Piko 52377 H0 - Diesel locomotive DE18, SBB Cargo International, Era VI, DCC with sound

Digital model of the DE 18 diesel locomotive in SBB Cargo International livery

A digital, 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.

The model has a factory-fitted PluX22 (PSD XP) sound decoder with speaker and numerous functions. A powerful motor drives all four axles via two cardan shafts, giving high tractive effort and sure-footed running. Digitally switchable cab lighting is available.

Model technical data:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Item number: 52377
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Operator: SBB Cargo International
• Era: VI (from 2006)
• Model length: 196 mm
• Power supply: direct current DC
• Decoder interface: NEM 658 – PluX22 (PSD XP sound decoder included)
• Drive: to all four axles via two cardan shafts
• Two wheels with traction tyres
• Digitally switchable cab lighting
• Sound effects: realistic sound with many functions
• 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 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 52377 model has a factory-fitted DCC decoder with sound and is intended primarily for digital control.

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.