Piko 52376 H0 - Diesel locomotive DE18, SBB Cargo International, Era VI

Model of the DE 18 diesel locomotive in SBB Cargo International livery

A ready-to-run model of the modern Vossloh DE 18 diesel locomotive in SBB Cargo International livery from Era VI, produced by PIKO in H0 scale. The locomotive faithfully reproduces the proportions, lettering and characteristic, prototype-appropriate livery.

A powerful motor drives all four axles via two cardan shafts, giving high tractive effort and sure-footed running. The locomotive is supplied in an analogue version, without a decoder, with a PluX22 interface (NEM 658) prepared for digitalisation and for retrofitting sound with the largest possible speaker; the manufacturer has provided for fitting a PIKO sound decoder no. 56635. Once a PluX22 decoder is fitted, digitally switchable cab lighting is available.

Model technical data:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Item number: 52376
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Operator: SBB Cargo International
• Era: VI (from 2006)
• Model length: 196 mm
• Power supply: direct current DC
• Decoder interface: NEM 658 – PluX22 (analogue model, without decoder)
• Drive: to all four axles via two cardan shafts
• Two wheels with traction tyres
• Digitally switchable cab lighting (once a PluX22 decoder is fitted)
• Sound decoder for retrofitting: no. 56635
• Lighting: white and red lights changing with the direction of travel
• Coupler: NEM standard with close-coupling mechanism
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Note: a DC analogue power pack 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. As delivered it runs on a conventional analogue layout powered by direct current (DC) and has no decoder installed. Thanks to its PluX22 (NEM 658) interface the model is prepared for digitalisation – simply fit a decoder to control it via DCC. The manufacturer has provided for retrofitting a PIKO sound decoder (no. 56635), allowing the model to be expanded with sound and independent function control.

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 52376 model is supplied in an analogue version (without a decoder), but thanks to its decoder interface it can be converted to digital control at any time.

About the Vossloh DE 18 locomotive:

The DE 18 is a modern four-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by Vossloh in Kiel from 2010. It belongs to Vossloh's fifth-generation locomotive family and is its most powerful member; a characteristic feature of this family is the centrally placed driver's cab. The machine is intended for heavy shunting work and for hauling trains on the main line.

The Bo'Bo' locomotive is powered by an MTU diesel engine rated at 1,800 kW, with power transmitted to the axles through a three-phase AC/AC electric transmission with single-axle anti-slip control. The model reproduces an example in SBB Cargo International livery from Era VI.

Original technical data (Vossloh DE 18):

• Manufacturer: Vossloh, Kiel
• Production from: 2010
• Wheel arrangement: Bo'Bo' (four driving axles)
• Engine: MTU 12V 4000 R43L
• Power: 1,800 kW
• Transmission: three-phase AC/AC electric
• Service weight: approx. 80–90 t
• Maximum speed: 120 km/h
• Purpose: heavy shunting work and line service

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.