Piko 53391 H0 - Mail Car, PM, DSB, Era IV

Postal van model in Danish State Railways livery

A model of a postal van of the Danish State Railways in era IV. Prototypes of this kind ran for decades in the long-distance and ferry trains linking the Danish islands, with postal staff sorting mail on the move.

The model stands out for very good running qualities, flush-mounted windows revealing the interior, and numerous body details. Brake hoses and coupling hooks for the modeller to fit are supplied — small parts that noticeably raise the impression of realism when the model is displayed in a showcase.

Model specifications:

• Scale: H0 (1:87)
• Catalogue number: 53391
• Manufacturer: PIKO
• Model length: 303 mm
• Era: IV
• Coupling: NEM 362 coupler pocket with close coupling kinematics
• Minimum radius: 358 mm
• Brake hoses and coupling hooks for the modeller to fit included
• Wheelsets for AC operation, available separately: no. 56060
• The model is painted and ready to run
• Recommended age: 14 years and over

Please note: this model is not a starter set — a locomotive and powered track are required.

The wagon model does not include track, a locomotive or a controller. To put it into service you need powered track and a locomotive — analogue or digital. The wagon itself has no drive or electronics, so it behaves the same way on analogue DC track as in a digitally controlled DCC layout.

Model railways – digital or analogue control?

The digital DCC control system allows several locomotives to run independently on the same track. Each vehicle receives individual commands while the rail voltage stays constant, which makes realistic operation possible and allows the lights and sound effects of every locomotive to be controlled separately. In an analogue system all vehicles on a given circuit are controlled at once by varying the supply voltage. PIKO model 53391 is an unpowered wagon without electronics, so it can be marshalled into trains hauled in either analogue or digital operation.

About Danish State Railways postal vans:

The Danish State Railways ran postal services on behalf of the post office throughout the twentieth century, maintaining a large fleet of postal and travelling post office vans. These vehicles were attached to long-distance and ferry trains on the routes linking Jutland, Funen and Zealand, with postal staff sorting mail while the train was running.

The design of such stock followed its function: a body without passenger windows, large loading doors in the middle of the side wall, a secure compartment for valuable consignments, and working positions with sorting racks. Postal vans usually ran in fixed diagrams, often on the same routes for years.

This form of transport came to an end when mail moved to road and air in the 1990s. Today the postal van is one of the most distinctive vehicles in an era IV train — easily recognisable, and less often seen on layouts than ordinary passenger coaches.

Prototype data:

• Railway administration: DSB — Danske Statsbaner (Danish State Railways)
• Axles: 4 (two bogies)
• Era of the modelled livery: IV
• Role: carriage and sorting of mail in long-distance trains

About the manufacturer – PIKO:

PIKO is a German manufacturer of model railways with more than seventy years of tradition, founded in 1949 in Sonneberg. Today it is one of the most popular model railway brands in Europe and a leading producer of Polish prototype models, including locomotives and coaches in PKP, PKP Intercity and PKP Cargo colours. The range covers H0, TT, N and G scales, from individual wagons to comprehensive starter sets and digital control systems. The PIKO Expert range combines a high level of detail with modern digital technology — with factory-fitted DCC and sound decoders in selected models. PIKO products are valued by modellers and collectors worldwide.