional model stores. Piko railroad models are characterized by great precision in reproducing the smallest details of real locomotives or wagons, and very careful workmanship, taking into account the original painting and operating stencils. As a company with a long tradition, Piko boasts a wide range of fully functional locomotive and wagon models in all popular sizes: in H0 (1:87), TT (1:20), G (1:22.5) and N (1:160) scales. Piko models are faithful replicas of vehicles from the entire history of railroading from the 1st to the 6th railroad era. Railroad enthusiasts will find both historical steam locomotives and modern ultra-modern trains, including passenger and freight cars. In H0 and G scales, Piko offers, in addition to locomotives and wagons, tracks, buildings and various accessories to build railroad mock-ups. Digital control systems supplied by the manufacturer allow the creation of complex track systems with trains moving independently on them.

Piko models find versatile use among many groups of customers. They are collector's objects or elements of railroad mock-ups for modelers and railroad enthusiasts, and prove useful as gifts for children, young people and hobbyists. They allow the development of historical, technical knowledge and DIY skills and are a source of great fun for children and adults. The Piko H0 railroad is Piko's most versatile and popular product.